The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has issued interim guidance for protecting healthcare employees in hospitals from exposure to SARS-CoV-2, according to an article on the Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare website.
The agency has also issued a guide to California’s Aerosol Transmissible Disease (ATD) standard California’s ATD standard requires that employers protect workers at healthcare facilities and other services and operations from airborne diseases like COVID-19 and tuberculosis, influenza and pertussis.
The standard’s requirements include written programs and procedures; engineering and work practice controls and training.
Work practice controls include:
- Cleaning and disinfecting work surfaces, tables, tools, instruments, and equipment frequently using EPA-approved products (List N) for use against COVID-19;
- Washing articles and linens after each use; and
- Implementing frequent hand-washing procedures and procedures for safe donning and doffing of PPE and respiratory protection equipment.
A 'Superbug' Is on the Rise in Hospitals
The Next Generation of Security Tech in Healthcare Facilities
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of St. Petersburg Opens
Why More Facilities are Adding Gender Neutral Restrooms
Massachusetts Hospital Cyberattack Reflects Growing Vulnerability in Healthcare Systems