ILO Home
Go to the home page
Site map | Contact us Français | Español

CISDOC database

Document ID (ISN)107459
CIS number 07-1438
Year 2005
Convention or series no. OSHA 3249-08N 2005
Title Best practices for hospital-based first receivers of victims from mass casualty incidents involving the release of hazardous substances
Bibliographic information Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, USA, 2005. 97p. Illus. 71 ref.
Internet access http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3249.pdf [in English]
Abstract Healthcare workers risk occupational exposures to chemical, biological, or radiological materials when a hospital receives contaminated patients, particularly during major accidents. These hospital employees, who may be termed first receivers, work at a site remote from the location where the hazardous substance release occurred. This means that their exposures are limited to the substances transported to the hospital on victims' skin, hair, clothing, or personal effects. In this best practices document, OSHA provides practical information to help hospitals address employee protection and training as part of emergency planning for major accidents involving hazardous substances. By tailoring emergency plans to reflect the reasonably predictable worst-case scenarios under which first receivers might work, the hospital can guide decisions regarding personnel training and PPE selection.
Descriptors (primary) dangerous substances; USA; emergency services; contamination; health care personnel; risk factors; major hazards
Descriptors (secondary) public OSH institutions; radioactive substances; toxic substances; limitation of exposure; safety guides; hospitals; biological hazards; safe working methods; safety and health training; personal protective equipment
Document type F - Information notes, codes of practice, standards
Country / State or ProvinceUSA
Subject(s) Commerce, services, offices
Broad subject area(s) Fires, explosions and major hazards
Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Health care services
Major hazards