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

CISDOC database

Document ID (ISN)75085
CIS number 00-779
ISSN - Serial title 0002-8894 - American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
Year 1999
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Krishnan U., Janicak C.A.
Title Compliance with OSHA's respiratory protection standard in hospitals
Bibliographic information Mar.-Apr. 1999, Vol.60, No.2, p.228-234. Illus. 11 ref.
Abstract Data from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspections that occurred in hospitals and resulted in violations of the respiratory protection standards were examined. From July 1, 1990, to June 30, 1995, the complaint rates for hazards in the workplace significantly increased. During 1990-1991, tuberculosis hazard complaint inspections rates were approximately 5 complaints per 1,000 complaint inspections conducted. During 1994-1995, tuberculosis hazard complaint inspections rates were approximately 76 complaints per 1,000 complaint inspections conducted, representing an increase of over 15 times. During this same period, the percentage of respiratory protection violations in relation to all violations doubled. Increased employee awareness of the hazards and current safety laws could have contributed to the increased frequency of employee complaints, leading to increases in inspections, violations and fines. Employers must adhere to the current safety and health requirements specifically as they pertain to respiratory hazards and tuberculosis.
Descriptors (primary) tuberculosis; hospitals; respirators; harmful substances
Descriptors (secondary) formaldehyde; public OSH institutions; USA; ethylene oxide; directive; inspection records; penalties; frequency rates; health service records
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceUSA
Subject(s) Toxic and dangerous substances
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Health care services
Respiratory protection
Bacterial and parasitic diseases