Office of Security, Safety and Risk Management
Important OSHA Standards
-
Hazardous Waste Operators and Emergency Response standard -- HAZWOPER
protects employees who deal with hazardous waste encountered on the
job. This standard addresses large-scale hazardous waste handling and
disposal operations. However, universities are affected by the HAZWOPER standard. In the event of a hazardous materials spill, who can respond to the situation? Only employees who have met the HAZWOPER
training requirements can responds according to OSHA. Therefore, if a
large quantity of hazardous chemical is spilled, do not attempt to
clean up the spill. You are not qualified unless you have completed HAZWOPER training.
In the laboratory, usually spills are not large enough to require HAZWOPER-trained personal to respond. But, if you are involved in or see a large spill, evacuate the area and call EMERGENCY 911 or 6777 and then contact your instructor or supervisor immediately. Also, if there is a release of a particularly dangerous material, allow persons with training to deal with clean-up and disposal.
-
Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
-- Hazardous chemicals do not technically include blood, tissue
containing blood, live viruses, and bacteria. But OSHA does regulate
the use and handling of these potentially dangerous materials. The Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
standard mandates the use of appropriate protective clothing and
equipment in order to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens like
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Unfortunately, in today's society, one must be extra careful when blood or body fluids of another person is involved. The potential of contracting a deadly viral decease makes emergency situations involving a bleeding victim extremely hazardous. One should avoid contact with another person's blood or body fluid unless appropriate gloves and goggles are worn. Never try to pick up broken glass, needles or sharp objects that have punctured someone else's skin without using tools and waste containers that will prevent further punctures to others.