172 Healthcare: Glutaraldehyde Safety

Employee Training

All employers with glutaraldehyde solutions or other hazardous chemicals in their healthcare facility must develop and implement a written hazard communication program that meets the requirements of OSHA's Hazard Communication standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200.

Such a program must include provisions for employee access to safety data sheets (SDSs), container labeling, and training for all potentially exposed individuals. Employees who use, handle, or may have potential exposure (e.g., accidental or possible) to glutaraldehyde solutions must be provided information and training prior to their initial work assignment.

Employees must be provided information regarding the requirements of the Hazard Communication standard; operations in their work area where glutaraldehyde solutions are present; and the location and availability of the written hazard communication program and safety data sheets (SDSs). Employee training must include, at a minimum, the following elements:

• methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of glutaraldehyde in the workplace
• the physical and health hazards of glutaraldehyde
• the measures employees can take to protect themselves, including specific procedures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to glutaraldehyde, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment
• an explanation of the safety data sheet, the employer's labeling system, and how employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard information

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.