Frequently Asked OSHA Questions

We get many questions about the OSHA rules for veterinary practices. Sometimes the questions deal with interpreting a standard.  Sometimes the question simply is "How do I do that?"  Sometimes the question is to clarify an issue with conflicting advice.  No matter what the question, we're here to help.

We've taken some of the most common questions and used excerpts from The Complete Veterinary Practice Regulatory Compliance Manual to answer them here for you.  If you have a question that you'd like answered, send us a message and we'll do our best to get you the correct information. Of course, all questions are confidential and we'll never let anyone else know who asked it. 

NOTICE OF PRACTICALITY (aka Disclaimer): If you live or practice in a state, county, parish, city or municipality where the local bureaucrat enforcing any regulation or rule has a different interpretation of the regulation than you or I, my advice is to follow their wishes or requirements if they are reasonable and when you are able. Of course, you always have the right to contest the application of any enforcement you feel is incorrect or unjust in the appropriate court or venue, but it will cost you time and money. Only you can decide if the cost is worth the fight.

Just click on one of the questions below to get the answer!

New Stuff! 

What is a Safety Committee and do we need one?

When there is an accident and a person leaves blood on the floor or counter, can we make the staff clean up that spill like any other mess?

Must we buy commercially made safety signs or can we make our own?

General Safety & Paperwork Issues

Do OSHA rules apply to every veterinary practice in every state?

Is there a Canadian equivalent of OSHA?

We're really trying, but find it difficult to gain momentum...How do we get our OSHA program started?

How often should we update our safety plans?

I know we need to keep records of accidents and injuries, but I'm confused about the process. Exactly what paperwork is required?

How do we know if an injury is "work related?

How do we conduct an investigation after an accident?

We don't have a break room.  Is food and drink really a safety problem in the treatment room?

Does OSHA allow open-toed or slip-on shoes like Crocs^TM in a veterinary hospital setting?

Chemicals

I've heard the term HAZMAT. Does that apply to veterinary hospitals?

How do we know which chemicals are hazardous?

What's the best way to organize my Safety Data Sheet (SDS) library?

Do we really need an SDS for drugs in our pharmacy?

We are trying to get our secondary container labeling plan updated.  How strict do I need to be? Do I need to label the mop bucket too?

We’ve use the colored bars and numbers style of hazard materials label for years, but I’m hearing that we must now change them. Is this true?

How do we properly dispose of products we no longer want to use?

Can we make our own chemical spill kit instead of purchasing a commercial one?

Animal & Medical Related Issues

Are employee's pets or hospital mascots who roam freely in the hospital considered a hazard?

Does OSHA require rabies vaccinations for veterinary staff members?

We've heard stories in the news recently about Ebola virus becoming a concern.  What do we need to know about this risk in the veterinary hospital setting?

Are there specific isolation procedures we must follow when an animal is diagnosed with a zoonotic disease?

What constitutes a "good" hand washing?

Are hand sanitizers as effective as hand washing?

Our associate is pregnant and wants to wear a respirator during surgery.  Is this a good idea?

I know we need to have our anesthesia machines checked every year.  How do we find a qualified company to do the maintenance checks?

What are the safety rules for using surgical or therapy laser in the veterinary practice?

What are the safety rules for taking radiographs in the veterinary practice? Are they the same for digital or dental radiographs?

Is it true that we don't need to wear an apron or gloves when taking dental radiographs?

Sharps & Medical Waste

How does the Needlestick Safety Prevention Act affect veterinary practices?

Can we clean and reuse disposable needles and syringes?

Is it against OSHA rules to recap a needle?  How can we do it safely?

Fire & Emergencies

Do I really need to post an evacuation diagram in my clinic?

In an emergency evacuation, can staff members be instructed to "grab an animal on the way out?"

Do fire extinguishers expire?

Miscellaneous Issues

Can OSHA inspect my hospital if I'm not present?

We share space in our practice with a veterinary specialist who operates his own business.  Are we responsible for his employees' safety?

Is workplace violence a problem in the veterinary practice?

How can we take security more seriously but still maintain accessibility for our staff?

We are not really good at delivering bad news to people.  Are there suggestions that will at least make it safer for us when we do?

A staff member just informed us that she is pregnant.  How do we proceed with safety issues during the pregnancy?

Can our associate wear a respirator while doing surgery if she is pregnant.

What are the safety training requirements for veterinary practices?

Our meetings just don't seem to be productive.  What can we do to make them more useful?

 

 

 

 

Did You Know...?

The most recent demographic data shows that veterinary medicine students currently are comprised of:

5% Hispanic,
2% African American,
1% Asian/Pacific Islander
less than 1% Native American
more than 90% Caucasian.

http://www.vet.k-state.edu/about/diversity/demographics.html

As of 2018, the AVMA reported there were 113,394 veterinarians in the United States:

Female: 69,908 (up from 55,253 in 2013)
Male: 43,345 (down from 44,281 in 2013)
Unknown or not answered: 141

Click here to view the source of this information from the AVMA.