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Responding to the scientific literature indicating that there may be adverse health effects associated with exposure to waste anesthetic gases, UNC-Chapel Hill Clinical Facilities and UNC Health Care have established a program for the safe use of anesthetic gases that meets or exceeds the recommendations of occupational health advisory agencies (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the American Society of Anesthesiologists) and complies with JCAHO accreditation criteria.

OSHA regulations require medical examinations for certain types of work involving exposure to hazardous or toxic substances.

This policy addresses the procedures required by the University and UNC Hospitals to reduce the risk for provider-to-patient transmission of Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and/or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, (HIV) for health care personnel who provide direct patient care. This policy also reinforces the University and UNC Health Care requirements of strict adherence to Standard Precautions for all health care personnel in clinical care areas.

Working in a health care environment poses a risk for acquiring certain infectious diseases greater than that for the general public. To reduce the potential risk, employers are required to establish a medical surveillance program which documents immunity for some diseases, monitoring for others such as Tuberculosis, along with safety training on methods to prevent exposure and disease.

The health and safety of workers and building occupants is the most important factor to consider in laboratory work. In addition to these health and safety concerns, compliance with OSHA, Radiation Protection, and EPA regulations is also important because of the severe financial consequences, especially related to EPA hazardous waste regulations.

Safety glasses which are professionally measured and fitted to the individual are recommended for permanent employees whose job duties require frequent eye protection. These specially fitted glasses are available through the Eye Care Center and the North Carolina Department of Corrections.

University policy on eye and face protection is derived from two items of legislation enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. The first act: “Policy for Eye and Face Protection,” passed in 1969, requires that eye protective devices be worn by students and instructors in shops and laboratories.

This policy applies to Industrial, Maintenance, and Construction, and Support Services operations. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines for research laboratories are contained in Chapter 5 of the Laboratory Safety Manual. Personal Protective Equipment for Clinic operations are governed by the Exposure Control Plan.

Planning and implementation of control practices for the prevention of laboratory-acquired infections and for the protection of the general environment are to be included in all research programs involving biohazardous agents.

OSHA 1910.1450, “Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories” (henceforth referred to as the Laboratory Standard) dictates that employers limit employees’ exposure to hazardous chemicals to below the permissible exposure limit (PEL) (or action level, if applicable) for a specific chemical.

The OSHA “Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens” (29 CFR Part 1910.1030) is applicable to employees with exposures to blood and other potentially infectious materials. The standard defines an “occupational exposure” as reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee’s duties.

Planning and implementation of control practices for the prevention of occupationally acquired cancer and for the protection of the general environment is to be included in all research programs involving known or suspected chemical carcinogens.

The Asbestos Control Program is a set of practices and procedures applied to building cleaning, maintenance, construction, renovation and general operation in order to maintain buildings at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The University is committed to protecting its employees from environmental hazards that arise out of or during the course of employment. The industrial hygiene program deals with the recognition, evaluation, and control of environmental health hazards. Environmental health hazards may include conditions which cause legally compensable illnesses, or any conditions in the work environment that impair the health of employees to the extent that they lose work and/or efficiency.

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for safe work practices due to the inherent dangers and potential hazards associated with various types of complex equipment inside mechanical rooms. The potential for serious incident resulting in injury and/or property damage mandates that this policy be strictly enforced.