What If OSHA Pays a Visit?
OSHA has authority over two areas in the dental office: hazard communication (right-to-know laws) and infection control. The hazard communication rule sets standards designed to ensure that products containing hazardous chemicals are properly handled by employees. The rule requires chemical manufacturers and importers to convey hazard information to employers through labels on containers and material safety data sheets (MSDSs). All employers must pass this information on to their employees. In the area of infection control, OSHA is utilizing its general authority to regulate workplace safety by imposing basic infection control requirements on dental and other health care workers. In order to enforce its workplace regulations, OSHA is authorized by statute to conduct workplace inspections. From: The Journal of the Philadelphia County Dental Society, May/June 1989, Vol. 54, No. 6Toxicity of Fixative SolutionOSHA Regulations on Toxic Materials in Dental Offices • Material used: 10% buffer
