|
MIOSHA Resumes
Enforcement of Respirator Annual Fit Testing Requirements for
TB
The Michigan
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has resumed
enforcement of the requirement for annual fit testing of respirators
for occupational exposure to tuberculosis (TB). This action follows
the lead of federal OSHA with the removal of the Wicker Amendment
from the FY 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act by the U.S.
Congress. The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department
of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).
The Wicker
Amendment was an appropriations rider that prohibited OSHA, and
OSHA-funded state programs, from expending appropriated funds
in administering or enforcing provisions that require annual
fit testing (after the initial fit testing) of respirators used
for protection against occupational exposure to TB.
Employers
who are covered under the MIOSHA TB requirements must comply
with all requirements for annual fit testing of respirators for
occupational exposure to tuberculosis in accordance with MIOSHA
Part 451, Respiratory Protection. MIOSHA will continue to extend
to workers exposed to TB the same high level of respiratory protection
provided to workers throughout Michigan, by enforcing all requirements
of the respiratory protection standard including respiratory
protection training, fit testing, and medical evaluation.
Employee
exposures to TB are also addressed by MIOSHA Instruction No.
GISHD-COM-05-2R-2, Enforcement Policy and Procedures for Evaluating
Occupational Exposure to Tuberculosis (TB). This instruction
is based on the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's
(CDC) 2006 "Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of
Tuberculosis in Health-Care Facilities." The instruction
identifies health care facilities, long-term care facilities
for the elderly, homeless shelters, drug treatment centers, and
correctional facilities as posing a high risk of TB exposure.
MIOSHA will
continue its current enforcement policy of Instruction No. GISHD-COM-05-2R-2,
through the General Duty Clause, when an employer has a confirmed
or suspected case of TB and is not adequately addressing the
hazard.
Occupational
exposure to TB is a serious and recognized hazard, and feasible
abatement methods exist. Control methods required under MIOSHA
Instruction No. GISHD-COM-05-2R-2 include:
* Early identification
of patients/clients;
* Respiratory protection;
* Medical surveillance (including initial exams and periodic
evaluations);
* Case management of infected employees;
* Work practices and engineering controls; and
* Employee education and training.
MIOSHA recognizes
that some employers may need assistance to come into compliance.
The philosophy of the MIOSHA program has long been to provide
both compliance and outreach activities to protect Michigan workers.
MIOSHA's Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division is
initiating an outreach effort to provide training and information
to affected employers in Michigan. Employers are urged to take
advantage of the education and training outreach to assist in
their efforts to protect workers from TB hazards.
Employers
who have questions about TB enforcement and compliance issues
may contact the MIOSHA General Industry Safety and Health Division
at 517.322.1831. Employers who have questions regarding MIOSHA
outreach services are encouraged to contact the CET Division
at 517.322.1809.
Source: MIOSHA News Release 4/11/08
General
Industry Safety Regulations On CD
Pathfinder Safety Compliance
Products
  
 
Free Safety Compliance Materials
Free Occupational Safety and Health Publications
|