Long term care (LTC) centers must adhere to specific requirements for compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). The nature of airborne hazards, the presence of respiratory threats, the specific respiratory protection program, and the resulting compliance requirements will vary between organizations. Employers must recognize that once a Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) is established, ongoing maintenance is necessary to ensure compliance with the OSHA standard.
Category: OSHA
Navigating “Safety” in Long Term Care Centers: Separating the Roles of OSHA and the CMS requirements for Emergency Preparedness
Continuation:
A Roadmap to OSHA Requirements = A Vital Guide for Long Term Care Providers
Understanding and adhering to Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards is a critical responsibility for long term care providers. To assist in this crucial task, AHCA/NCAL has released “A Roadmap to OSHA Requirements,” a comprehensive resource designed to simplify OSHAregulations for providers.
This roadmap is a practical guide, offering detailed insights into relevant OSHA standards and how they intersect with CDC guidelines and CMS requirements. The roadmap doesn’t just cover existing regulations; it also provides previews of upcoming OSHA changes that could impact long term care. This preview is essential for staying abreast of future regulatory requirements and maintaining a safe environment for your staff.
AHCA/NCAL’s roadmap is an invaluable tool for long term care providers seeking to navigate the complexities of OSHA compliance. It also underscores the long term care communities commitment to maintaining high standards of workplace safety and health.
Explore “A Roadmap to OSHA Requirements” to enhance your organization’s compliance and safety practices. Access this vital resource on the AHCA/NCAL website: A Roadmap to OSHA Requirements.
Respiratory Protection in Long Term Care
Most long term care (LTC) centers had no need for respirators before the pandemic because any patients with airborne infectious diseases were transferred and cared for in appropriate and capable alternate facilities. Moving forward, however, respirators and the compliance obligations that come with them are now part of the expected infection control and employee safety programs in most LTC centers. Importantly, OSHA has an entire standard devoted to respirators, the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). While the OSHA standard can be complicated and is highly dependent on the type of hazard and respirator used, the following highlights the basic requirements that affect most LTC centers.
Read more at https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Respiratory-Protection-in-Long-Term-Care.aspx