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Infection Control · single question

Which of the following is NOT an OSHA requirement for the dental office?

  1. Providing personal protective equipment at no cost to employees
  2. Monthly spore (biological) testing of the sterilizer
  3. Maintaining an accessible Safety Data Sheet for every hazardous chemical
  4. Offering the hepatitis B vaccination series to at-risk employees
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Monthly spore (biological) testing of the sterilizer

  • A. This IS an OSHA requirement. The employer provides, launders and replaces PPE at no cost to the employee.
  • B. CORRECT as the exception, on two counts. Biological monitoring of sterilizers is a CDC infection-control RECOMMENDATION and a state dental board requirement in many jurisdictions — it is not written into the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. And the recommended interval is WEEKLY, not monthly.
  • C. This IS an OSHA requirement, under the Hazard Communication Standard. SDSs must be available to staff during every shift.
  • D. This IS an OSHA requirement. The vaccine must be offered free of charge within 10 working days of assignment to duties with occupational exposure risk, and a declination form signed if refused.

Note: The division of labour to memorise: OSHA protects EMPLOYEES and its rules are enforceable law. The CDC issues infection-control GUIDELINES which protect patients and staff but are recommendations. The FDA regulates devices and materials. State boards license and set practice standards.

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