Scrubs And Lab Coats Are Considered Ppe

With regard to compliance osha s bloodborne pathogens standard 29 cfr 1910 1030 states that it is the responsibility of the employer to determine what personal protective equipment ppe is appropriate.

Scrubs and lab coats are considered ppe. Lab jackets are ppe and they are required to be laundered by the employer. Preferable features include long sleeves and closures snaps buttons that can be fastened and secured. However none of these options can be considered ppe since their capability to protect hcp is unknown. These include gloves face masks protective eyewear face shields and protective clothing e g reusable or disposable gown jacket lab coat.

If scrubs function as ppe then the employer is in violation of the bbp standard by having employees clean launder and maintain scrubs on their own 1910 1030 d 3 iv. According to the. However some lab coats can be classified as ppe therefore prohibiting them outside of the work area according to the osha bloodborne pathogens standard 1910 1030 d 3 vii. Ppe are special coverings designed to protect dental health care personnel dhcp from exposure to or contact with infectious agents.

Furthermore scrubs are not considered personal protective equipment ppe so technically osha has no say in this matter. Their apparel meets level 2 criteria and it is also protected with an antimicrobial. Even though most scrubs and lab coats are not considered ppe there is a company in pittsburgh that sells ansi aami level 2 apparel for medical personnel us paranoids who want to have that extra protection. Do universal precautions apply to the activities of medical and dental facilities e.

If scrubs do not function as ppe but as a uniform then osha does not have oversight on laundering. Reusable washable laboratory coats. Reusable washable patient gowns.