Hazardous chemical exposure: guidelines for the optometric office.

BACKGROUND

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) applies to all types of employers, including optometrists. The purpose of the standard is to ensure that employees are aware of chemical hazards in the workplace and know how to protect themselves. Any optometric office that uses chemicals such as acetone, alcohol, lens-tinting dyes, or disinfection chemicals must comply with HCS.

METHODS

Optometrists must develop, implement, and maintain a written Hazard Communication Program for their practices. The program must describe how they plan to meet the requirements of HCS. It should include the development of a listing of all hazardous chemicals used in the office, the collection of appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each chemical, the labeling of hazardous chemical containers, and the provision of an effective employee-training program.

RESULTS

The implementation of an effective Hazard Communication Program will help ensure employee safety. A sample outline for a Hazard Communication Program for an optometric office is provided.

CONCLUSIONS

Optometrists with one or more employees have an obligation to ensure these employees are provided with a healthy and safe workplace. OSHA has established specific requirements relating to employees' potential exposure to chemicals. Failure to comply with OSHA regulations may result in significant fines.