This section highlights OSHA standards and directives (instructions for compliance officers) and other related information that may apply to worker exposures to measles.

There is no specific OSHA standard covering measles. However, some OSHA requirements may apply to preventing occupational exposure to measles. Among the most relevant are:

• OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards (in general industry, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I and, in construction, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart E), which require using gloves, eye and face protection, and respiratory protection.
• OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) standard 29 CFR 1910.1030), which applies to occupational exposure to human blood and other potentially infectious materials, including saliva in dental procedures. The BBP standard applies to occupational exposure to some human body fluids, including saliva in dental procedures, which can transmit measles. The BBP standard also describes measures that could serve as a framework to control non-bloodborne exposures that can transmit measles, including exposures to body fluids (e.g., sputum, respiratory and nasal secretions, and saliva outside of dental procedures) to which the standard does not apply.
• The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970, 29 USC 654(a)(1), which requires employers to furnish to each worker "employment and a place of employment, which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm."

Employers must also protect their workers from exposure to chemicals used for cleaning and disinfection. Employers should be aware that common sanitizers and sterilizers could contain hazardous chemicals. Where workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, employers must comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication standards (in general industry, 29 CFR 1910.1200 and, in construction, 29 CFR 1926.59) and other applicable OSHA chemical standards. OSHA provides information about hazardous chemicals used in hospitals in the Housekeeping section of its Hospital eTool.

Depending on the specific work task, setting, and exposure to other biological or chemical agents, additional OSHA standards that may apply include:

OSHA Standards