Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: TB

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The %% employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to: (a)Workers (Emergency Medical Technicians) were exposed to the hazard of being infected with Tuberculosis through contact with prison inmates, nursing home patients and the general public when transporting these individuals to and from health care facilities throughout the town of San Augustine, Texas. Among others, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct the hazard is the development and implementation of the following: 1.Provide and require the use of a NIOSH-approved HEPA particulate respirator for employees involved in medical transport in closed vehicles as the minimum level of protection. 2.A medical surveillance program including pre-placement evaluation, administration and interpretation of Tuberculosis Mantoux skin tests, and periodic evaluations offered to employees as follows: Initial baseline screening at the time of employment for all employees in the facility, annual for all employees in the facility, re-testing every six months for workers with exposure to exhaled air or individuals with suspected or confirmed Tuberculosis disease. 3.Evaluation and management of workers with a positive skin test, or with skin test conversion on repeat testing, or who are exhibiting symptoms of Tuberculosis, including workers who experience a Tuberculosis exposure incident. 4.Training and information to ensure employee knowledge of such issues as the hazard of Tuberculosis transmission, its signs and specific protocols including the purpose and proper use of controls.