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 was free from recognized hazards which were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to the hazard of being infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis through contact with a patient suspected of having the disease: a)On or about March 2, 2008, and at times prior, employees who were responsible for the care of a patient suspected of having Mycobacterium tuberculosis did not have adequate training in the specific measures to reduce the risk of infection with TB disease, including the operation and testing of the negative pressure room in which the patient was located. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazardous condition is to establish a training program with specific steps addressing the operation of the negative pressure rooms and ensure that employees can demonstrate competency prior to the use of the room with a patient who is suspected of being infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").