Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)(B): The review and update of the exposure control plan did not document annually consideration and implementation of appropriate commercially available and effective safer medical devices designed to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure: a) Throughout facility: The employer's review of the blood borne pathogen exposure control plan did not include a review of commercially available insulin needles with effective safer medical devices. Employees have received needlestick injuries as a result of using the currently available Becton Dickinson 40 and 100 unit needles with a self sheathing device that is difficult to close. Commercially available insulin needles with retractable needles were available and not considered for use, on or about 10/22/15. b) Emergency Department: The employer's review of the blood borne pathogen exposure control plan did not include a review of commercially available 14 gauge IV catheter needles with effective safer medical devices. Employees used Jelco 14 gauge IV catheter needles that did not have an engineering control in place to cover the needle after use, on or about 10/22/15. c) Throughout facility: The employer's review of the blood borne pathogen exposure control plan did not include a review of commercially available arterial blood gas needles with effective safer medical devices. Employees used Marquest Quik A.B.G. syringes whose engineering control was separated from the device and required the employees to use a one-handed method to recap. Commercially available arterial blood gas needles with attached engineering controls were available and not considered for use, on or about 10/22/15. NOTE: IN ADDITION TO ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION, THE EMPLOYER IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION FOR THIS ITEM. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY OF $1000.00 IN ACCORDANCE WITH 29 CFR 1903.19.