OSHA Regulations for RNs Doing Housekeeping Duties

The Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Labor, requires that healthcare workers and nurse practitioners, including RNs, follow specific guidelines and regulations in maintaining a healthy patient-care environment. The OSHA regulations for housekeeping duties encompass patient-care surfaces and items, as well as regular compliance training and documentation.

Types

• The primary types of OSHA regulations for housekeeping duties include directives regarding environmental surfaces, primarily floors and walls, and horizontal surfaces, such as counters, stretchers and equipment. OSHA regulations also cover patient care and other related elements.

Directives

• The central directives of OSHA regulations address the cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing of surfaces and items within the patient-care environment. The directives usually require the use of hospital-grade cleaners and, where necessary, a tuberculocidal disinfectant.

Time Frames

• While environmental surfaces rarely contribute to the transmission of infections, these surfaces should be cleaned regularly, as well as when debris or spills are present and when a patient is discharged. Patient-care items should be sterilized or disinfected between uses.

Considerations

• The OSHA regulations stipulate that a tuberculocidal disinfectant should be one that inactivates bloodborne pathogens, such as a chlorine solution. In addition, blades, needles and other sharp disposable items should be disposed of in OSHA-labeled, puncture-resistant containers.

Documentation

• Documentation of OSHA compliance must be kept on file for at least three years. Also, nurse practitioners, including RNs and other health care workers should receive regular training in safety measures and regulation compliance.