OSHA Regulations for a Mobile Massage

The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides regulations to protect the health and safety of employees in their work environment. As a mobile massage therapist you must take certain precautions to protect yourself against illness and injury.

Cleanliness of Equipment

• Make sure your equipment is in proper working order. After you perform a massage, assume that all equipment surfaces and linens are contaminated, defined by OSHA as the potential for the presence of blood or other infectious bodily fluids. Provide clean linens for each patient encounter. Launder dirty linens in hot water and bleach to kill any bacteria present. Clean your massage table with disinfectant and air dry after each use.

Personal Hygiene

• Wash your hands using running water and soap per OSHA's hand washing guidelines after entering and before leaving your client's house. Use hand sanitizer products if soap and water are not available. Maintain clean, short fingernails to reduce the acquisition or transmission of pathogens. Short fingernails also reduce the chance that you will injure a client causing them to bleed.

Occupational Exposure

• Blood-borne pathogens can be very harmful and occupational exposure to blood should be taken seriously. Protect yourself with proper vaccinations and follow-up care with a medical professional in the event of an exposure. Report all injuries and accidents to your supervisor.