Burns and Cuts
Employees can be exposed to burns or cuts when handling or sorting hot sterilized items or sharp instruments. Burns and cuts can also happen when employees are removing these items from autoclaves/sterilizers or from steam lines that service the autoclaves.
Employees can be exposed to burns or cuts when handling or sorting hot sterilized items or sharp instruments.
Work Practice Controls
To avoid burns or cuts, there are many things you can do. Here are some work practice controls to prevent hazards:
- Do not remove items from sterilizers until cooled.
- Avoid handling sharp ends of instruments.
- Use forceps or other devices to remove sharp instruments from baskets and autoclaves.
- Provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Employers must assess tasks to identify potential worksite hazards and provide and ensure that employees use appropriate personal protective equipment [29 CFR 1910.132].
- Employers shall require employees to use appropriate hand protection when hands are exposed to hazards such as cuts or lacerations and thermal burns. Examples of PPE which may be selected include using oven mitts when handling hot items, and steel mesh or Kevlar gloves when handling or sorting sharp instruments [29 CFR 1910.138(a)].
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2-6. When are healthcare employees most at risk for burns or cuts?
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