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Safety and Health Topics |
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In
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Nearly one-third of the world's population is infected with Tuberculosis (TB), which kills almost 3 million people
per year. TB causes more deaths than any other infectious agent in the world. In the mid-1980s, a resurgence of outbreaks in the United States brought
renewed attention to TB. An increase in high risk, immuno-suppressed individuals, particularly those infected with HIV, has lead to an increase in TB
cases. Drug-resistant strains of this deadly disease also contribute to the problem. In 1990, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that nursing home employees
are three times more likely to contract TB than any other group of employed adults of similar age, race, and sex. The following questions link to references that provide safety
and health information relevant to TB in the workplace.
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What
OSHA standards apply?
Standards | Directives | Interpretations and Compliance Letters |
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How do I recognize TB hazards?
Hazard Recognition | Healthcare eTools |
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What are some examples of possible solutions for workplace hazards?
General Solutions | Specific Solutions |
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Where can I find additional
information?
Related Safety and Health Topics | Training | Additional Resources |
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In Focus |
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What's New
- Tuberculosis
and Respiratory Protection. (2004, July 30), 2 pages. This memorandum
defines the new enforcement policy for tuberculosis under 1910.134. Effective
July 2, 2004. Covered establishments must comply with 1910.134 when using
respirators for protection from tuberculosis (TB).
- Comparison of Respiratory Protection (29 CFR
1910.139) with (29 CFR 1910.134). 132 KB PDF,
29 pages. Most of the requirements in 1910.134 and the former 1910.139 are
basically the same, however five areas now have more detailed
requirements.
- Occupational
Exposure to Tuberculosis; Proposed Rule; Termination of Rulemaking Respiratory
Protection for M. Tuberculosis; Final Rule; Revocation. OSHA Federal
Register Entry 68:75767-75775 (2003, December 31), 13 pages. OSHA is
withdrawing its 1997 proposed standard on Occupational Exposure to
Tuberculosis (TB) because it is unlikely to result in a meaningful reduction
of disease transmission caused by contact with the most significant remaining
source of occupational risk: exposure to individuals with undiagnosed and
unsuspected TB.
- OSHA Withdraws Proposal on Occupational Exposure to Tuberculosis. OSHA
News Release (2003, December 30), 2 pages. OSHA
announced it is extending the same high level of respiratory
protection to workers exposed to tuberculosis that is provided to
workers throughout general industry.
 OSHA
eTools
- Hospital
eTool. OSHA (2002, February). This eTool focuses on some of the hazards
and controls found in the hospital setting, including tuberculosis, and describes standard
requirements as well as recommended safe work practices for employee safety
and health.
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