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The E-Digest OSHA Compliance & Practice Safety Newsletter - Issue 27 – July 2007

Brought to you by SafetyVet.com!

In this issue:

* Noise Hazards in the Veterinary Practice
* Solving Safety Problems
* Conducting an Accident Investigation
* Posting Evacuation Diagrams


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 Welcome to this issue of The E-Digest OSHA Compliance & Practice Safety Newsletter! We've added this service to our web site and it's FREE, so pass the word. The E-Digest covers a whole range of safety and OSHA compliance topics in each issue so there's something for everyone! The articles are all specific to the veterinary profession. Every couple of months you'll receive a new issue of The E-Digest Newsletter packed full of useful information and links to resources on the web that are selected specifically to enhance your hospital's safety operations!

 And as always, if we can be of further assistance, don't hesitate to call on us.
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Noise Hazards in the Veterinary Practice

Although it will vary from one breed to another, as well as one animal to another, noise level from a barking dog can reach 80-90 decibels. It doesn't take much of a chorus of barking dogs to exceed the threshold limit for a noise hazard area. As a matter of fact, noise levels in the kennels typically range from 95 to 115 decibels measured at the center of the room. At the upper end of this range a person could work approximately 15 minutes in the area without hearing protection during an average 8 hour work day.

 Hearing protection programs are designed to reduce the risk of long-term damage from repeated or prolonged exposure to noises. OSHA standards require a hearing protection program when workers are exposed to noise levels above 85 decibels (dB) based on an eight hour time-weight average (TWA).  As a general rule, if you can’t carry on a conversation without raising your voice while standing 4 feet away from someone, the noise exceeds safe limits and can damage your hearing. 

 Check out how you can make your kennels a safer place by controlling the noise levels:  http://www.safetyvet.com/osha/noise.htm

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Solving Safety Problems

Most procedures in a veterinary practice carry little tangible risk to the patient or the staff; however, there are times when safety precautions are necessary. In the veterinary practice, sometimes it’s appropriate to rely on a mask or a pair of gloves for protection, but sometimes the protection must be “built into” the facility or the procedure.

 When faced with a situation requiring a safety solution, OSHA expects the practice to solve the problem in the following sequence: 

• Primarily utilizing engineering controls when possible, then
• By the use of procedural controls also known as "work practice controls," then
• By relying on Personal Protective Equipment devices to place a “barrier” between the employee and the hazard.

Learn more about the how OSHA expects you to solve your safety problems:  http://www.safetyvet.com/osha/solvprob.htm

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Conducting an Accident Investigation

 When an accident occurs in the hospital, of course the first priority should be to get treatment or assistance to the injured staff member. After the initial crisis is over, don’t forget to complete an investigation into the circumstances. Most practices do this, but many don’t complete the paperwork that PROVES it!

 Here’s some tips on what you should do when an accident results in a staff injury:  http://www.safetyvet.com/osha/accident.htm

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Posting Evacuation Diagrams

Neither OSHA's Fire Prevention Standard nor the Employee Emergency Plan Standard specifically require the posting of any evacuation diagrams in the workplace. However, both require the employer to develop a plan that includes a description of the evacuation procedures staff members are expected to follow. And, as the old saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” It’s so much easier to show the exit route than it is to explain it in writing. 

Read where your evacuation diagrams should be posted: http://www.safetyvet.com/osha/evacdiag.htm

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Have Fun & Be Safe :-)

Philip Seibert, CVT
SafetyVet
Phone: (423) 336-1925
FAX: (423) 336-6047
www.safetyvet.com