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Latex Allergies: More Than an OSHA Concern?
By: Chery F. Kendrick, DVM, MPVM, MLT, ASCP, CFS
I enjoy the questions that come up at the annual OSHA training sessions at my clients’ clinics. They often spark lively debates as well as introduce interesting concepts for further review and potential action.
Latex allergies – and specifically the posting of warning signs about latex use in the clinic setting – is one such topic that made me stop, think and review recently. I thought it was a good one to share with you.
Here was the question:
“Do we need to post latex allergy warnings in our facilities like they do in human medical facilities?”
Simple Answer: No, I do NOT think we need to post latex warnings for the public in our clinics. Let’s look at the issue, and then why not and what we do indeed need to do regarding potential latex allergies.
The Issue: Latex Allergies
I think the issue is actually twofold. First is the potential hazard of latex allergies for our employees (clearly an OSHA issue) and second, the issue of liability.
NIOSHA (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the research group behind many OSHA standards and rulings) reports that as many as 12.5 percent of medical workers have a latex sensitivity but only 5 percent have had a latex allergy reaction. Only 1 to 6 percent of the general public may be sensitive to latex with maybe 5 percent of those having experienced an allergic reaction. The most common reaction is still contact dermatitis; however, the reactions can range all the way up to anaphylaxis and shock, although rare and now not thought to be an initial allergic reaction.
What we do need to address is the potential for latex allergies in our employee handbook and OSHA manual. We do that, for example, in the PPE section of the OSHA Safety Manual, and address it during employee training.
We also consider some simple ways to minimize latex contamination in our clinic by using powder-free gloves if latex gloves are used and reminders to be sure to wash hands with soap and water after removing the gloves. In areas where latex gloves are used be sure to clean surfaces regularly, and make sure air filters and vacuum bags are changed routinely. And, of course, current prevention strategies would need to be reevaluated should an employee be diagnosed with a latex allergy.
Potential Liability
What about our liability regarding the public? This is a good question, especially as the original question and concern arose from a veterinarian who is director of health services at a shelter where there is a high amount of traffic from the public. On the one hand, this question was easy to answer in terms of OSHA since the federal agency is not concerned with members of the public but rather only with the safety of employees. If we consider posting latex allergy warnings for members of the public, it would be strictly as a liability issue, and in this case No, not even when looking at potential liability. Here is the reason: The situation, the type of business and the interactions with the public do not warrant the inclusion of this type of warning for the public.
So, although it is commonplace in human medical facilities to post latex warnings as a liability issue addressed with insurance companies and the medical or dental practice legal team, we don’t need to do so. However, we do need to be sure we are protecting our employees by addressing it in the employee handbook and safety manual.
Stay safe out there, and have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Chery
Chery F. Kendrick, DVM, MPVM, MLT, CFS is a writer, educator, speaker and consultant. She is the nation’s leading veterinary regulatory control and OSHA expert. Her time spent in Washington D.C. as an advocate for the veterinary profession with OSHA and other regulatory agencies has resulted in many positive compliance changes for our industry. Her manuals and training programs are used by clinics and animal care facilities nationwide. She speaks nationwide at association meetings and workshops. Please feel free to contact her at www.kendricktechservices.com/Contact.html with your questions and visit her web site at www.kendricktechservices.com.
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