I'm having a similar problem, but in a different industry. I have moved into healthcare, specifically in an Oncology Clinic and Infusion center. We have a number of new NIOSH recommendations and OSHA standards coming regarding chemotherapy. (I don't know how familiar you are with chemo and all the new monoclonal antibodies, etc that are coming out, but I'd take a sulfuric acid splash over a large taxane exposure anyday.) We need to implement a lot of new PPE aside from the gloves the nurses have always worn, and you wouldn't believe the complaints! They have now convinced the clinic manager and the VP over our clinic that it will be detrimental to patient care because we're going to scare them if the nurses come at them dressed in the full required PPE. I admit that I would probably be a little scared too if someone came at me dressed head to toe in a gown, gloves and goggles and told me it was to protect themselves from the stuff they were going to put in my body! However we can address the issue with some education. We are required now to tell patients and their families that their urine, BM, and any other body secretions are toxic for at least 48hrs after treatment, and the nurses are refusing to tell them that also because they "don't want to scare them more than they already are over being diagnosed with cancer". I'm about ready to "invite" OSHA over for a visit and see how quickly they all change their minds on this little PPE issue. Amy L. Bullis ----- Original Message ----- From: Chris Wysong To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 9:21 AM Subject: [DCHAS-L] Fw: [DCHAS-L] Safety Rules "Help", I am a new safety in my college of science and am running into problems with the dean. He does not want to follow standard laboratory practices regarding clothing (short tops, long pants, shoes) because it might scare someone. His logic behind the pants is they could trap corrosives and cause more damage than if the student was wearing shorts. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with this issue or knows about an injury resulting from wearing pants as opposed to shorts? I am trying to convince him, using the ACS guide to laboratory safety but to no avail. If anyone could offer suggestions it would be appreciated. Thanks Chris Wysong
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