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Click
on the area for more specific information.
The
following topics relate to occupational safety and health hazards in
whirlpools and showers:
Ergonomics
*Note:
OSHA is currently involved in rulemaking
concerning employee protection
against ergonomic hazards which may influence the following recommendations.
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Hazard
Acute and chronic back injury
caused by:

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- Lifting, reaching, or moving residents
who cannot
move on their own.
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- Awkward postures: pulling lifting patients from
tubs, whirlpools.
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Example
Controls
Good work practice
recommends using the proper equipment to reduce risk of back
injuries when lifting, showering, or moving residents such as:

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- Shower chairs-(residents are bathed in a shower chair with
wheels, so lifting in and out of tub is eliminated).
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- Gait belts-(Provides handles to enable
health care workers (HCW) to
help residents walk or move, with less strain on HCW's back).
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- Wheelchair Scale-(Patients who cannot
stand are
weighed in their wheelchairs).
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- Mechanical
lifting equipment such as a
Hoyer lift for
residents who cannot support their own weight.
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It is
also recommended that employers provide training in:
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- Proper lifting
techniques-avoiding awkward postures.
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- The proper use of
machinery and equipment.
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The Ergonomics
Module also addresses ergonomic issues.
Additional Information
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Slips/Falls |
Hazard
Water spills that
can lead to falls
and injuries. Continually wet surfaces can also create a health hazard
by promoting the growth of molds and bacteria that can cause infections
or allergic reactions in employees.
Example Controls

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- Floors shall be kept clean and dry
[1910.22(a)(2)].
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- Non-slip mats and other dry standing places should be provided where
practicable
[1910.22(a)(2)]. In addition to being a slip hazard continually
wet surfaces promote the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria which can
cause infections.
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- The
OSHA Walking/ Working Surfaces Standard
requires that all places of employment shall be kept clean and orderly and in a sanitary
condition [1910.22(a)(1)].
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The
OSHA Sanitation Standard requires:
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Where wet processes are used, drainage shall be
maintained and false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry
standing places shall be provided, where practicable, or
appropriate waterproof footgear shall be
provided [1910.141(a)(3)(ii)].
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Other Recommended Good Practices:
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Ensure spills are reported and cleaned up immediately.
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Use no skid waxes and surfaces coated with grit or waterproof
footgear, may also help decrease slip/fall hazards.
Additional Information
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Bloodborne
Pathogens |
Hazard
Exposure
to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
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- While physical therapists
provide therapy to patients with bed
sores or other open wounds.
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Example
Controls
Bloodborne Pathogens
Standard 1910.1030
requires:
- Exposure control plan in place to help reduce the
risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens:
- Communicate possible hazards to Physical Therapist.
- Educate and train all employees with occupational
exposure to blood
or OPIM
to recognize hazards.
- Provide personal protective equipment (PPE), such
as gloves and gowns.
- Use safe work practices and engineering controls.
- Provide Hepatitis B Vaccination.
For
more information see the Bloodborne
Pathogens Module.
Additional Information
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Legionnaires'
Disease |
Hazard
Exposure to
Legionnaires' Disease through:

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- Breathing aerosolized
water that contains the legionella bacteria. This could occur in
the shower or whirlpool area, or areas that have
a spray nozzle. Cooling towers, evaporative condensers, fluid
coolers, and domestic hot-water systems are water
sources that frequently provide optimal conditions for
growth of the legionella bacteria.
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Example Controls
Good work practice
includes appropriate maintenance of water systems, as recommended
by the OSHA Technical Manual Legionnaires'
Disease Chapter 7 Section III Chapter 7 - Controls:
- Domestic hot-water systems:
- Store hot water at 140
degrees F. To avoid scalding problems install
appropriate,
fail-safe scald protection equipment, such as preset
thermostatic mixing valves.
- Where building
cannot be retrofitted, periodically increasing the
temperature to at least 158 degrees F or chlorination
followed by flushing should be considered.
- Systems should be
inspected annually to ensure equipment is functioning
properly.
Domestic cold-water
systems:
- Maintain cold-water
lines below 68 degrees F.
- Water tanks that
allow water to remain uncirculated for long periods should
be eliminated or designed to reduce storage time to a day
or less. They should also be covered and protected from
temperature extremes.
- Cross-contamination
of the domestic cold water system with other systems shall
be prevented.
- If the cold-water
lines have significant contamination, hyperchlorination
can eradicate legionella.
Cooling towers should be cleaned and disinfected at least
twice a year:
- Periodic use of biocides is recommended to control
bacteria growth.
- Provide visual inspection and periodic maintenance of
the system, to prevent buildup of scale and sediment
and bio-fouling,
which support legionella growth.
The OSHA Salt
Lake Technical Chapter,
also provides recommendations for
Source
Identification of
Legionnaires' disease and a employee awareness program.
any
potential outbreak,
to educate about the disease, and provide early
recognition of the disease. Sample forms and questions and
answers about Legionnaires' disease are provided in the
technical chapter.
The Maintenance Module, also addresses Legionnaires' Disease.
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