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Introduction
Veterinary practice
settings and other facilities that handle animals have a unique set of
occupational health and safety issues. Like all other businesses in Washington
veterinary clinics are subject to regulation under the Department of Labor
and Industries' WISHA division. All veterinary clinics must have a written
Accident Prevention Program in place identifying specific workplace hazards
and interventions chosen to reduce each hazard.
Common Hazards
in Veterinary Medicine
- Physical hazards - falls, animal bites, needlestick/sharps injuries,
ergonomics hazards,
ionizing radiation
- Chemical hazards - Anesthetic gas, ethylene oxide, insecticides and
disinfectants, latex
glove allergy
- Biologic hazards - zoonotic and vector borne diseases, live vaccines,
asthma and allergies
Regulatory Information
- WISHA
Core Rules - Contains WISHA regulations for all employers including
Employers Responsibilites, Employees Responsibilities, Safety Committees
and Safety Meetings, Accident Prevention Program, First Aid, Personal
Protective Equipment, and Chemical Hazard Communication
- Recordkeeping
and Reporting WAC 296-27
- Ethylene
Oxide, WAC 296-62, Part G - sections 07355 through 07389
- Formaldehyde,
WAC 296-62, Part I - sections 07540 through 07548
Resources
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