General Safety

Personal Protective Equipment Management Plan

1. Scope of Plan
2. Statement of Need
3. Objectives
4. Approach Overview
5. Standards of Performance
6. Information Gathering and Reporting
7. Orientation and Training Programs
8. Organization Roles and Responsibilities
9. Related and Supporting Documents

1. Scope of Plan
   The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Management Plan includes a summary of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) PPE Standard 29 CFR 1910.132-139.   In addition, this plan provides information on The University of Kansas Medical Center's (KUMC) surveillance procedures, hazard assessment, selection criteria and employee training.
   
   
2. Statement of Need
   Personal Protective Equipment is needed to prevent worker exposure to chemical hazards such as sterilants, disinfectants, laboratory chemicals, asbestos, heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium and waste.  PPE is also needed to prevent exposure to blood and body fluids with blood and biological agents, medical service and microbiological waste, radiation and other physical hazards.  Required PPE may include gloves, masks, gowns, protective eyewear, face shields, respiratory protection, head protection and foot protection.The intent of the PPE Standard is to reduce injury and potential exposure by the provision and proper use of appropriate PPE.
   
   
3. Objectives
   
   • Perform job hazard assessment to determine and characterize potential exposure(s).
   • Determine which part(s) of the body are at risk.
   • Select appropriate and effective protection. (See Appendix A for compatibility/durability charts).
   • Educate employees on proper use of PPE. (See Appendix B for Training)
     
     
4. Approach Overview
   

   The University of Kansas Medical Center has evaluated locations and jobs where potential exposure exists.  Where necessary, area and personal monitoring has been and continues to be performed on a periodic basis in those areas where a greater potential for overexposure exists. (See Appendix C)

   Any employee(s) who required to wear a respirator or chooses to wear one during certain operations are required to participate in the KUMC Respiratory Protection Program.

   Employees are trained in the risks of overexposure to chemicals as part of KUMC's Hazard Communication Program. Specific training for hazards is included in departmental programs or management plans.

5. Standards of Performance
   The effectiveness of this plan will be evaluated using the criteria listed below.
   • Maintain compliance with applicable institutional, local, State and Federal Regulations.
   • Maintain participation in mandatory Hazard Communication training
   • Review Job Hazard Assessment reviewed at least annually (See Appendix D)
   • Conduct periodic personal and area monitoring is conducted in accordance with OSHA and/or NIOSH recommended methods.
   • Evaluate PPE provided for compliance with performance criteria/standards set by ANSI, NIOSH or other applicable standard setting organizations.
     
     
6. Information Gathering and Reporting
   Data is collected during job hazard assessment, surveillance and safety rounds, during routine inspections of areas where PPE is necessary and during monitoring activities.   The data is analyzed to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to identify strengths and deficiencies with the goal of improving performance.  The data are summarized and reported to the Hospital Safety Committee, other appropriate committees and appropriate departments.
   
   
7. Orientation and Training Programs
   KUMC supports an on-going program of new employee safety orientation and training and annual refreshers thereafter.  Worker knowledge is assessed during hazard surveillance, safety rounds and during annual refreshers.  Each department/unit is responsible for insuring that personnel are adequately trained and capable of carrying out their work in manner which minimizes their exposure and the exposures of co-workers, students, staff, faculty, patients and visitors.
   
   
8. Organization Roles and Responsibilities
   Each employee is responsible for being knowledgeable about the hazards in their work area and comply with applicable institutional, local, State and Federal regulations.   Departments have primary responsibility for ensuring that their personnel are trained appropriately and that departmental activities are in compliance with those regulations.  The Hospital Safety Committee, Facilities Management Safety Council, Lab Safety Committee and other committees assigned responsibility for protection of personnel shall facilitate departmental and employee compliance with institutional, local, State and Federal regulations.
   
   
9. Related and Supporting Documents
   
   • KUMC Respiratory Protection Management Plan
   • KUMC Hazard Communication Program
   • KUMC Radiation Safety Policies & Procedures Manual
   • KUMC Hearing Protection Management Plan
   • Formaldehyde Exposure Management Plan
   • Glutaraldehyde Exposure Management Plan
   • Xylene Exposure Management Plan
   • Infection Prevention and Control Manual
     

Office of Compliance