Personal Protective Equipment

The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act became Public Law 106-430 on November 6, 2000. In 2001, in response to the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, OSHA revised the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) to contain language designed to prevent needlestick injuries to healthcare workers. In 2013 publications are still full of advice on preventing needlestick injuries for healthcare workers.

Clinicians and infection preventionists may need to rethink what they currently know about respiratory protection in light of several recent studies indicating that the influenza virus can be carried in smaller particles than previously thought. Additionally, there is debate over airborne transmission and what kind of PPE healthcare workers should don in these situations where exposure is imminent.