Citation

Sirianni G, Borak J. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2010; 52(2): 190-196.

Affiliation

From the Department of Fire Science and Professional Studies (Dr Sirianni), University of New Haven, West Haven, Conn; and Departments of Epidemiology & Public Health and Medicine (Dr Borak); Yale University; New Haven, Conn.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0b013e3181cc55e1

PMID

20134338

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: To compile current regulations and advisory recommendations on cleanliness of worker clothing and personal protective equipment and to evaluate the adequacy of criteria for determining whether cleanliness has been achieved. METHODS:: Systematic review of information provided by federal agencies (eg, OSHA, MSHA, and NIOSH), nongovernmental advisory bodies (eg, ACGIH, AIHA, and ANSI), and manufacturers of protective clothing and equipment. RESULTS:: We identified an array of terms describing "cleanliness" and the processes for achieving "cleanliness" that were almost never defined in regulations and recommendations. We also found a general lack of criteria for determining whether cleanliness and/or sterility have been achieved. CONCLUSIONS:: There is need to harmonize cleanliness-related terminology, establish best practices for equipment cleaning and sterilization, implement a signage systems to provide equipment-specific cleaning instructions, and adopt objective criteria for determining what is "clean."

Language: en