OSHA Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hazardous Drug Safety Overview

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Full Article: 

Introduction 

Safe handling of hazardous drugs in pharmacy settings requires adherence to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as outlined in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I. These requirements, combined with hazardous drug safety practices, help protect employees, patients, and the environment from potential exposure. 

 
 

Scope and Applicability 

PPE and hazardous drug safety practices apply to all pharmacy personnel who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals during routine duties or emergency situations, including: 

• Pharmacists 
• Pharmacy interns 
• Technicians and support staff 

 
 

Program Oversight and Training 

A designated individual typically oversees safety efforts, including PPE use and hazardous drug handling. 

Training Expectations: 

• Employees complete safety training and competency assessments before handling hazardous drugs. 
• Ongoing education reinforces safe practices and proper PPE use. 

 
 

Safe Work Practices 

Effective safety practices include: 

• Use of appropriate engineering controls (e.g., containment devices, ventilation) 
• Availability of PPE at no cost to employees 
• Reinforcement of safe behaviors and corrective action when unsafe practices are observed 

These measures reduce the risk of exposure and support a culture of safety. 

 
 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

PPE selection depends on the hazardous drug and the activity being performed. Staff should consult Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and risk assessments before handling hazardous drugs. 

General PPE Principles: 

• PPE must be appropriate for the task and hazard level 
• Disposable PPE should not be reused 
• Reusable PPE must be cleaned and decontaminated after use 
• Used PPE should be treated as contaminated and disposed of properly 

 
 

1. Gloves

• Chemotherapy gloves should meet ASTM D6978 standards when required 
• Powder-free gloves are recommended to prevent contamination 
• Inspect gloves before use; do not use damaged gloves 
• Change gloves every 30 minutes or immediately if contaminated, torn, or punctured 
• Wash hands after glove removal 

 
 

1. Gowns

• Disposable gowns resistant to hazardous drug permeability are recommended 
• Preferred materials include polyethylene-coated polypropylene or similar laminates 
• Gowns should: 
  • Close in the back 
  • Have long sleeves with closed cuffs 
  • Prevent drug penetration through seams or closures 
• Replace gowns per manufacturer guidance or at least every 2–3 hours 
• Do not wear contaminated gowns outside designated handling areas 
• Contaminated clothing should not be taken home 

 
 

1. Shoe Covers

• Used when necessary to prevent contamination from hazardous drug residue 
• Should not be worn outside designated hazardous drug areas 

 
 

1. Eye and Face Protection

• Required when there is a risk of splashes or spills 
• Goggles provide adequate eye protection 
• Face shields used with goggles offer full face protection 
• Standard eyeglasses alone are not sufficient 

 
 

1. Respiratory Protection

• Used in higher-risk situations such as spill cleanup or handling certain hazardous drugs 

Types Include: 

• N95 respirators (particle protection) 
• Elastomeric half-mask respirators with appropriate filters 
• Full-facepiece respirators 
• Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) 

Additional Requirements: 

• Medical evaluation prior to use 
• Fit testing to ensure proper seal and protection 

 
 

PPE Training and Usage 

Staff should be trained on: 

• When PPE is required 
• What type of PPE to use 
• Proper donning and doffing techniques 
• PPE limitations 
• Maintenance, storage, and disposal 

 
 

Spill Control and Response 

Proper spill management minimizes exposure risks. 

General Principles: 

• Only trained personnel should handle spills 
• Appropriate PPE must be worn 
• Spill kits should be readily available in all hazardous drug areas 

 
 

1. Hazardous Drug Spills

• Secure the area and notify appropriate personnel 
• Use spill kits to contain and clean the spill 
• Deactivate, decontaminate, clean, and disinfect affected areas 
• Dispose of all materials as hazardous waste 
• Document the incident and monitor exposed personnel 

 
 

1. Biohazard Spills

• Evacuate and secure the area 
• Wear appropriate PPE 
• Use disinfectants (e.g., bleach solutions) following proper contact times 
• Safely handle sharps and contaminated materials 
• Dispose of waste according to biohazard regulations 
• Wash hands and exposed areas thoroughly after cleanup 

 
 

Exposure Response 

If exposure occurs: 

• Immediately wash affected skin or flush exposed areas 
• Seek medical evaluation as needed 
• Provide SDS information to healthcare providers 
• Document the exposure and monitor for symptoms 

 
 

Hazardous Drug Inventory and Risk Assessment 

• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of hazardous drugs 
• Review and update the inventory regularly 
• Include drugs identified by OSHA, USP <800>, and NIOSH guidance 
• Conduct risk assessments for each hazardous drug and dosage form 

 
 

Facilities and Engineering Controls 

• Restrict access to hazardous drug handling areas 
• Separate these areas from breakrooms and public spaces 
• Use appropriate engineering controls to minimize exposure 

 
 

Waste Disposal 

• Dispose of hazardous waste, including contaminated PPE, in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations (including EPA requirements) 
• Follow proper segregation and handling procedures 

 
 

Key Takeaways 

• OSHA PPE requirements play a critical role in hazardous drug safety. 
• Proper selection, use, and disposal of PPE reduce exposure risks. 
• Training, spill preparedness, and engineering controls are essential components of a safe workplace. 
• Regular review of hazardous drug inventories and risk assessments supports ongoing safety and compliance. 

 

Disclaimer: These tools and templates are intended for general informational purposes and are provided by Montana Family Pharmacies as a service to pharmacies. While we try to keep the information timely and accurate, we make no guarantees. These tools and templates are not a substitute for legal, regulatory, or professional advice. 

Policies and procedure, templates, checklists, and other tools should be customized to fit the specific needs and regulatory requirements of your pharmacy. 

Montana Family Pharmacies disclaims any liability for any damages, losses, or other consequences arising from the use or reliance on the tools or policy templates.