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Messages Forum>
Carpet
Brad
1 post
Apr 08, 2010
5:09 PM
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Email Query
Does a carpeted surface need to be covered by a “ rubber mat” to be OSAHA compliant?
Brad Becker
McKesson Medical Surgical
Account Manager – Denver, CO
Cell Phone 303-596-1416
brad.becker@mckesson.com
E-Fax 267-295-2682
Last Edited on 8-Apr-2010 5:14 PM
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thomaskappil
32 posts
Apr 08, 2010
5:25 PM
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Email Response:
Brad,
Your query falls under the purview of OSHA’s Walking-Working Standard (Slips, Trips and Fall). Slips, Trips and Falls constitute 15 % of all accidents in general industry according to OSHA. Under these regulations, it’s the duty of the employer to provide a working surface that is not slippery. Since carpets do not offer a slippery surface, it is perfectly ok not to be covered. Rubber mats are typically used on wet surfaces to prevent slips and falls. Covering the carpet with a rubber mat may perhaps increase the chances of a fall. According to OSHA, improper mats can be tripping hazards. Therefore, use of rubber mats on carpets may be avoided.
I hope I have answered your general query unless you have a specific situation which you have not disclosed.
Thank you for writing to us.
Sincerely
Thomas
OSHA Outreach Trainer
Last Edited on 8-Apr-2010 5:26 PM
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Brad
6 posts
Apr 09, 2010
3:39 AM
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Great response. Is blood in this area not an issue on the carpet? They think they need a surface to be “wiped clean” on the carpet.
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thomaskappil
33 posts
Apr 09, 2010
3:41 AM
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Email response:
Brad,
OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030 is to protect employees from infection caused by bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, HBV, HCV, etc. Accidental needlesticks, cuts, bruises, spills and splashes are different ways employees can contract these infections. It will not be an OSHA issue if blood spills are cleaned up immediately. Any area of spills must be isolated and warning signs provided to indicate other employees of the spills. Cleaning up of blood from the carpet is a lot more difficult than it is from a hard surface. Therefore, work areas with hard surface floors are better than areas with carpets. Blood seeped deep into the carpet surface can only be removed by a professional cleaning company.
I hope I have answered your query again.
Thomas
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thomaskappil
34 posts
Apr 09, 2010
3:43 AM
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Perfect, thx
Brad Becker
McKesson Medical Surgical
Account Manager – Denver, CO
Cell Phone 303-596-1416
brad.becker@mckesson.com
E-Fax 267-295-2682
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