Though anthrax hasn’t made media headlines since the 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States, it’s still a concern for employers and workers. Since the weeks-long anthrax attacks in 2001 where five people were killed and another 17 injured, there have been six additional cases of anthrax reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrating a threat still exists.
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the Bacillus anthracis (BA), a spore-forming bacterium. Anthrax is an occupational hazard most common in animal handling and related occupations due to its germination in wild and domestic animals (cattle, goats, antelope, and other herbivores). Humans are infected with anthrax when exposed to infected animals, animal tissues, or undercooked meat from infected animals. There is also the potential for accidental or intentional release of anthrax during research operations, increasing the risk of occupational exposure.
Scope
Although rare in the United States, anthrax has been reported in nearly every state. More frequently, animal infections have been found in Texas, California, Nevada, Montana, the Dakotas, and Minnesota.
Anthrax outbreaks are rare, and infection is not known to spread from one person to another. However, due to the potential for anthrax to be used as a bioterrorist weapons, workers whose jobs would not ordinarily involve anthrax exposure could be exposed. Package delivery or postal workers are especially at risk.
Emergency responders, including police, firefighters, emergency medical services workers, environmental cleanup workers, and others who are responsible for responding to acts of terrorism also may be exposed to anthrax. Health care workers in occupational settings such as hospitals, clinics, and medical laboratories may also be exposed to anthrax due to contact with patients whose skin, clothing, or personal effects are contaminated with anthrax spores, or through contact with contaminated equipment.
Regulatory citations
Employers whose workers will be involved in emergency response operations for releases of, or substantial threats of releases of, hazardous substances (including anthrax) regardless of the location of the hazard must comply with OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response standard (1910.120). States are required to adopt standards at least as effective as OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operation and Emergency Response standard.
OSHA doesn’t have an infectious diseases standard that applies to anthrax. However, some OSHA standards, such as the Respiratory Protection standard, may apply to workers with potential exposure to anthrax (and other diseases spread through inhalation exposure) and for exposure to chemicals used for cleaning and disinfection.
Key definitions
- Bacillus anthracis (BA): The spore-forming bacterium that causes anthrax.
- Contamination: The process or act of making a substance or surface no longer pure by adding a material or chemical that is hazardous or carries disease or illness.
- Exposure: Being in danger of having hazardous or toxic substances enter the body through absorption, inhalation, or ingestion.
- Hazardous material: A substance or chemical that poses a health hazard, a physical hazard, or harm to people or the environment.
- Occupational hazard: Danger found in the workplace or produced by work operations.
- Surface: A flat, usually horizontal, surface such as a table, counter, cart, or desk. Work surfaces may also include equipment, ladders, platforms, ramps, walkways, or any other structure that permits employees to walk and work.
Summary of requirements
- Conduct hazard assessments to identify work surfaces, hazardous or toxic materials, and other hazards requiring engineering or administrative controls and PPE. Hazard assessments should account for potential anthrax exposure associated with work tasks, such as workers involved in emergency response and recovery operations or related activities, as well as workers who may be exposed during releases of anthrax or other emergency scenarios but who do not have emergency response duties.
- Develop a sampling plan that outlines objectives, sampling and analytical methods, handling, packaging, and transport. Other considerations should laboratory capability, collection efficiency, number of samples and level of quantification required, and cost effectiveness.
- Establish and communicate procedures and policies required for the prevention of anthrax exposure. Standard precautions must include hand hygiene, the use of appropriate PPE, avoiding direct contact with anthrax, surface and equipment decontamination, and safe waste management.
- Provide appropriate PPE including respiratory protection, protective garments (e.g., coveralls, boot covers, chemical-resistant or -impermeable suits), eye and face protection, and gloves (nitrile or vinyl).
- Train employees on hazard identification, required protective measures, and proper anthrax emergency and reporting procedures for your workplace. Provide guidance on how to recognize a potential emergency, such as an anthrax threat or release or suspicious mail.
- Include employees in safety planning to ensure they are aware of the dangers of anthrax and how to protect themselves and others.
- Investigate any incidents or near misses involving exposure or potential exposure to anthrax.
- Review and reinforce knowledge of emergency response plans, company plans and procedures, facilities, systems, and equipment. Practice and analyze emergency procedures to evaluate worker knowledge and identify resource or procedural gaps.
- Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
