Occupational safety and health standards: hazardous disinfectants.

Under existing law, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board within the Department of Industrial Relations promulgates occupational safety and health standards for the state, including standards dealing with toxic materials and harmful physical agents. A violation of these standards and regulations is a crime. This bill would require the board to adopt standards to protect health care personnel and patients from the effects of toxic disinfectants, as defined. The bill would require the board, in adopting these standards, to consider current scientific evidence and recommendations adopted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.