Resources
Badges for Monitoring Toxic Vapors
As a part of the Initial Review and Recommendations portion of the MedSafe Compliance Program, it is often determined that there is a need for baseline Industrial Hygiene (IH) testing for toxic vapors. There are a variety of services available for such testing. While many methods are complicated and expensive, it is our experience that the use of IH monitoring badges represents an efficient and low cost solution that meets the needs for baseline monitoring requirements. Accordingly, we have elected to provide assistance to you in obtaining this service.
Monitoring badges are available for many of the hazardous chemicals you may be using. Badges of the type available through us are used by thousands of healthcare facilities, government agencies and by the large industrial corporations. OSHA inspectors have used similar monitor badges, and their results have been accepted in Federal Court.
Hazardous Product Labeling
For some healthcare facilities, the confusion of accurately calculating and identifying flammability, reactivity and health risks for hazardous products is particularly burdensome; applying appropriate labels is an often inaccurate or haphazard and messy process.
The MedSafe Hazardous Product Labeling System is based upon appropriate knowledge of chemicals and their risks in healthcare settings. The Program is an adjunct to the MedSafe SDS Management System.
MedSafe Hazardous Product Labels are laser printed on a custom- developed, waterproof label stock to minimize smudge and deterioration under wet conditions. They are specifically prepared for you upon request.
Document Library
MedSafe provides OSHA manuals and HIPAA manuals to its clients.
In addition, for a fee, MedSafe provides clients access to its database of continuously updated compliance forms. We offer numerous forms, such as accident and security incident reports, breach notification letters, biohazard spill kit protocol sheets, business associate agreements, patient record requests, sharps injury reporting logs, and vendor confidentiality agreements, to name but a few.
We also provide our clients with unlimited storage space to import and store their own documents, both forms and manuals, which will be accessible to their employees for download.
For an additional fee, MedSafe offers an online SDS management system.
Quantum Products X-Ray Badge
MedSafe believes every X-ray user needs the protection of X-ray dosimeter badges. Please take a minute to read why.
An Invisible Danger: In your office, perhaps the most serious potential risk to your employees’ health is radiation from your X-ray equipment. Since radiation cannot be detected by the senses, it’s understandable that staff members who take X-rays are concerned about possible exposure.
The Liability Problem: Today, we’re seeing more cases in which an employee, or former employee, sues the owner of the practice, claiming health damage (or damage to an unborn baby) as a result of radiation exposure in the office. If that should happen to you – even if you’re insured – the time lost from your practice would be considerable, and your legal costs enormous. Many practitioners have decided that the best way to safeguard their employees’ health, and at the same time, protect themselves against a future legal problem, is to use X-ray dosimeter badges.
Low Cost Protection: Quantum’s X-ray badge service costs just $128.00 or less per person every year. Every three months, you’ll receive new badges, along with a reply envelope in which to return the used badges for processing. Each time you return badges, Quantum will send you a printed report of readings for your file. If a reading should exceed NRC safety standards, Quantum will phone you at once.
At its low price, you might think of this service as an inexpensive way to let your staff know that you care about their health. But while it’s protecting them, it’s also protecting you. A record of continuous radiation monitoring, showing consistently safe levels of exposure, will prove enormously valuable if you’re ever challenged to defend the safety of your office working conditions.
Professional Service: Quantum’s badge service was started 31 years ago, specifically to serve professional offices. Today, Quantum’s badges are protecting many thousands of offices around the country. Not only is the cost of the service the lowest you’ll find, but also Quantum aims to give each subscriber a level of personal attention that simply isn’t available from any of the industrial badge services.
Quantum’s laboratory is accredited by the NVLAP (National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program) under Lab Code 100555-0. Most state radiation regulations require that the laboratory you use be accredited by NVLAP.
Perhaps you’re familiar with the old-style X-ray badges that had to be replaced every month. These state-of-the-art badges can be used for three months, making this service not only economical, but also convenient.
Procedure for Use
The monitoring badges that are provided are manufactured and packaged so that the shelf life can be guaranteed for at least one year. When the package is opened, the user records the time and additional information such as name and work performed. The badge is clipped near the breathing zone for personal monitoring or placed in the room for area monitoring. When the test is completed, the time is recorded. The badge is then sealed in its original package and returned for analysis in the mailer provided.
The laboratory measures the amount of vapor collected (grams). The monitoring badge is calibrated to give the time-weighted average (TWA) concentration in parts per million (ppm). This TWA concentration is what is required for OSHA compliance.
Analysis results are available within 10 business days. Results are available earlier by fax, but this must be specified when you return the badge for analysis.
Quality Control and Validation of Accuracy
An unexposed “Blank” badge is always tested with each group of Monitoring badges that are analyzed. This ensures against false positive results. Monitoring badges exposed to known concentrations of the vapors are also analyzed. This gives a “built-in” validation standard of accuracy. A statement of the accuracy can, therefore, be given on each analysis report.
Ordering Information
Badges for monitoring most vapors are available for immediate delivery. There is no minimum order requirement. All orders must be prepaid. Please allow 10 days for shipping. (Badges do have a shelf life and are “made to order”.) Overnight shipping is available for an additional shipping charge. This service is available to ALL MedSafe clients.
No Extra Charges
Subscribers avoid the extra charges that customers of other badge services find so annoying. At Quantum, you’ll find:
- No set-up charge to begin service or to add a new employee later on.
- No charge to change your service – for example, in case of staff turnover.
- No annual maintenance or administrative fees.
- Many offices have changed from other badge services to Quantum’s, and are getting better service and saving money.
Great news, meeting the state and federal poster requirements has just gotten a whole lot easier!
You can get your federal and state posters by visiting www.laborlawcc.com.
Mandatory state and federal workplace postings are required to be displayed prominently in all practice’s facilities by the state’s Department of Labor and Industry. These notices must be posted by the employer in each establishment where they can be seen and read by employees. Failure to post required workplace notices may result in fines or penalties. A complete listing of each state’s required workplace postings can be obtained from that state’s Department of Labor and Industry.