The head of the Health and Safety Authority, Tom Beegan, has written to the Health Service Executive asking it to confirm that MRSA prevention measures are in place in all hospitals.
In correspondence seen by RTÉ News, the authority has asked the head of the executive, Professor Brendan Drumm, to provide a report by 9 February, on any hospitals that do not have a specific written risk assessment regarding exposure to MRSA, legionella, hepatitis B and TB.
The letter says any hospitals identified by the executive as not being in compliance with the safety requirements will be inspected by the Health and Safety Authority.
It says that 'where necessary, consideration will be given to the appropriate enforcement action'.
The authority has the power to direct closure of facilities if they are found to breach regulations.
It has also said it will conduct an inspection of a sample of hospitals that the HSE says are compliant with prevention and control measures.
