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Bloodborne pathogens exposure control and training

Author: BLR

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms found in blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM) that can cause disease in people. One such bloodborne pathogen is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. Other more common bloodborne pathogens are the hepatitis B and C viruses.

For a bloodborne pathogen to spread, the bodily fluids of an infected person must enter into the bloodstream of another person. The most common cause of transmission in the workplace is when an infected person’s blood enters another person’s bloodstream through an open wound.

What the bloodborne pathogens standard says you must do

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires employers to eliminate, or at least minimize, the hazards of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The standard requires employers of workers at risk of occupational exposure to blood or OPIM to develop a written Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan. In addition, such employers must implement a combination of safety measures including engineering and work practice controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), employee training, and offering potentially exposed workers the vaccination against hepatitis B.

There are a wide variety of job classifications or tasks that qualify as “at risk” of occupational exposure to blood and OPIM and are, therefore, covered under the bloodborne pathogens rule. This includes employees trained and designated to give first aid, healthcare workers, and even housekeepers and janitors at healthcare facilities.

Bloodborne pathogens training in the workplace

Employers must give bloodborne pathogens training to at-risk workers to help them identify blood and OPIM and to protect themselves against exposure. Training must include universal precautions. “Universal precautions” means to treat all human blood and OPIM as if they are infected with pathogens. Common universal precautions include:

  • Thoroughly wash hands after any potential exposure.
  • Wear appropriate PPE.
  • Thoroughly clean potentially contaminated surfaces with a disinfectant, such as a bleach solution.