Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

The Standard

The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard falls under General Industry at 1910.1030. This standard covers definitions, exposure control plan, methods of compliance, and more. The standard requires employees to:

·       Create an Exposure Control Plan & update it annually

·       Implement Universal Precautions

·       Identify and use engineering controls and work practice controls

·       Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

·       & more

Definitions

Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) are microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease in exposed humans. These include but are not limited to:

·       Hepatitis A (HAV)

·       Hepatitis B (HBV)

·       Hepatitis C (HCV)

·       Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

BBP can also be found in blood or other fluids known as OPIM, or other potentially infectious materials. These include but are not limited to:

·       Nasal secretions

·       Vagal secretions

·       Semen

·       Saliva in dental procedures

·       Any bodily fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood

BBP Training

According to OSHA, any general industry or shipyard employer of any size with one or more employees with occupational exposure falls under this standard. The standard states that “The employer shall train each employee with occupational exposure.” Occupational exposure is the reasonably anticipated contact with blood or OPIM. The exposure also must result from the employee’s work duties.

For example, an operator would not usually be exposed to BBP or OPIM. However, if that operator was trained as the department’s first aid responder, that operator is considered to have anticipated contact with blood. This operator would need BBP training. Training requirements are found in the standard, 1910.1030.

Did you know? The employer shall make available the hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series to all employees who have occupational exposure, and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up to all employees who have had an exposure incident.

Click here to read the OSHA Fact Sheet on Bloodborne Pathogens.

Do you need help with complying with the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard? Triangle Safety Consulting LLC can help your company ensure you are properly protecting your workers and ensuring compliance with OSHA standards.

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