Bloodborne Pathogens
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines bloodborne pathogens (BBP) as infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. A blood-borne disease can be spread through contamination by blood, other body fluids, or other potential infectious materials (OPIM). These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although most people associate contamination with a needle stick, any sharps-related injury may expose a worker to bloodborne pathogens. Anything with a sharp edge that can cut or puncture your skin is considered a “sharp”. Workers in many occupations, including first responders, housekeeping or maintenance personnel in some industries, nurses, and other healthcare personnel may be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Although a worker may not directly interact with patients in a healthcare setting, they need to be aware that they are still at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
In order to reduce or eliminate the hazards of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, an employer must implement an exposure control plan for the worksite with details on employee protection measures. The plan must also describe how an employer will use engineering and work practice controls, personal protective clothing and equipment, employee training, medical surveillance, hepatitis B vaccinations, and other provisions, as required by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. Engineering controls are the primary means of eliminating or minimizing employee exposure. These include but are not limited to the use of safer medical devices, such as needleless devices, shielded needle devices, and plastic capillary tubes.
BBP Handling Sharps OSHA Fact Sheet
Bloodborne Pathogen OSHA Fact Sheet
Bloodborne Pathogen PPE OSHA Fact Sheet
General Bloodborne Pathogens Training Presentation
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines bloodborne pathogens (BBP) as infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. A blood-borne disease can be spread through contamination by blood, other body fluids, or other potential infectious materials (OPIM). These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although most people associate contamination with a needle stick, any sharps-related injury may expose a worker to bloodborne pathogens. Anything with a sharp edge that can cut or puncture your skin is considered a “sharp”. Workers in many occupations, including first responders, housekeeping or maintenance personnel in some industries, nurses, and other healthcare personnel may be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Although a worker may not directly interact with patients in a healthcare setting, they need to be aware that they are still at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
In order to reduce or eliminate the hazards of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, an employer must implement an exposure control plan for the worksite with details on employee protection measures. The plan must also describe how an employer will use engineering and work practice controls, personal protective clothing and equipment, employee training, medical surveillance, hepatitis B vaccinations, and other provisions, as required by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. Engineering controls are the primary means of eliminating or minimizing employee exposure. These include but are not limited to the use of safer medical devices, such as needleless devices, shielded needle devices, and plastic capillary tubes.
BBP Handling Sharps OSHA Fact Sheet
Bloodborne Pathogen OSHA Fact Sheet
Bloodborne Pathogen PPE OSHA Fact Sheet
General Bloodborne Pathogens Training Presentation