Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens pose a risk of infection when exposure occurs, particularly in workplace settings where contact with blood may happen.

Common examples of bloodborne pathogens include:

• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Hepatitis C (HCV)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

These microorganisms are a key focus of workplace health and safety programs due to their potential to cause serious illness.

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) sets requirements to protect workers from health hazards caused by exposure to bloodborne pathogens. It applies to employers whose workers may reasonably come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).

The standard includes requirements for:

• Exposure control plans
• Universal precautions
• Engineering and work practice controls
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Housekeeping practices
• Laboratory procedures
• Hepatitis B vaccination
• Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up
• Hazard communication and training
• Recordkeeping

It was amended under the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act of 2000 and applies to workplaces where exposure to blood or OPIM—such as unfixed human tissues and certain body fluids—can reasonably be anticipated.

All employees with occupational exposure must receive training, including part-time and temporary workers. Training is required initially, annually, and whenever changes affect their exposure risk.

Specifically:

• Employees with occupational exposure must receive initial training
• Annual training is required to maintain compliance
• Additional training is required when new or modified tasks or procedures affect exposure

Part-time and temporary employees are fully covered under these requirements and must be trained on company time if they have occupational exposure.

A person conducting bloodborne pathogens training must be knowledgeable about the subject and understand how it applies to the specific workplace. They must demonstrate expertise in occupational hazards related to bloodborne pathogens and ensure training is relevant to the work environment.

The trainer must:

• Be knowledgeable about all required training topics
• Understand how those topics apply to the specific workplace
• Demonstrate expertise in occupational hazards of bloodborne pathogens
• Provide trainees the opportunity to ask interactive questions during the session

These requirements help ensure that training is accurate, practical, and effective for employees with occupational exposure.

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard defines blood as human blood, human blood components, and products made from human blood. These are all considered potentially infectious and are covered under the standard.

This definition ensures that any materials derived from human blood are included when applying safety requirements and protective measures related to bloodborne pathogen exposure.