Whoa, Dude, that is a lot of blood.

Impacting more than 5.6 million healthcare workers, OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard outlines procedures to protect employees from hazards associated with exposure to blood and potentially infectious materials (needles, blades, other sharps, etc.).

Local area enforcement initiatives may differ, but below is a list of the most frequently cited sections of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Good news, SafetyPlans.com covers all of these and more!

  • [1910.1030(c)(1)(i)] - Establishment of a written Exposure Control Plan
  • [1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)] - Review and update Exposure Control Plan (Note: This review must reflect changes in technology and document annual consideration and implementation of safer medical devices.)‍
  • [1910.1030(d)(2)(i)]- Use of engineering and work practice controls
  • [1910.1030(f)(2)(i)] - Availability of HBV vaccination
  • [1910.1030(g)(2)(i)] - Employee training program

Does the Bloodborne Pathogen standard apply to me?

Absolutely. Under OSHA’s General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act) employers are responsible for protecting their employees from bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infections materials (OPIM).

Learn more about bloodborne pathogens and needlestick prevention at osha.gov.

Content Preview

Exposure Control - Bloodborne Pathogens

Revision: 0
Date: 3/28/2024
Prepared by:
Approved by:

1.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this procedure is to assist the facility in eliminating or reducing the potential occupational exposure of employees to blood or other potentially infectious material.

This procedure is intended to comply with 29 CFR 1910.1030 – Bloodborne Pathogens, 29 CFR 1910.151 – Medical Services and First Aid, and Directive CPL 02-02-069 Enforcement Procedures for the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens.

2.0 Scope

This procedure applies to all _____ employees working at _____ facilities. These written procedures are readily available to all _____ employees.

3.0 DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

Blood – Means human blood, human blood components, and products made from human blood.

Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) – Pathogenic (disease-producing) microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Contaminated – Means the presence or the reasonable presence of blood or an OPIM on an item or surface.

Decontamination – The use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item to the point where they are no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles and the item or surface is rendered safe for handling, use or disposal. A solution of 1 ¾ cup of bleach and a gallon of water is effective for against bacteria and viruses when in contact with the surface for ten minutes. Germicides and virucides are alternatives and available commercially.

Subscribe to the All-Access Membership or purchase this plan a la caret to access the full contents...

Ready to Start Your Safetly Plan?

Create a Exposure Control - Bloodborne Pathogens plan for your organization in just a few show steps.