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OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard: What You Need to KnowFor EMS and other healthcare professionals, accidental exposure to bloodborne pathogens is a constant risk. Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in the blood. They can cause diseases like hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Employees who become exposed to these pathogens are at risk. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides protection through the guidance contained in its OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Employers can find the requirements in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations at 29 CFR 1910.1030. These requirements let employers know what they must do to protect their workers. These workers are those exposed to blood or other infectious materials (OPIM). Next, is an overview of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and your responsibilities as an employer. Employer Responsibilities Under the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens StandardOSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires employers to establish, update, and implement a plan to reduce occupational exposure. Establishing an Exposure Control PlanA crucial part of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is the bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan, which is a written plan. The purpose is to minimize or eliminate occupational exposure. As an employer, you must prepare this plan. This plan must contain a list of your employeesâ job classifications who have potential occupational exposure. Further, the list should contain the procedures and other tasks performed by those workers that may result in their exposure. Updating the Plan Once a YearPer the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, you must update the bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan once a year. In doing so, you reflect any changes in the procedures, tasks, and positions that relate to occupational exposure. Also, document any changes in technology that either reduce or eliminate occupational exposure. Another addition you must also document any commercially-available medical devices that you have implemented. These devices are ones designed to minimize occupational exposure. Have you consulted with front line workers to identify, evaluate, and select effective work practices? If so, then document those as well. Implementing Universal PrecautionsFollowing the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, personnel should apply universal precautions while on the job. Universal precautions direct personnel to treat all blood as if it is infectious for bloodborne pathogens. Implementing universal precautions means doing the following: Identifying and Using Engineering ControlsEngineering controls are devices used to isolate and remove bloodborne pathogens from the workplace. They include sharps disposal containers and self-sheathing needles. They also include devices like needleless systems and sharps with engineered sharps injury protection. Employees should use all these engineering control devices at all times. Identifying and Ensuring Use of Work Practice ControlsIn addition to using engineering controls, the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard asserts that work practice controls lower the possibility of exposure by changing how personnel performs the task. This includes appropriate practices for handling and disposing of contaminated sharps. It also includes handling laundry, specimens, and contaminated surfaces. Providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard emphasizes personal protective equipment or PPE. PPE includes gowns, gloves, eye protection, and masks. As the employer, you are responsible for cleaning, repairing, and replacing PPE as needed. And you must do so at no cost to your employees. Making Hepatitis B Vaccinations AvailableAs directed by the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, employers must ensure that the hepatitis B vaccine is available to all employees who have occupational exposure. You must offer this vaccination after your employee receives the mandatory bloodborne pathogens training. This training must occur within 10 days of the employeeâs initial assignment to a position with occupational exposure. Making Available Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-UpEven with all of these precautions in place, exposure incidents do occur. Any occupationally-exposed worker who experiences an exposure incident must have a post-exposure evaluation. An exposure incident is specific, which is why the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard defines an exposure incident and requires an evaluation with follow up. An occupational exposure incident occurs to the mouth, eye, non-intact skin, any mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or OPIM. The evaluation and subsequent follow-up need to be free to the employee. It also includes a requirement to document the route or routes of exposure. Included are circumstances the exposure incident occurred under. You must also identify and test the employee for HIV and HBV. You must also offer post-exposure prophylaxis treatment, counseling, and evaluation of any reported illnesses. The treating healthcare professional will provide a written opinion regarding the OSHA bloodborne pathogens test to the employer. All diagnoses remain confidential. Using Labels and Signs to Communicate HazardsProper labeling is also a priority under the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Employers must fix warning labels to containers that hold regulated waste, reusable sharps, and refrigerators and freezers that contain blood or OPIM. Warning labels also apply to containers used to store or transport blood or OPIM. Likewise, any contaminated equipment you are servicing or shipping must also have labels. The same applies to bags of contaminated laundry. Some facilities use red containers or red bags instead of labels. In HIV and HBV research laboratories, posted signs should appear at all access doors when OPIM or infected animals are present. Providing Information and TrainingBeyond the initial training, you provide new employees, you must also ensure that your workers receive regular training regarding the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. This includes information on bloodborne pathogens and diseases. It also includes the methods one uses to control occupational exposure and administer the hepatitis B vaccine. Employees must receive regular bloodborne pathogen training so that they remain familiar with medical evaluation and post-exposure follow-up procedures. You must offer this training upon the employeeâs initial assignment and annually after that. You must also offer training when the employee has new or modified tasks or procedures that relate to occupational exposure. Employees should have the opportunity to ask the trainer any questions. Also, the training should be at the appropriate level and language for those employees in attendance. Whatâs Included in OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard TrainingSome of the topics included in OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard training should be the following:
HIV and HBV LaboratoriesIf yours is an HIV and HBV laboratory and production facility, your employees require special initial training in addition to the general OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard training provided to all workers with occupational exposure. Maintaining Medical and Training RecordsA final note: Employees must maintain a sharps injury log, unless it falls under the exemption listed in Part 1904 âRecording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Get More InformationIn conclusion, this article presented an overview of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. For more information on the standard, see the OSHAâs Bloodborne Pathogens Fact Sheet. As an employer, itâs your responsibility to ensure that the proper procedures, policies, and training are in place as required by the standard. Please check out our easy-to-use solutions if you need OSHAâs Bloodborne Pathogen Standard training for your staff. David Cvetanovski2020-05-02T10:21:22-05:00Related PostsWhat is required for bloodborne pathogens training?The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standards require that employers provide an annual awareness training to employees that have regular exposure to blood or other potentially infection materials (OPIM), have an exposure control plan to prevent and handle exposure incidents, and establish work practice and engineering ...
What are the 4 basic requirements of OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard?The Bloodborne Pathogens standard requires using a combination of protections including:. Exposure control plans.. Universal and standard precautions (UP/SP). Vaccinations.. Personal protective equipment (PPE). Annual employee training.. How long is blood borne pathogen training?The course teaches staff how bloodborne pathogens are spread, how to avoid exposure and what to do if exposed to infectious material. Allow approximately 60 minutes to complete the course.
What does OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard require of employees?The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard emphasizes personal protective equipment or PPE. PPE includes gowns, gloves, eye protection, and masks. As the employer, you are responsible for cleaning, repairing, and replacing PPE as needed. And you must do so at no cost to your employees.
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