Bloodborne Pathogens Training
Bloodborne pathogen training is essential for individuals who may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) in the workplace. This training, mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), aims to protect workers from the risk of exposure to infectious agents such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV).
- Initial Training: Must be provided to all employees who may have occupational exposure to blood or OPIM at the time of initial assignment to tasks where exposure may occur.
- Annual Training: Refresher training is required annually to ensure that employees remain knowledgeable about risks and safety protocols.
- Additional Training: Must be provided whenever new tasks or procedures are introduced that affect the worker’s exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Purpose of Bloodborne Pathogen Training:
The goal of the training is to educate workers on how to minimize or eliminate exposure to bloodborne pathogens and ensure that they understand the necessary safety procedures, use of protective equipment, and what to do if an exposure incident occurs.
Key Components of Bloodborne Pathogen Training
Understanding Bloodborne Pathogens
- What are Bloodborne Pathogens?: Pathogens such as viruses and bacteria that are transmitted through contact with infected blood and OPIM.
- Common Bloodborne Diseases:
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): Attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS.
- Hepatitis B (HBV): Causes liver infection and can lead to chronic liver disease or liver cancer.
- Hepatitis C (HCV): Primarily causes liver inflammation and can result in chronic liver disease.
Exposure Control Plan (ECP)
- Employers are required to create and implement an Exposure Control Plan to protect workers. The plan must:
- Identify job classifications and tasks that pose a risk of exposure.
- Outline the procedures for reducing exposure (e.g., the use of PPE, engineering controls, work practices).
- Be updated annually to reflect changes in tasks or new technologies that reduce the risk of exposure.
Universal Precautions
- Universal Precautions is an approach to infection control where all human blood and certain body fluids are treated as if they are infectious. Workers are trained to assume that any blood or body fluid could be contaminated and must follow strict safety procedures.
Methods to Prevent Exposure
- Engineering Controls:
- Devices or equipment designed to remove or minimize hazards (e.g., sharps disposal containers, self-sheathing needles, needleless systems).
- Work Practice Controls:
- Procedures to reduce the likelihood of exposure by altering how tasks are performed (e.g., not recapping needles by hand, proper hand hygiene).
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection: Used to create a barrier between workers and potential sources of infection.
- Proper use and disposal: Training on when and how to use PPE, how to remove it safely, and how to dispose of it properly.
Hepatitis B Vaccination
- Employers are required to offer the Hepatitis B vaccine to all employees with occupational exposure to blood or OPIM, free of charge.
- The training includes information on:
- The benefits of the Hepatitis B vaccine.
- Safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
- The importance of receiving the full vaccine series (3 doses).
Handling Exposure Incidents
- Definition of an Exposure Incident: Contact with blood or OPIM through skin punctures (e.g., needlestick injuries), eye, mouth, or broken skin contact.
- Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up:
- Employees must immediately report any exposure incident.
- Employers must provide confidential medical evaluation and follow-up, including testing the exposed worker for bloodborne diseases and offering post-exposure prophylaxis if needed.
Cleaning and Decontaminating Work Areas
- Proper procedures for cleaning and disinfecting work areas and equipment contaminated with blood or OPIM.
- Use of EPA-approved disinfectants and proper disposal of contaminated waste.
Labeling and Biohazard Communication
- Biohazard labels: Required on containers that hold contaminated materials, regulated waste, or items that may have come into contact with blood or OPIM.
- Training includes recognizing biohazard symbols and understanding where they should be placed.
Recordkeeping
- Medical Records: Employers must keep records of employees’ Hepatitis B vaccination status and any post-exposure incidents. These records must be kept confidential.
- Training Records: Documentation of bloodborne pathogen training, including dates, content, and instructor information, must be maintained for at least three years.
Benefits of Bloodborne Pathogen Training
Improved Worker Safety
Enhanced Emergency Preparedness
Improved Worker Safety
Reduces the risk of occupational exposure to infectious diseases.
Compliance with OSHA
Enhanced Emergency Preparedness
Improved Worker Safety
Ensures that the employer complies with federal regulations, avoiding penalties and fines.
Enhanced Emergency Preparedness
Enhanced Emergency Preparedness
Enhanced Emergency Preparedness
Workers are better equipped to handle exposure incidents and respond appropriately to minimize health risks.
Training
Frequency of Training
- Initial Training: Must be provided to all employees who may have occupational exposure to blood or OPIM at the time of initial assignment to tasks where exposure may occur.
- Annual Training: Refresher training is required annually to ensure that employees remain knowledgeable about risks and safety protocols.
- Additional Training: Must be provided whenever new tasks or procedures are introduced that affect the worker’s exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Benefits of Bloodborne Pathogen Training
- Improved Worker Safety: Reduces the risk of occupational exposure to infectious diseases.
- Compliance with OSHA: Ensures that the employer complies with federal regulations, avoiding penalties and fines.
- Enhanced Emergency Preparedness: Workers are better equipped to handle exposure incidents and respond appropriately to minimize health risks.
Training Providers
- Courses are available through an OSHA Authorized Trainer. Click here to verify Deidra Bankston's OSHA Authorized Trainer Status
- Courses are available via online or on-site training.
Who Needs Bloodborne Pathogen Training?
- Healthcare Workers: Doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and other clinical staff.
- First Responders: EMTs, paramedics, and law enforcement officers.
- Laboratory Personnel: Staff who handle blood samples or work in settings with exposure risk.
- Housekeeping Staff: Employees who handle waste, clean patient rooms, or manage laundry in healthcare settings.
- Dental Professionals: Dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants.
- Tattoo Artists and Body Piercers: Those who work with needles and other instruments that come into contact with blood.
