The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training Standard: What Your Employees Need to Know

Our Bloodborne Pathogens training meets OSHA standards (BBP, 29 CFR 1910.1030), and personal protective equipment (PPE, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I) requires employers to protect workers from occupational exposure to infectious agents.

EMC makes onsite bloodborne pathogens training easy for employers and employees. The health and safety branch of the US Department of Labor has set minimum training standards for certain job situations.

Onsite Training for Better Safety and Compliance

OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control have collaborated to establish the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard, which reduces workplace exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. EMC safety training and best work practice suggestions also cover exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Of course, infection control starts with Universal Precautions or UP. This is the practice of treating all human blood and certain other bodily fluids as though they had already tested positive for bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and HBV. Although the BBP standard incorporates UP, the infection control community no longer uses it alone. Our training program can help your staff members learn the safest and most OSHA-compliant ways to deal with bloodborne pathogens.

Benefits of EMC Onsite Bloodborne Pathogen Training

Why choose our onsite training? You can help your employees limit occupational exposure to blood, prevent accidents, and earn a training certification. We’ll also cover how exposure incidents should be reported appropriately using the hazard communications outline.

Protecting individuals and employees from bloodborne pathogens is essential to preventing personal infection. Bloodborne diseases are transmitted between people via blood and, in some cases, other bodily fluids. Training is the most effective method for safeguarding employees and others. Notable diseases that can be transmitted include Hepatitis B and C, HIV, and Malaria. Several lesser-known infections, like West Nile and Brucellosis, can also spread through contact.

The Importance of Being Prepared

Despite their best efforts, employees in the medical profession may expect to come in contact with bloodborne pathogens at some point. For that reason, medical clinics and dental offices should take certain precautions, such as:

• An exposure plan should be an exposure plan that is accessible to all employees. This program should outline the necessary precautions for individuals and the steps to take in case of exposure to blood.
• Offices should have protective gear, including safe needle disposal systems, gloves, eye protection, and cover-ups when appropriate.
• Training is the best defense, and EMC can bring the training onsite to make it convenient and practical.

EMC assists employers in adhering to OSHA regulations. Certain materials, including specific information, must be posted for employees. Employees are entitled to written policies outlining their access to resources, the training required, and the steps to take if exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Employers should consider including supplementary information in their postings, guidebooks, and systems to better support employees.

Who Else Can Benefit from Onsite Bloodborne Pathogens Training?

Training and written materials on bloodborne diseases are essential for healthcare workers beyond doctors and dental staff. This includes laboratory personnel, nursing staff, and pharmacists. Additionally, non-medical employees at healthcare facilities, such as cleaning crew members, may also need to complete this training.

In addition to healthcare employees, first responders, including EMTs, paramedics, law enforcement officers, and firefighters, are trained and routinely updated on preventing infections. Crime crews must also be protected, and they must take the training. These teams also need protective clothing, safety gear, and regular updates.

Daycare staff and school employees must be ready to manage blood and bodily fluids. Guidelines should be displayed and accessible to teachers and staff, similar to those in medical settings. Training is not limited to teachers; assistants, janitors, and aides can also be involved.

Artists in the tattoo industry also have OSHA guidelines to follow. Tattoo artists and individuals who do tattoo makeup fall under the same category and need certification. Individual states may have additional instructions for tattoo owners to follow.

Know Your Risk of Exposure

EMC training highlights awareness. Individuals might be unaware of the different situations that could result in exposure. Refresher courses keep these issues top-of-mind for employees, ensuring they stay compliant.

If your business employs a compliance officer, this person can maintain and ensure the material is current and accessible. EMC can collaborate with your compliance officer to provide training and guidance on maintaining your company’s compliance with OSHA.

Needles can be a primary source of spreading bloodborne pathogens, and there are several things hospitals and other healthcare environments can do to reduce accidental needle pokes:

• Users can employ syringes with safety cap features that require an extra step to unlock the needle. After the needle has been used, a locking cap is fastened over it, which cannot be removed once secured.
• In certain situations, utilizing fewer injectables could be a viable choice. When possible, opting for alternative delivery methods minimizes overall needle exposure.
• Needle disposal containers are a must. They are a one-way system: needles can enter the tub but cannot come out.
• Protective clothing, such as glasses and face masks, can also help reduce accidental exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Proper training will tell them what to do next if an individual is exposed. They must alert the supervisor immediately and take medical precautions. Some vaccinations and treatments, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine, can be implemented. The incident needs to be documented so management can review the situation that caused the exposure and see if it can be prevented from happening again.

Our onsite bloodborne pathogen workplace training comes with a one-year certification. You can rest assured that your employees know how to avoid bloodborne pathogens and respond in case of exposure. Incorporate with CPR/AED and First Aid training for a fully rescue-ready workplace. Contact us today for more information.