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Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention
What are Bloodborne Pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in
humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose
workers to bloodborne pathogens. Workers in many occupations, including first aid team
members, housekeeping personnel in some industries, nurses and other healthcare personnel may
be at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
What can be done to control exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens?
In order to reduce or eliminate the hazards of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, an
employer must implement an exposure control plan for the worksite with details on employee
protection measures. The plan must also describe how an employer will use a combination of
engineering and work practice controls, ensure the use of personal protective clothing and
equipment, provide training , medical surveillance, hepatitis B vaccinations, and signs and labels,
among other provisions. Engineering controls are the primary means of eliminating or minimizing
employee exposure and include the use of safer medical devices, such as needleless devices,
shielded needle devices, and plastic capillary tubes.
CAUTION!
If you are stuck by a needle or other sharp or get blood or other potentially infectious materials
in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on broken skin, immediately flood the exposed area with water and
clean any wound with soap and water or a skin disinfectant if available. Report this immediately
to your employer and seek immediate medical attention.
CDC: Emergency Needlestick Information also provides immediate access to treatment protocols following blood
exposures involving HIV, HBV and HCV, including the Clinicians' Post Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline (PEPline)
at 1-888-448-4911.
General Guidance
The following information provides discussion on the revised standard.
(Click CTRL and Link to access document)


Bloodborne Pathogens - OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (PDF*). OSHA Fact Sheet, (2011,
January).
Revision to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard - Technical Background and Summary.
OSHA, (2001, April). Includes revised information regarding the identification, evaluation, and
selection of effective engineering controls, including safer medical devices.

Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens; Needlestick and Other Sharps Injuries; Final
Rule (PDF). OSHA Federal Register Final Rules 66:5317-5325, (2001, January 18). OSHA revised
the Bloodborne Pathogens standard in conformance with the requirements of the Needlestick
Safety and Prevention Act.

Most frequently asked questions concerning the bloodborne pathogens standard. OSHA Standard Interpretation, (1993, February 1; updated 2011, November 1). Responses to common
questions about the bloodborne pathogens standard.

Quick Reference Guide to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. OSHA, (2011). Provides answers
What is the Bloodborne
Pathogens Standard?
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) as amended pursuant to the 2000
Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, is a regulation that prescribes safeguards to protect
workers against health hazards related to bloodborne pathogens. It has provisions dealing with
exposure control plans, engineering and work practice controls, hepatitis B vaccination, hazard
communication and training, and recordkeeping. The standard imposes requirements on
employers of workers who may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials such
as certain tissues and body fluids.
Five Most Frequently Cited Sections of Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
January 2001 – September 2011
Note: all citations refer to a workplace where the employer has employees with reasonably
anticipated exposure to bloodborne pathogens during the performance of their work duties. The
citation locations refer to sections of 29 CFR 1910.1030.
1. [1910.1030(c)(1)(i)] - Establishment of a written Exposure Control Plan
2. [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.
3. [1910.1030(d)(2)(i)]- Use of engineering and work practice controls
4. [1910.1030(f)(2)(i)] - Availability of HBV vaccination
5. [1910.1030(g)(2)(i)] - Employee training program
OSHA Enforcement Standard Interpretations
(Click CTRL and Link to access document)

Compliance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. (2009, February 27).

Clarification of the use and selection of BBP safety devices. (2008, May 5).
Applicability of OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard to the containment and disposal of electric
razors in correctional facilities and health care settings. (2008, January 2).


Clarification of PPE requirements for phlebotomists performing venipunctures in hospital setting and/or
rural outpatient clinics. (2007, October 26).

The applicability of OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standards to the use of sharps containers on hospital
crash carts. (2007, June 14).

Application of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard to contractors who clean up blood following
accidents. (2007, May 22).

Requirements for safety-engineered sharps for stockpiled pandemic influenza vaccines and pre-filled
syringes. (2007, March 2).

The use of safety-engineered devices and work practice controls in operating rooms; hospital
responsibility to protect independent practitioners under BBP standard. (2007, January 18).

Use of rapid HIV antibody testing on a source individual after an exposure incident. (2007, January 8).

Periodic serologic testing to monitor antibody concentrations after completion of the hepatitis B
vaccine three-dose series is not recommended. (2005, November 9).

Safety precautions, PPE, and immunizations for workers in waste water treatment facility. (2005, September 13).

Containment and disposal requirements for disposable razors used in long-term health care facilities for
personal grooming. (2005, March 28).

Needle removal procedures for situations where other methods of disposal are infeasible or required by
a specific procedure. (2004, December 9).

Limiting factors for implementing the use of engineering controls, i.e., safety scalpels, under the
Bloodborne Pathogens standard. (2004, September 1).

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard application to bifurcated needles; acceptability and appropriateness of
safety bifurcated needles. (2004, May 27).
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Employer's responsibility to re-evaluate engineering controls, i.e., safer needle devices, at least
annually. (2004, January 20).

Acceptable use of antiseptic-hand cleansers for bloodborne pathogen decontamination and as an
appropriate handwashing practice. (2003, March 31).

Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act and the requirement to include safety-engineered sharps devices
in pre-packaged surgical kits and trays. (2003, February 20).

Evaluation of sutureless catheter securement devices to prevent needlestick hazards. (2003, January
23).
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Safer medical devices must be selected based on employee feedback and device effectiveness, not
Group Purchasing Organizations. (2002, November 21).

Application of the bloodborne pathogens standard to veterinary clinics. (2002, October 15).
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Re-use of blood-tube holders. (2002, June 12).
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Search all available standard interpretations for bloodborne pathogens and needlestick prevention.
Hazard Recognition
The CDC estimates that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry and related occupations
are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and others. All occupational exposure
to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) place workers at risk for infection with
bloodborne pathogens. OSHA defines blood to mean human blood, human blood components, and
products made from human blood. Other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) means: (1) The
following human body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural
fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid
that is visibly contaminated with blood, and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult or
impossible to differentiate between body fluids; (2) Any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact
skin) from a human (living or dead); and (3) HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures,
and HIV- or HBV-containing culture medium or other solutions; and blood, organs, or other tissues
from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV. The following references aid in recognizing
workplace hazards associated with bloodborne pathogens.
Bloodborne Pathogens
(Click CTRL and Link to access document)

Hospital. OSHA eTool.
Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne Infectious Diseases: HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety and Health Topic.

Bloodborne Pathogens - OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (PDF*). OSHA Fact Sheet,
(2011).

National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis B Information for Health Professionals
Hepatitis C Information for Health Professionals
HIV/AIDS

Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

EPINet. The University of Virginia, International Healthcare Worker Safety Center. The
Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet) system provides standardized methods for
recording and tracking percutaneous injuries and blood and body fluid contacts. EPINet
consists of a Needlestick and Sharp Injury Report, a Blood and Body Fluid Exposure Report, and
software for entering, accessing, and analyzing the data from the forms.
Needlesticks (Click CTRL and Link to access document)
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
Bloodborne Pathogens - Protecting Yourself When Handling Contaminated Sharps (PDF*). OSHA Fact
Sheet, (2011, January).
Sharps Injuries among Hospital Workers in Massachusetts, 2010 --- Findings from the Massachusetts
Sharps Injury Surveillance System (DOC). Massachusetts Department of Public Health, (2012, March).

Medical & Dental Offices: A Guide to Compliance with OSHA Standards (PDF*). OSHA Publication 318712R, (2004). Provides a glimpse of the most frequently found hazards in medical and dental offices.

Disposal of Contaminated Needles and Blood Tube Holders Used for Phlebotomy (PDF). OSHA Safety and
Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (2003, October 15). OSHA has concluded that the best practice for
prevention of needlestick injuries following phlebotomy procedures is the use of a sharp with engineered sharps injury protection (SESIP), (e.g., safety needle), attached to the blood tube holder and
the immediate disposal of the entire unit after each patient's blood is drawn.
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Job Safety and Health Quarterly (JSHQ) (PDF*). (2001, Summer).

Fleming, Susan. "Preventing Needlesticks (PDF*)." New rules affirm the need for safer devices to protect
workers.
"Highlights of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard Revision (PDF*)." A toolbox discussion of the
revision to OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard.
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Potential for Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens From Cleaning Needles Used in Allergy
Testing Procedures. OSHA Health Information Bulletin (HIB), (1995, September 21).

Home Healthcare Workers: How to Prevent Needlestick and Sharps Injuries (PDF). US Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Publication No. 2012-123, (2012, February).

Preventing Needlestick Injuries in Health Care Settings. US Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2000-108, (1999,
November). NIOSH warns that health care workers who use or may be exposed to needles are at increased risk of needlestick injury.

Selecting, Evaluating, and Using Sharps Disposal Containers. US Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-111,
(1998, January). Presents a comprehensive framework for selecting sharps disposal containers and
evaluating their efficacy as part of an overall needlestick injury prevention plan, reviews the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) bloodborne pathogens standard and recommends
containers on the basis of a site-specific hazard analysis, and establishes criteria and provides tools for
evaluating the performance of sharps disposal containers.

What Every Worker Should Know: How to Protect Yourself From Needlestick Injuries. US Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Publication No. 2000-135, (1997, July). Discusses pathogens that pose the most serious health risks.

Securing Medical Catheters (PDF*). OSHA Fact Sheet.

Safer needles rollout study identifies factors for implementation success. At Work, Issue 75, Winter
2014: Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Canada. Good communication, gradual transition and
outside support pave the way for new technology.
Evaluating and Controlling Exposure
Studies show that nurses sustain the most needlestick injuries and that as many as one-third of all
sharps injuries occur during disposal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
estimates that 62 to 88 percent of sharps injuries can be prevented simply by using safer medical
devices. The following references provide information regarding possible solutions for bloodborne
pathogens and needlestick hazards.
Please Note: Articles/references that are dated before April 18, 2001 may not reflect the changes of the new
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard but still provide relevant, general information.
Control Programs (Click CTRL and Link to access document)
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
STOP STICKS Campaign - Safer Sharps Devices. National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH), (2011).
Bloodborne Pathogens - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Reduces Exposure to Bloodborne
Pathogens (PDF*). OSHA Fact Sheet, (2011, January).

Bloodborne Pathogens - Hepatitis B Vaccination Protection (PDF*). OSHA Fact Sheet, (2011,
January).

Preventing Exposures to Bloodborne Pathogens among Paramedics. US Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Publication No. 2010-113, (2010, April).

Information for Employers Complying with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2009-111, (2009, March).

Workbook for Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating a Sharps Injury Prevention Program
(PDF). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), (2008).

Model Plans and Programs for the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazard Communications
Standards (PDF). OSHA Publication 3186-06N, (2003). Includes a model exposure control plan
that meets the requirements of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and can be tailored
to meet the specific requirements for an establishment.

Occupational HIV Transmission and Prevention among Health Care Workers. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), (2002, February). Offers recommendations to prevent transmission of HIV to healthcare personnel in the workplace.

A Best Practices Approach for Reducing Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure (PDF). Cal/OSHA Consultation Service, Department of Industrial Relations, (2001).

Checklist for Sharps Injury Prevention (PDF). The University of Virginia, International Health
Care Worker Safety Center. Provides a checklist intended to help facilities comply with the
sharps safety requirements of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

Safety in Surgery. The University of Virginia International Healthcare Worker Safety Center,
(2008). Resources to reduce exposure risk and improve healthcare workers safety in surgical
settings.
Safer Needle Devices
(Click CTRL and Link to access document)


FDA, NIOSH and OSHA Joint Safety Communication: Blunt-Tip Surgical Suture Needles Reduce
Needlestick Injuries and the Risk of Subsequent Bloodborne Pathogen Transmission to Surgical
Personnel. (2012, May 30).
Use of Blunt-Tip Suture Needles to Decrease Percutaneous Injuries to Surgical Personnel:
Safety and Health Information Bulletin. OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2008-101, (2007, October). Supersedes NIOSH
Publication 2007-132.

Safety Device List. The University of Virginia Health System, International Healthcare Worker
Safety Center, (2003). Provides a list of devices designed to prevent percutaneous injury and
exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the health care setting.

Evaluation of Blunt Suture Needles in Preventing Percutaneous Injuries Among Health-Care
Workers During Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; New York City, March 1993-June 1994.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
(MMWR) 46(02);25-29, (1997, January 17). Identifies the effectiveness of blunt needles in
reducing percutaneous injuries (PIs) and suggests that they should be considered for more
widespread use in surgical procedures.

Evaluation of Safety Devices for Preventing Percutaneous Injuries Among Health-Care Workers
During Phlebotomy Procedures -- Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York City, and San Francisco, 19931995. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
(MMWR) 46(02);21-25, (1997, January 17). Indicates that the use of phlebotomy safety devices
significantly reduces phlebotomy-related percutaneous injury (PI) rates.

Needlestick and Other Risks from Hypodermic Needles on Secondary I.V. Administration Sets Piggyback and Intermittent I.V. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Safety Alert, (1992, April
16). Urges the use of needleless systems or recessed needle systems to reduce the risk of
needlestick injuries.

Safer Medical Device Implementation in Health Care Facilities - Sharing Lessons Learned.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH developed this forum to
assist health care facilities that are working through the process of implementing safer needle
devices in their workplaces.
Decontamination

Selected EPA-registered Disinfectants. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), (2009, January
9). Includes lists of EPA registered anti-microbial products to assist in choosing the appropriate
decontaminant.
Post-exposure Evaluation (Click CTRL and Link to access document)
According to the NIOSH Alert Preventing Needlestick Injuries in Health Care Settings, it is
estimated that 600,000 to 800,000 needlestick injuries (NSIs) and other percutaneous injuries (PIs)
occur annually among health care workers. PIs are caused by sharp objects such as hypodermic
needles, scalpels, suture needles, wires, trochanters, surgical pins, and saws. Additional exposure
incidents include splashes and other contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. Postexposure management is an integral part of a complete program for preventing infection following
exposure incidents.
The following references provide useful information about the management of occupational
exposure incidents to blood or other potentially infectious materials.


Bloodborne Pathogens - Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Incidents (PDF*). OSHA Fact Sheet,
(2011, January).
A Comprehensive Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus
Infection in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) 55(RR16);1-25, (2006, December 8).

Updated U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures
to HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) 54(RR09);1-17, (2005,
September 30). Updates US Public Health Service recommendations for the management of
health-care personnel (HCP) who have occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids
that might contain human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Updated U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures
to HBV, HCV, and HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) 50(RR11);1-42,
(2001, June 29). Updates and consolidates recommendations for the management of healthcare personnel (HCP).

Immunization of Health-Care Workers: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee
(HICPAC). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
Report (MMWR) 46(RR-18);1-42, (1997, December 26). Summarizes recommendations of the
ACIP concerning the use of certain immunizing agents in health-care workers (HCWs), and
assists workers and administrators, in optimizing infection prevention and control programs.

HIV Testing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This page discusses HIV testing,
new testing techniques as well as provides information regarding rapid testing and how the
tests can be implemented in different settings and research on the effectiveness and possible
uses of the tests.

EPINet. The University of Virginia, International Healthcare Worker Safety Center. The
Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet) system provides standardized methods for
recording and tracking percutaneous injuries and blood and body fluid contacts. EPINet
consists of a Needlestick and Sharp Injury Report, a Blood and Body Fluid Exposure Report, and
software for entering, accessing, and analyzing the data from the forms.

National HIV/AIDS Clinicians' Consultation Center. The University of California - San Francisco.
Offers post-exposure prophylaxis information as well as information via a telephone
consultation service.
SAFETY OBSERVATION: BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS AND FIRST AID
Specific Risk Factor(s) Identified
Please check the items below where improvement is possible, and indicate an approach
to addressing the risk factor.
NEEDS FOCUS
Bloodborne Pathogens and First Aid
RISK FACTOR IDENTIFIED
CORRECTIVE ACTION APPROACH
1
2
3
4
5
First aid supplies available
First aid trained personnel available
First aid personnel ready to treat
Bloodborne pathogens program in place
Bloodborne pathogens protective equipment
available and used
Bloodborne pathogens cleanup kit and solutions
available
Biohazard containers available/used
No recapping of syringes
Other (specify):
Other (specify):
Other (specify):
1= Retraining
2= Assignment to work with safety mentor
3= Increased frequency of safety observations
4= Unsafe condition or “non-enabled task” that needs to be addressed
5= Present at team meeting
Corrective action to be completed (indicate who is responsible and corrective action date):
Disclaimer: Material and information has been prepared for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Before acting
on any basis of any information or materials, employers who have specific questions or problems should consult with OSHA or
their attorney.
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
Appendix C -Scope and Application
This Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is designed to minimize the
potential for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially
infectious materials (referred to as BBP and OPIM), and to provide direction for correctly
responding to incidents that may occur in the workplace.
This policy applies to all locations where the potential for exposure to bloodborne
pathogens exists.
Occupational Exposure means reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or
parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from
the performance of an employee's duties. Other potentially infectious materials include:
• Semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial
fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid that is
visibly contaminated with blood.
• All body fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between
body fluids.
• Any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact skin) from a human (living or dead).
• HIV-containing cells or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and HIV- or HBV-containing
culture medium or other solutions.
• Blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV.
Our organization is committed to providing a safe and healthful work environment for our
entire staff. Unprotected exposure to body fluids and OPIM presents the risk of infection
from several bloodborne pathogens. Through proper employee training, recordkeeping,
and engineering controls, we minimize the possibility of infection.
Implementation
It is the responsibility of Management/Safety Officer,
_____________________________________[enter position], to administer this procedure
and conduct an annual review of this Exposure Control Plan (ECP). It is the responsibility
of any employee or contractor involved to adhere fully to this policy.
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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
Procedure
1.0 Exposure Control Plan (ECP) and Training
A. Employee exposure determination:
1. The following employees (including their job type and title) have potential
occupational bloodborne pathogen exposure and are hence, included in the
ECP:
Department
Job Title
Job Description
B. The _____________________________________ [enter position] is responsible
for the implementation and annual review of:
1. Exposure Control Plan (ECP). This will reflect changes in regulations and
safety technology.
2. Selection and review of the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
3. Review of engineering controls, e.g., sharps containers, labels, and disposal
bags.
4. Ensuring that required medical actions are performed and documented.
5. Maintaining employee health and medical records.
C. The _____________________________________ [enter position] is responsible
for training employees.
1. Training will be provided to all potentially exposed employees and is free and
available during work hours.
2. The _____________________________________ [enter position] will make
all training materials available to employees through ___________________
[list where training materials are available].
3. All training and in-services are to be retained in
____________________________________________________ [list location
of training and in-service location].
4. The Exposure Control Plan (ECP) will be available to all employees through _________________________________________________________[list
where the exposure control panel information is located].
5. Employees are encouraged to give feedback on training as well as any issues,
risks, and controls and their effectiveness.
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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
6.
7.
Feedback will be documented by
the_____________________________________ [enter position].
Annual training: Employees who have potential occupational exposure to
bloodborne pathogens are trained by the
_____________________________________ [enter position] on the
epidemiology, symptoms, and transmission of bloodborne pathogen diseases.
The training program covers, at a minimum, the following elements:
a) OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard.
b) The Organization ECP and how to obtain a copy.
c) Methods for recognizing tasks that may involve exposure to blood and
other body fluids and what constitutes an exposure incident.
d) Use and limitations of engineering controls, work practices, and PPE.
e) Proper PPE types, uses, locations, removal, handling, decontamination,
and disposal.
f) The basis for PPE selection.
g) Bloodborne pathogens, such as, Malaria, Syphilis, Brucellosis, Hepatitis B
and C, HIV, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and Staph
(MRSA).
h) Hepatitis B vaccine, including information on its efficacy, safety, method
of administration, benefits, and stating that the vaccine will be offered
free of charge.
i) Appropriate actions to take and persons to contact in an emergency
involving blood or other body fluid.
j) Procedure to follow if a near miss of an exposure incident occurs,
including the method of reporting the incident and the medical follow-up
that will be made available.
k) Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up that the employer is required to
provide for the employee following an exposure incident.
l) Signs and labels and/or color coding used at this facility.
m) Interactive question and answer session with the
_____________________________________ [enter position].
2.0 Post Exposure Follow Up
A. Ensure initial first aid treatment and response is fully executed first.
1. Protect yourself or anyone else involved in an exposure response.
2. Clean the wound by washing injuries with soap.
3. Flush and irrigate with water any splashes to the nose, mouth, skin or other
mucous membranes. Caustics and bleach are not recommended.
4. Irrigate eyes with clean water, sterile irrigants, or saline solution. Note- There
is no scientific evidence to indicate that antiseptics or wound squeezing
reduce bloodborne pathogen transmission risk.
5. Secure necessary medical attention appropriate to the incident immediately.
6. Make a prompt report of the incident to your manager.
7. All near misses as well as incidents are to be recorded .
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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
B. Post exposure follow up will be conducted by
the_____________________________________ [enter position] immediately
following an incident to determine:
1. Engineering controls in use at the time and their effectiveness. Type and
brand of device being used.
2. Work practices being followed at the time and their effectiveness.
3. Protective equipment and clothing being used at the time and their
effectiveness.
4. Location of the incident.
5. Procedure(s) being performed.
6. Level of the exposed-employee's training.
C. The _____________________________________ [enter position] will conduct a
medical evaluation immediately following initial first aid:
1. Document the routes of exposure and how the exposure occurred.
2. Identify and document the source-individual (unless identification is infeasible
or prohibited by law).
3. After obtaining consent, make arrangements to have the source-individual
tested to determine HIV, HCV, SARS, and HBV infectivity. Document that the
source-individual's test results were conveyed to the employee's health care
provider.
4. If the source-individual is already known to be HIV, HCV, SARS, or HBV
positive, new testing need not be performed.
5. Assure that the exposed-employee is provided with the source-individual's
test results and with information about applicable disclosure laws regarding
the identity and infectious status of the source-individual.
6. After obtaining consent, immediately send exposed-employee for blood
collection and test blood for HBV and HIV serological status.
7. If the exposed-employee does not give consent for HIV serological testing
during collection of blood for baseline testing, preserve the baseline blood
sample for at least 90 days. If the exposed-employee elects to have the
baseline sample tested during this waiting period, perform testing as soon as
feasible.
D. The _____________________________________ [enter position] will provide to
the testing facility the needed information relating to the incident and the
individuals involved.
3.0 Record keeping requires both training and medical records are maintained:
A. Training records are maintained by
the_____________________________________ [enter position] for each
employee:
1. Training documentation requirements:
a) Training session dates.
b) Training subject.
c) Training instructor name and qualifications.
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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
d) Names of all employee attendees.
e) All records of training and in-services are to be retained .
B. Training records will be available to employees, from the Safety Manager, upon
request and within “15” working days.
C. Medical records are maintained by the
_____________________________________ [enter position] for each employee:
1. Records are kept confidential .
2. Records are maintained for at least the duration of employment plus 30
years.
3. Training records are available to employees, from the Safety Manager, upon
request and within “15” working days.
D. Sharp’s injury log requirements:
1. All exposure incidents will be evaluated to determine if they trigger OSHA’s
recordkeeping requirements .
2. All percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps will be recorded in the
“Sharps Injury Log”. Records will include at least:
a) Date of the injury.
b) Type and brand of the device involved (syringe, suture needle).
c) Department or work area where the incident occurred.
d) Explanation of how the incident occurred.
3. This log is reviewed as part of the annual program evaluation and maintained
for at least five years following the end of the calendar year covered:
a) If a copy of the report is requested, it will have all personal identifiers
removed.
4.0 Universal Precautions
A. This is an approach to infection control.
B. According to the concept of Universal Precautions, all human blood and certain
human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and
other bloodborne pathogens.
1. All staff are to observe Universal Precautions to prevent contact with blood or
other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
a) Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is
difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially
infectious materials.
b) Treat all blood and other potentially infectious materials with appropriate
precautions such as use of impermeable gloves, masks, and gowns if
blood or OPIM exposure is anticipated.
c) Use specified engineering and work practice controls to limit exposure.
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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
C. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends Standard Precautions for
the care of all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status.
1. Standard Precautions apply to:
a) Blood
b) All body fluids, secretions, and excretions, except sweat, regardless of
whether or not they contain visible blood
c) Non-intact skin
d) Mucous membranes
2. Standard precautions are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of
microorganisms from both recognized and unrecognized sources of infection
in hospitals.
3. Standard precautions include the use of:
a) Hand washing
b) Appropriate personal protective equipment whenever touching or
exposure to patients' body fluids is anticipated, such as:
• Gloves
• Gowns
• Masks
D. Transmission-Based Precautions (i.e., Airborne Precautions, Droplet
Precautions, and Contact Precautions), are recommended to provide additional
precautions beyond Standard Precautions to interrupt transmission of pathogens
in hospitals.
1. Transmission-based precautions can be used for patients with known or
suspected to be infected or colonized with epidemiologically important
pathogens that can be transmitted by airborne or droplet transmission or by
contact with dry skin or contaminated surfaces.
2. These precautions should be used in addition to standard precautions:
a) Airborne Precautions used for infections spread in small particles in
the air such as chicken pox.
b) Droplet Precautions used for infections spread in large droplets by
coughing, talking, or sneezing such as influenza.
c) Contact Precautions used for infections spread by skin to skin contact
or contact with other surfaces such as herpes simplex virus.
d) Airborne Precautions, Droplet Precautions, and Contact
Precautions; may be combined for diseases that have multiple routes of
transmission. When used either singularly or in combination, they are to
be used in addition to Standard Precautions.
E. Needle stick and other sharps injuries:
1. Incidents involving sharps occur most often in medical facilities and with
medical provider personnel, (e.g., nurses and CAN’s).
2. Injuries are due to unsafe needles, sharps, sharps containers that allow hands
or fingers to enter the container, and their unsafe handling.
3. Potential health hazards include exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
4. Work practice controls for reducing exposure potential are in place based on
the following exposures and include:
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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
F.
a) Exposure: Contact with fluids during first aid treatment.
• Control: Latex gloves, safety glasses with side shields, or goggles,
CPR mask.
b) Exposure: Handling sharps, blades, needles, etc.
• Control:
‒ Only dispose of sharps in mailbox style (or other design that
prevents hands or fingers from entering receptacle)
immediately after use.
‒ Never use your fingers to push into a container.
‒ Never push on bags or other non-sharps designated container.
‒ Use only self capping needles.
‒ Don’t break contaminated sharps.
‒ NEVER recap, remove or bend needles and sharps unless this is
specifically required procedurally!
c) Exposure: CPR and stomach contents
• Control: CPR mask
d) Exposure: Body fluid spills
• Control: Cleanup using latex gloves and approved disinfectant.
e) Exposure: Contaminated sharps, blades, needles
• Control: Provide approved sharps disposal containers as noted above.
• Control: Keep containers close and accessible to areas where needles
or sharps are found and used.
Container requirements for regulated waste:
1. Will be leak proof, closeable, and puncture resistant.
2. Will not contain loose sharps!
3. Disposable items such as gauze, towels, cotton products, gloves, and masks
will be placed in appropriate waste containers.
4. Will not be overfilled and will be stored upright.
5. Will be handled only by ECP trained and authorized staff.
6. Labeling and signage:
a) Bio-hazardous waste container will be red in color.
b) Are labeled with the biohazard symbol:
c) Will have fluorescent orange label lettering.
d) Individual containers do not have to be labeled if they are in a larger,
properly labeled, container for shipping.
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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
G. Housekeeping to ensure prevention of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
1. Use spray/wipe/spray technique on all touch and splash surfaces. An EPA
registered surface disinfectant will be provided to apply to the surfaces to be
cleaned.
2. A second coat will be applied to these same surfaces and allowed to remain in
a moist state for the recommended time as per product instructions.
3. Although the areas should remain moist, they should not be dripping wet.
5.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
A. Availability to employees:
1. All equipment is provided at no cost to employees.
2. PPE supplies are provided by the
_____________________________________ [enter position].
3. PPE training is provided by the _____________________________________
[enter position].
4. All PPE to be worn shall be based on a Hazard Assessment done for the tasks
and exposures present. The Job Hazard Analysis application in the Risk
Management Center can be used for creating these documents. The following
information is to be captured:
Department
Job Title/Type
Exposure
PPE Equipment
B. Types of PPE available to employees:
1. Masks in combination with eye protection devices, such as goggles or glasses
with solid side shields, or chin-length face shields, shall be worn whenever
splashes, spray, spatter, or droplets of blood or other potentially infectious
materials may be generated and eye, nose, or mouth contamination can be
reasonably anticipated.
2. Appropriate protective clothing such as, but not limited to, gowns, aprons, lab
coats, clinic jackets, or similar outer garments shall be worn in occupational
exposure situations.
a) The type and characteristics will depend upon the task and degree of
exposure anticipated.
b) Surgical caps or hoods and/or shoe covers or boots shall be worn in
instances when gross contamination can reasonably be anticipated (e.g.,
autopsies, orthopedic surgery).
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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
C. Handling precautions:
1. Wash hands with antiseptic soap immediately after removing gloves or other
PPE.
2. Wear gloves specified on your hazard assessment when there is any potential
for hand contact with body fluids or OPIM and when handling or touching
contaminated items. Replace gloves if torn, punctured, or contaminated.
3. Wear appropriate face and eye protection, gowns, aprons, lab coats, clinic
jackets, or similar outer garments specified on your hazard assessment when
splashes, sprays, spatters, or droplets of body fluids pose a hazard to the
eyes, nose, or mouth.
4. Remove PPE after it becomes contaminated and before leaving the work area
and dispose of ONLY in properly labeled and designated containers.
5. Remove any garment contaminated by body fluids in such a way as to avoid
contact with the outer surfaces.
D. Maintenance and care of equipment:
1. Used PPE will be disposed of ONLY in properly labeled and designated
containers.
2. PPE will be disposed of in designated containers for cleaning or disposition.
3. Never clean and reuse contaminated disposable gloves.
4. PPE to be reused will be cleaned after every use.
5. Cleaning will be recorded on the organization’s preventive maintenance
schedule.
E. Latex allergies can result from sensitivity to latex gloves. Alternate materials are
available and must be worn. The _____________________________________
[enter position] will provide appropriate gloves for the given risk specified on your
hazard assessment.
6.0 Illnesses - Hepatitis B Virus
A. Defined: Inflammation of the liver that can lead to liver damage and death.
1. It is more transmissible than HIV.
2. Infection risk is 6% to 30% for a needlestick.
3. 50% of infected people don’t know they have it.
4. The virus can survive for 1 week in dried blood.
B. Our organization will provide the vaccination for employees that are exposed to
blood.
1. The _____________________________________ [enter position]will provide
training to employees on hepatitis B vaccinations that addresses:
a) Methods of administration and availability.
b) Safety: Hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG are considered safe.
c) Benefits: Hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG can prevent bloodborne virus
infection following occupational exposure.
d) Efficacy: Hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG are approved by the FDA.
e) Timing following exposure - Preferably within 24 hours, but not later than
7 days.
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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
2.
The hepatitis B vaccination series is available to all exposed employees at no
cost to them after initial employee training and within ten days of initial
assignment. Vaccination is encouraged unless:
a) Documentation exists showing the employee has previously received the
series.
b) Antibody testing reveals that the employee is immune.
c) Medical evaluation shows that vaccination is contra-indicated.
3. Employees may decline the vaccination.
a) The declining employee will sign a copy of the Declination form
(attached).
b) Completed Declination forms are kept by the
_____________________________________ [enter position].
4. Written report will be provided to the employee.
a) Within fifteen days following the completion of the medical evaluation a
copy of the health care professional's written report will be provided.
b) The report will be limited to two situations.
• If the employee requires the hepatitis vaccine.
• If the vaccine was administered.
5. Post vaccination:
a) Workers should be tested 1 to 2 months following the vaccine series to
ensure that sufficient immunity to HBV is provided.
7.0 Illnesses - Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
A. Hepatitis C is the most chronic bloodborne infection in the U.S.
1. Needlesticks are the most common cause of infection.
2. Infection rate is 1.8% from needlestick occurrences.
3. Typically there are no symptoms.
4. Chronic infection can develop, which could lead to liver disease.
5. There is no vaccination for HCV.
B. The organization will offer employees a medical evaluation if they are involved in
an incident where there was an exposure. A confidential medical evaluation is
required after an exposure.
8.0 Illnesses - Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
A. HIV has been reported to occur from skin contact and splashes in the mucous
membranes. The most common cause is from needlesticks and cuts.
1. Infection rate is 0.3%, or 1 in 3000 cases.
B. Check with the organization about providing post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV to
employees who were involved in an exposure incident.
1. Be aware that prescription drugs may reduce side affects but still have side
effects.
2. A confidential medical evaluation is required after an exposure.
3. Treatment should begin as soon as possible, preferably within hours.
4. The worker should discuss treatment risks and side affects with their
physician.
5. These drugs are FDA approved for treatment of existing infections only.
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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
9.0 Illnesses - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
A. SARS defined:
1. Viral respiratory illness that begins with a high fever and leads to other
symptoms, e.g., headache, feeling of discomfort, body aches, chills, diarrhea.
2. SARS patients may develop a dry unproductive cough about 2-7 days later.
3. Most patients develop pneumonia.
4. Incubation periods can vary. In some cases it could take up to 10 days to feel
sick. In rare cases it has been reported to take as long as 14 days.
B. Spread of SARS:
1. Person to person contact:
a) Droplets spread from infected persons who cough or sneeze in a 3 feet
vicinity.
b) Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your nose, mouth, or
eyes.
c) Close contact with respiratory secretions or body fluids from infected
people through kissing, sharing food, utensils, close conversation within 3
feet, physical examination, etc.
C. Protecting against the spread of SARS:
1. Frequent hand washing with soap and water.
2. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes with unclean hands.
3. Cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
4. SARS patients are generally most contagious when they are feeling
symptoms; this is usually in the 2nd week.
5. The Centers for Disease Control recommends persons with SARS limit their
interactions outside the home until 10 days after their fever has gone away
and respiratory symptoms have normalized.
D. Medical treatment for SARS:
1. Treatment is the same as that used for any serious atypical pneumonia.
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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
10.0 Documentation Summary
A. Document all information including the following:
Documents
Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
Training Documentation including:
- Classroom training and training course completed
- Sign-in sheets
- Quizzes
- Skills evaluations
- Operator Certificates
Pre-shift Inspection Checklists
Safety Observations
Near misses
Accidents and claims
Supplier and manufacturer Certificates of Insurance
Safety Data Sheets
Disclaimer: Material and information has been prepared for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Before acting
on any basis of any information or materials, employers who have specific questions or problems should consult with OSHA or
their attorney.
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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
Appendix A: Hepatitis B Vaccine Declination Form
I understand that due to my occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious
materials I may be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
I have been given the opportunity to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, at no cost to
me. However, I decline hepatitis B vaccination at this time. I understand that by declining
this vaccine, I continue to be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B, a serious disease.
If in the future I continue to have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially
infectious materials and I want to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, I can receive the
vaccination series at no cost to me.
Name: __________________________________
Signed: _________________________________ Date: __________
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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
Appendix B: Sharps Injury Log
Organization Name: ___________________________
Year _____________________
The Bloodborne Pathogen rule requires that you establish and maintain a Sharps Injury Log to record all contaminated sharps
injuries in a facility. The purpose of this log is to help you evaluate and identify problem devices or procedures that require
attention.
The Sharps Injury Log needs to do all of the following:
• Maintain sharps injuries separately from other injuries and illness kept on the Injury and Illness Log as required.
• Include ALL sharps injuries that occur during a calendar year.
• Be retained for 5 years beyond the completion of that calendar year.
• Preserves the confidentiality of affected employees.
Date
Case/
Report No.
Type of Device
(examples:
syringe, suture
needle)
Brand Name
of
Device
Work Area where
injury occurred
examples:
(Geriatrics, Lab)
Brief description of how the incident
occurred:
(Examples: procedure being done, action
being performed (injection, disposal), body
part injured.
Disclaimer: Material and information has been prepared for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Before acting on any basis of any
information or materials, employers who have specific questions or problems should consult with OSHA or their attorney.
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SOURCE: hhttps://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/gen_guidance.html
Human Capital LLC 2055 Crooks Road Level B Rochester Hills , MI 48309 Phone : 248.353.3444 Fax: 248.204.0722
Human Capital Florida 6815 Atlantic Boulevard Ste 3 Jacksonville, FL 32211 Phone : 888.736.9071 Fax: 888.291.1342
Disclaimer: Material and information has been prepared for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Before acting on
any basis of any information or materials, participants who have specific questions or problems should consult their lawyer.