Why was the blood borne pathogen law passed?
The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) was enacted in response to the occupational health hazards posed by bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The law mandates employers in the healthcare industry, public safety sector, and research laboratories to implement appropriate safety measures and protocols to reduce the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the workplace.
The key reasons behind the passing of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard include:
Prevention of Occupational Exposure: The standard aims to prevent occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) that may contain bloodborne pathogens. The law requires employers to develop and enforce work practices, engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and standard operating procedures to minimize exposure risks for healthcare workers and other employees.
Risk Assessment and Exposure Control Plans: Employers are mandated to conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential occupational hazards associated with bloodborne pathogens in the workplace. Based on this assessment, they must implement an Exposure Control Plan that outlines the measures taken to reduce the risk of employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Provision of Training and Education: The standard requires employers to provide training and education to employees on the potential hazards of bloodborne pathogens, how to identify and respond to exposure incidents, and the safe work practices to minimize exposure risks. Employees must receive adequate training before working in environments where bloodborne pathogens may be present.
Hepatitis B Vaccination: The law stipulates that employers must offer free hepatitis B vaccination to employees with potential occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Hepatitis B vaccination is crucial in preventing HBV transmission in healthcare settings.
Reporting and Recordkeeping: Employers are required to maintain accurate records of employee bloodborne pathogen exposure incidents and provide this information to employees upon request. This enhances transparency and ensures that employees have access to essential documentation regarding their potential exposures.
Overall, the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard aims to protect the safety and health of employees who may be at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. It provides a comprehensive framework for preventing exposure and ensuring proper response and management of potential exposure incidents in the workplace.