Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Individuals who work with blood and blood products may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, and they can potentially be infected if proper procedures and precautions are not followed. In 1991, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requiring employers to educate employees about pathogens, take universal precautions, wear personal protective gear and make vaccinations against hepatitis B available to individuals at high risk in the workplace.

Bloodborne Pathogens

• Exposure to any bloodborne pathogen is a concern to OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), employers and employees but three pathogens are of primary focus. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) are incurable bloodborne pathogens, and prevention is the only method of protection from infection. These infections can be spread through breaks or cuts in the skin, needlesticks and mucus membranes in the eyes, and they can enter the nose and mouth through accidental exposure or droplets.

Training Requirements

• OSHA requires employers to provide training to employees when they are initially hired, and the training is reviewed on an annual basis. Training must include instruction in defining bloodborne pathogens and why they are dangerous, exposure risks, prevention and in handling exposure issues such as needlesticks. Sessions must include a question-and-answer period to provide an opportunity to clarify information and address concerns.

Universal Precautions

• Training sessions and reviews remind individuals who work with bloodborne pathogens to follow universal precautions. In other words, all blood and blood products are treated as potentially infectious in being able to transmit HIV, HBV, HCV and other diseases. Not following universal precautions in deviating from workplace procedures and training and in not using proper equipment can increase the risk of infection among employees.

Personal Protective Equipment

• During bloodborne pathogen training, employers educate employees on the types of personal protective equipment (PPE) available at their facility. This equipment must be available to all employees exposed to pathogens, and provided at no cost. PPE includes, but is not limited to, gloves, laboratory coats and face shields or eye protection designed to prevent direct contact with blood and blood products. The type of PPE available is based on exposure risk, and latex-free materials must be available to employees who suffer from allergies.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

• In 1992, a vaccination against hepatitis B (HBV) became available. According to the CDC, the vaccine increases immunity to the virus, making transmission virtually impossible. All employers are required to offer this vaccination within the first 10 days of employment. If the offer for the vaccination is declined by the employee, it must be documented by the employer. However, the vaccination can be requested and given at any time--even after the original offer was declined, as long as the employee's job involves exposure to blood, blood products and potential pathogens.