Definition of Blood-Borne Pathogen Standards

The blood-borne pathogen standard was published by U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 1991 (29.CFR 1910.1030). The purpose of this standard is to protect workers from occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.

In 2000, the Needle Stick Safety and Prevention Act mandated revision of the standard to include safer needle devices and record keeping of contaminated needle stick injuries; this was implemented in April 2001.

Definition

• The blood-borne pathogen standard contains extensive, detailed regulations to be practiced by employers and employees to prevent occupational exposure. The following information relates to some of these regulations.

Training

• It is critical for employees to receive training before doing assignments with potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Annual and additional training is mandatory
  regarding changes to occupational exposure regulations.

Compliance

• Universal precaution requires that all patients' blood and bodily fluids be treated as potential carrier of blood-borne pathogens. Personal protective equipment like gloves must be worn to avoid contamination.

Warning

• Signs, labels and color coding are used to warn health-care workers and other occupational workers of hazardous materials. Examples are red bio-hazardous labels, red containers and red bags.

Considerations

• There are 5.6 million health-care worker and other occupational workers in the United States who benefit from these standards.