OSHA’s Bloodborne Disease Standard
PDF Version
29 CFR 1910.1030
Who is covered?
All employees who may come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials on the job.
This includes employees in health care, funeral services, medical equipment repair, emergency medical technicians, linen services, corrections officers, and other workers who may contact blood or other infectious materials on the job.
What must employers do?
1. Develop a written Exposure Control Program. This must cover:
◆ Identifying job titles and job tasks which have exposures or potential exposures to blood;
◆ Schedule and Methods of Compliance;
◆ Hepatitis B Vaccination;
◆ Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up;
◆ Communication of hazards to employees utilizing signs and labels as well as information and training;
◆ Record keeping; and
◆ Procedures for Evaluating Exposure Incidents.
2. Provide special training (at no cost to the employee) for all employees who are potentially exposed to blood or other disease-causing materials.
3. Provide Hepatitis B vaccine, free-of-charge, to all employees who are potentially exposed to blood or other disease-causing materials.
4. Use engineering and work practice controls, such as puncture-resistant containers, self-sheathing needles, and prohibiting recapping of needles by a two-handed technique, to eliminate or reduce worker exposure to bloodborne disease-causing agents.
5. Develop written cleaning schedules and decontamination procedures.
6. Provide handwashing facilities which are readily accessible to employees.
7. Provide personal protective equipment, free-of-charge, for employees who are potentially exposed to blood or other disease-causing materials. This includes equipment such as eye protection, gloves, aprons, gowns, etc., all of which shall be made available in the appropriate sizes.
8. Offer counseling and follow-up medical testing for workers who experience needle sticks or other exposures.
9. Maintain confidential medical records for all employees who are exposed to blood or other disease-causing materials on the job. These records must include the employees’ Hepatitis B Vaccination status, as well as results of examinations, medical testing, and follow-up procedures.