Bloodborne Pathogens
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) protects workers who may be exposed to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) in the course of their work. Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease — the most significant being Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Workers with 'occupational exposure' — those for whom contact with blood or OPIM is foreseeable during their normal work duties — are covered. This includes healthcare workers, first responders, laboratory technicians, custodial workers who clean up blood, and others.
The Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is the employer's written program for controlling bloodborne pathogen exposures. It must include: an exposure determination (identifying which job classifications involve exposure), implementation methods for all required controls (engineering controls, work practice controls, PPE, housekeeping, HBV vaccination, post-exposure follow-up, training), and an annual review. Engineering controls include: sharps containers (puncture-resistant, leakproof, closeable, labeled), safety-engineered sharp devices (needles with retractable sheaths, needleless IV systems), and biosafety cabinets for laboratory work. The most important work practice control is hand washing — immediately after removing gloves and after any possible exposure to blood or OPIM. Sharps must never be recapped by hand (two-handed recapping).
PPE for bloodborne pathogen exposure includes: gloves (latex, nitrile, or neoprene depending on task and allergy status), gowns or lab coats, masks, and eye protection (goggles or face shields) for procedures that may generate splashes. PPE must be provided at no cost to workers. Hepatitis B vaccination must be offered to all workers with occupational exposure within 10 working days of initial assignment, at no cost to the worker. Workers may decline by signing a declination form. Post-exposure follow-up must be offered immediately after any exposure incident — including testing of the source individual (with consent), medical evaluation, prophylactic treatment, and counseling.