Bloodborne Pathogens and Biological Hazards

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) applies to workers with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). In general industry, this includes healthcare workers, emergency responders, housekeeping and custodial staff who may contact used sharps, and laboratory personnel. Primary pathogens of concern include HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV). HIV is fatal without treatment; HBV can cause fatal liver disease; HCV is the most common bloodborne infection in the U.S. A vaccine is available for HBV (hepatitis B) but not for HIV or HCV.

Employers with occupational exposure must develop and implement an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) — a written plan documenting the exposure determination, methods of compliance, hepatitis B vaccination program, post-exposure evaluation and follow-up procedures, and training requirements. The ECP must be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever new procedures or tasks that affect occupational exposure are added. Supervisors must ensure that workers in occupationally exposed job categories are identified in the ECP and trained annually.

Universal Precautions require treating all blood and OPIM as if they are infectious, regardless of the patient or source. Engineering controls — particularly sharps disposal containers, self-sheathing needles, and needleless systems — are the primary protection method and must be evaluated and implemented before relying on PPE. Gloves, gowns, and face protection (when splash risk exists) are the minimum PPE for tasks involving contact with blood or OPIM. Supervisors must provide and maintain these controls and ensure workers use them consistently.

Post-exposure incidents (needlesticks, cuts, splashes to mucous membranes) require immediate action: wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water (or flush eyes/mouth with water), report to the supervisor immediately, and receive a confidential medical evaluation within hours. The evaluation must include hepatitis B prophylaxis offer, HIV baseline testing, and documentation. The source individual's blood may be tested with consent. OSHA prohibits retaliation against workers who report exposures.