Home

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Introduction

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard was implemented in 1992 to address concerns of occupational transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus, and other bloodborne pathogens. It applies to all employees whose occupation requires exposure to human blood, human blood products, unfixed human tissue, human cell culture, and other potentially infectious material. The Standard outlines procedures to be used to prevent occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, signed into law in November 2000, modifies the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. It requires employers to document their consideration and implementation of effective safer medical devices such as needleless systems and sharps with engineered sharps injury protections.

Applicable University Policy

VI-11.00(B)-UM Policy on Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

Applicable Regulations

• 29 CFR 1910.1030 - Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens; Final Rule, December 6, 1991.
• H.R. 5178 - Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, November 6, 2000.

Summary of Requirements

• Written Exposure Control Plan;
• Exposure determination;
• Provision of free hepatitis B vaccine to employees with occupational exposure;
• Use of Universal Precautions when handling all human blood and other potentially infectious materials;
• Special procedures for HIV and HBV research and production facilities;
• Annual training;
• Post-exposure follow-up;
• Documentation in the Exposure Control Plan of evaluation and implementation of effective safer medical devices.

Training

• Initial training for new employees with occupational exposure.
• Annual retraining.
• Web-based training and annual refresher training for researchers is available on the DES web site.

Reporting

Post-exposure treatment should be started as soon as possible following an exposure incident. If an exposure occurs, the employee should go to the urgent care clinic at the University Health Center immediately. If the Health Center is closed, follow-up care may be obtained at the nearest emergency room.

Inspections

There are no requirements for inspections.

Recordkeeping

• Training records must be kept for 3 years.
• Medical records must be kept for the duration of employment plus 30 years.
• A sharps injury log must be maintained.

Written Program

A written Exposure Control Plan, available from DES, is available to all employees using human blood or blood products.

University Resources

Written 5/98
Revised 4/05

We would greatly appreciate your feedback about this site.    RSS Feed Copyright © 2008 University of Maryland DES

UM Home | Directories | Search | Calendar Maintained by Department of Environmental Safety Direct questions and comments to safety@umd.edu