Safety Tidbit 2.31 – Training for Bloodborne Pathogens Program

Safety Tidbit 2.31 – Training for Bloodborne Pathogens Program

Reference:       OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

For all workers with occupational exposure to bodily fluids, the employer shall train each employee as per the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Such training must be provided at no cost to the employee and during working hours. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program [1910.1030(g)(2)(i)].

Accomplish training at the time of initial assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may take place and at least annually after that. Provide annual training for all employees within one year of their previous training. Additionally, when there are modifications of task or procedures that affect occupational exposures, new training must be completed. Furthermore, perform all training in content and vocabulary appropriate to the workers (e.g., educational level, literacy, etc.).

OSHA dictates the following minimum elements:

·      An accessible copy of the regulatory text of this standard and an explanation of its contents;

·      A general explanation of the epidemiology and symptoms of bloodborne diseases;

·      An explanation of the modes of transmission of bloodborne pathogens;

·      An explanation of the employer's exposure control plan and how the employee can obtain a copy of the written plan;

·      An explanation of the appropriate methods for recognizing tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials;

·      An explanation of the use and limitations of methods that will prevent or reduce exposure including appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment;

·      Information on the types, proper use, location, removal, handling, decontamination and disposal of personal protective equipment;

·      An explanation of the basis for selection of personal protective equipment;

·      Information on the hepatitis B vaccine, including information on its efficacy, safety, method of administration, the benefits of being vaccinated, and that the vaccine and vaccination will be offered free of charge;

·      Information on the appropriate actions to take and persons to contact in an emergency involving blood or other potentially infectious materials;

·      An explanation of the procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs, including the method of reporting the incident and the medical follow-up that will be made available;

·      Information on the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up that the employer is required to provide for the employee following an exposure incident;

·      An explanation of the signs and labels and, if appropriate, color coding required by the standard; and

·      An opportunity for interactive questions and answers with the person conducting the training session.

Furthermore, the person conducting the training must be knowledgeable in the subject matter covered by the elements contained in the training program as it relates to the workplace that the training will address.

A final note, this standard is from 1992, and while HIV is still very much a problem, Hepatitis is waning due to childhood vaccines.  I recommend, if you work in a healthcare setting, you broaden the scope of the annually required training. Try including any new infectious diseases (e.g., avian flu, Ebola, TB, Zika Virus, etc.) and discuss that disease’s relationship to your worksite (identification, exposure, control).

Hope this was helpful and thanks for reading my Safety Tidbits ~ Bryan