Osha Bloodborne Pathogens Online Training
The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training Course is designed for all individuals who have a reasonable chance of coming into contact with blood or bodily fluids during the normal course of the workday. This course provides a detailed understanding of bloodborne pathogens, how bloodborne pathogens are spread, universal precautions and exposure control methods.
Roughly 5.6 million workers in health care and other work capacities are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as the hepatitis B virus (HBV), the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV — the virus that causes AIDS). it is imperative that all those who work in at-risk capacities are properly educated to minimize the risk of exposure.
The following information was created as a resource for those who work in an environment where bloodborne pathogen exposure could occur. This includes but is not limited to:
- Healthcare workers
- Orderlies or laundry personnel
- Laboratory and blood bank technicians
- Morticians
- First response personnel (law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, etc.)
- Medical waste treatment employees
- Home healthcare workers
Do You Need Bloodborne Pathogens Traning? 
If your work involves potential exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials, bloodborne pathogens training will equip you with the knowledge that will safeguard you against health hazards and reduce the risk of harmful exposure.
Complying With OSHA Law
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers who have employees that work in a capacity where occupational exposure or contact with blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM) that could occur — must adhere to the strict guidelines outlined in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard protects employees against health risks associated with potentially dangerous bloodborne pathogens. This standard outlines several necessary components of precautions, plans, and regulated procedures in the case of exposure. Within these guidelines is the following information.
- Exposure control plans
- Universal precautions
- Engineering and work practice controls
- Personal protective equipment
- Laboratories
- Housekeeping
- Vaccinations
- Post-exposure follow up
- Hazard communication and training
- Record keeping
For Medical Professionals
Certain aspects of OSHA law require additional compliance for healthcare and medical professionals. Employers and employees that are at a high risk of occupational exposure due to the use of sharps may require additional OSHA knowledge.
Bloodborne Pathogen and Needlestick Prevention from OSHA provides helpful information regarding the most updated version of the standard, enforcement practices, hazard recognition, exposure control, and workers rights.
The Center for Disease Control outlines what should be done in the case of a needlestick or sharps injury, along with additional guidelines for bloodborne pathogen exposure.
The Red Cross provides steps and measures that can be taken in the case of direct or indirect exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Useful Information Regarding Bloodborne Pathogens
Below are some resources regarding bloodborne pathogens to better inform professionals that may be at risk of occupational exposure.
Here is a short video from National Health Care Providers Solutions (NHCPS) that offers some background knowledge about bloodborne pathogens and the importance of an exposure control plan.
OSHA’s simple factsheet is a helpful and shareable PDF resource with the basics of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
Everything you need to know about exactly what type of infectious diseases can result from bloodborne pathogen exposure.
Want to know more about Bloodborne Pathogen Training?
Call ZOTA Professional Training. We are happy to answer any remaining questions you have. Contact us at 763-444-5323.