|
OSHA's regulation on bloodborne pathogens, which was published on December 6, 1991, in 29 CFR 1910.1030 can be hard for the average employer to understand, and even harder to implement. SOS Technologies has a well trained staff that will walk you through the complexities of these requirements. Below are some basic FAQ's that we hope will aid you in determining the steps you need to take to comply with OSHA regulations.
This list is by no means exhaustive and is not intended to aid in the self-diagnosis of any medical condition. This page is meant for informational purposes only and cannot take the place of a diagnosis and treatment plan of qualified medical personnel. such as your family physician.
Who is covered?
The OSHA standard protects employees who maybe occupationally exposed to blood and other potential infectious materials, which includes but is not limited to, physicians, nurses, phlebotomists, emergency medical personnel, operating room personnel, therapists, orderlies, laundry workers, and other health care workers.
What materials can carry bloodborne pathogens?
Blood means human blood, blood products, or blood components. Other potentially infectious materials include human body fluids such as saliva in dental procedures, semen, vaginal secretions; cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural, pericardial, peritoneal, and amniotic fluids; body fluids visibly contaminated with blood; unfixed human tissues or organs; HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures; and HIV or HBV-containing culture mediums or other solutions.
What does OSHA mean by "occupational exposure"?
Occupational exposure means a "reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of the employee's duties."
Which employers are required to adhere to these OSHA standards?
Federal OSHA authority extends to all private sector employers with one or more employees, as well as federal civilian employees. In addition, many states administer their own occupational safety and health programs through plans approved under section 18(b) of the OSH Act. These plans must adopt standards and enforce requirements that are at least as effective as federal requirements.
What am I, as the employer, required to do?
Determining occupational exposure and instituting control methods and work practices appropriate for specific job assignments are key requirements of the standard. The required written exposure control plan and methods of compliance show how employee exposure can be minimized or eliminated.
Does OSHA offer a Bloodborne Pathogens fact sheet?
Yes they do, a complimentary copy may be found by  clicking here.
|
