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Complying with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Regulation, 29 CF 1910.1030

Document Number: 105
Introduction
The Bloodborne Pathogens Regulation (29
CFR 1910.1030) applies to all persons who may reasonably anticipate
contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials in the course
of their employment. This includes contact with skin, eyes, mucous membranes
or contact from piercing the skin. The focus of the regulation is the
creation of a written Exposure Control Plan which describes how the employer
will protect employees from exposure. The following will outline the components
that must be included in an Exposure Control Plan. [29
CFR 1910.1030(c)]
Exposure Determination
An exposure determination is a listing of all job classifications
in which employees will be exposed (such as doctors and
nurses) or may occasionally be exposed (such as custodians and
laundry workers) to potentially infectious materials on the job. Any specific
procedures or tasks in which exposure occurs must also be listed without
regard to the use of personal
protective equipment (PPE). [29
CFR 1910.1030(c)(2)]
Employee Education and Training
Employees will receive annual training to be sure they understand the
hazards associated with bloodborne pathogens, the modes of transmission,
the Exposure Control Plan, the regulation itself, the use and limitations
of engineering controls, new devices which utilize updated technologies,
work practices and personal protective equipment. Other topics discussed
at this training should include: what to do when confronted with an emergency
involving blood or other potentially infectious materials; post-exposure
evaluations; the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine; and the use of signs
and labels. [29
CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)]
Control Measures
The employer shall take appropriate preventative measures against occupational
exposure. These include engineering controls and work practice
controls. Engineering controls—biohazard hoods, puncture-resistant
sharps containers, mechanical pipette devices and others—permanently remove
the hazard or help isolate the worker from exposure. As new devices become
available due to updated technologies, they should be incorporated as
engineering controls. These also include needleless devices, needles with
sheaths and blunt suture needles. Work practice controls—hand-washing
policies, sharps handling procedures, proper waste disposal techniques
and more—reduce the likelihood of exposure through the alteration of the
manner in which the task is performed. [29
CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)]
Employers shall provide personal protective equipment to employees
with occupational exposure to eliminate or minimize the risk of
infectious material entering their bodies. PPE is considered to be
appropriate only if it does not permit blood or other potentially
infectious materials to pass through or reach the employees' outer
clothing, undergarments, skin, eyes, mouth or other mucous membranes
under normal conditions of use. Following is a list of PPE and when it
should be used.
- Gloves:
Wear whenever hand contact with blood or other potentially infectious
materials is possible. Disposable (single-use) gloves, such as examination
gloves, must be replaced as soon as possible when contaminated or when
their ability to function as a barrier is compromised. They are not
to be reused. [29
CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(A)]
Utility gloves can be reused if decontaminated, but must be discarded
if cracked, discolored, punctured or showing any signs of deterioration.
[29
CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(c)]
- Masks,
Eye Protection and Face Shields: Use in combination whenever
splashes, spray or droplets of infectious materials are generated. [29
CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(x)]
- Gowns,
Aprons and other Protective Clothing: Wear when exposure to
the body, head, feet, or clothing is possible. The type and characteristics
of the covering will depend on the task and the exposure anticipated.
[29
CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)]
- CPR
Mouthpieces: Use when CPR is given. Mouthpieces should have
a one-way valve to prevent contamination from the victim. [29
CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(i)]
HBV Vaccinations
Once employees receive training, vaccinations should be made available
to those who run the risk of exposure. [29
CFR 1910.1030(f)(2)]
Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up
Employers shall provide a confidential medical evaluation for any employees
involved in an exposure incident. The purpose of this evaluation is to
document the exposure route and circumstances surrounding the incident,
blood testing, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/HBV status of source,
and appropriate medical and psychological treatment. [29
CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)]
Waste Disposal
All forms of blood or infectious materials, contaminated items that could
release infectious materials, or contaminated sharps must be placed in
appropriate sharps containers or closable, color-coded or properly labeled
leakproof containers or bags. Infectious waste shall be disposed of in
accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
[29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)]
Tags, Labels and Bags
Warning labels shall be attached to all containers used for the storage
or transport of potentially infectious materials. The labels shall be
orange or red-orange with the biohazard symbol in a contrasting color.
Red containers or bags can be substituted for warning labels. [29
CFR 1910.1030(g)]
Housekeeping and Laundry Practices
Employers shall create a schedule for periodic cleaning and appropriate
disinfecting to ensure that the worksite is kept clean and sanitary. Contaminated
laundry shall be placed and transported in properly labeled or color-coded
bags and containers. [29
CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)] [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)]
Record Keeping
The employer shall maintain medical and training records for each employee
who faces the possibility of being exposed or who has been occupationally
exposed to a bloodborne pathogen.[29
CFR 1910.1030(h)] Employers are also required to establish and
maintain a sharps injury log.
Commonly Asked Questions
| Q. |
What are sharps
disposal containers ? |
| A. |
A sharps container is a place to deposit sharp instruments
(such as needles or medical cutting tools) for disposal. These
containers are puncture-resistant, leakproof on the sides and
bottom, closable, and properly labeled or color-coded. They assure a
higher level of safety than disposal bags. |
| Q. |
Can biohazard
bags or containers be both labeled and
color-coded? |
| A. |
Yes. The Bloodborne Pathogens Regulation states that
containers must be either properly labeled or color-coded. Having
both simply exceeds the intent of the regulation. |
Product
Reference:
Lab Safety Supply has the products you need to keep your
workers safe and comply with current regulations. Please refer to the
Biosafety, Clothing, Eyewear, Gloves, Labels, Signs, Spill Control,
and Training sections of your Lab Safety Supply General
on-line Catalog for details.
Sources for More Information
29
CFR 1910.1030
"Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens," U.S.
Department of Labor, 1992. OSHA Form 3127.
"Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens: Precautions
For Emergency Responders," U.S. Department of Labor,
1992. OSHA Form 3130.
"Bloodborne Pathogens and Acute Care Facilities," U.S.
Department of Labor, 1992. OSHA 3128.
"Controlling Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens in Dentistry,"
U.S. Department of Labor, 1992. OSHA Form 3129.
www.OSHA.gov
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Please Note: The information contained in this
publication is intended for general information purposes only. This
publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government
regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice
or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited
regulation or consult with an attorney.
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