Bloodborne Pathogens Training Requirements: What OSHA Requires

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease. The three that matter most at work are:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is preventable with a vaccine.
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV), for which there is no vaccine.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS.

The standard also covers other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), such as certain body fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal, pleural and amniotic fluids, saliva in dental procedures, and any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood), unfixed human tissues, and cell or tissue cultures that may contain HIV or HBV. Exposure usually happens through needlesticks and cuts from contaminated sharps, or splashes to the eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.

The standard applies to any employee with occupational exposure: reasonably anticipated contact with blood or OPIM as a result of doing their job. Examples include:

Workers who might give first aid only as a voluntary “Good Samaritan” act are generally not covered, but employees who are assigned first aid duties are. Each employer must write an exposure determination listing the job classifications and tasks with occupational exposure.

Tattoo artists and body piercers should also check their state or county health department rules. Some jurisdictions require a BBP course from an approved provider for a license, in addition to OSHA’s training rule.

Under 1910.1030(g)(2), the employer must make sure training is:

• Free to the employee and given during working hours.
• Provided at the time of initial assignment to tasks where exposure may occur.
• Repeated at least annually, within one year of the previous training.
• Updated when changes in tasks or procedures affect exposure.
• Given in language and at an education and literacy level that workers understand.
• Conducted by a person knowledgeable in the subject as it relates to the workplace.
• Interactive: there must be an opportunity for questions and answers with the person conducting the training.

That last point matters for online training. OSHA has said computer-based training can be used, but only if workers can get answers to their questions from a knowledgeable trainer at the time of training, for example by phone, chat or email with a quick response. OSHA does not approve, certify or accredit online training providers, and your employer must still cover its own exposure control plan, equipment and procedures with you.

1. An accessible copy of the standard and an explanation of its contents.
2. The epidemiology and symptoms of bloodborne diseases.
3. How bloodborne pathogens are transmitted.
4. The employer’s exposure control plan and how to get a copy.
5. How to recognize tasks that may involve exposure.
6. Methods that prevent or reduce exposure: engineering controls (such as sharps containers and safer needle devices), work practices and PPE, and their limits.
7. Types, use, location, removal, handling, decontamination and disposal of PPE, and how to choose it.
8. The hepatitis B vaccine: its efficacy, safety, how it is given, its benefits, and that it is free.
9. What to do and whom to contact in an emergency involving blood or OPIM.
10. How to report an exposure incident and the medical follow-up available.
11. Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up the employer must provide.
12. Signs, labels and color coding (the biohazard symbol and red bags or containers).

• Exposure control plan: written, reviewed and updated at least once a year, and including consideration of safer medical devices. Front-line workers must be involved in choosing those devices.
• Universal precautions: treat all human blood and OPIM as if infectious.
• Hepatitis B vaccination: offered at no cost within 10 working days of initial assignment. A worker who declines signs the declination statement and can change their mind later.
• Post-exposure follow-up: a confidential medical evaluation at no cost after any exposure incident.
• Records: training records kept for 3 years, including dates, a summary of content, trainer names and qualifications, and attendee names and job titles. Medical records are kept for the duration of employment plus 30 years. Many employers must also keep a sharps injury log.

An online BBP course is a practical way to cover the general topics and the annual refresher, especially for small offices, cleaning companies and other teams that do not have an in-house trainer. With Gama Safety, you study at your own pace on any device, pass the exam with 80% or better (unlimited free retakes), and download your certificate and printable wallet card right away. Team accounts start at 2 seats, so a manager can see who is due for their annual training.