OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard - Occupational Exposure Prevention
Last updated: September 21, 2025
Overview
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 is the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard that protects workers who may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) on the job. This standard applies to all workplaces where employees could reasonably be expected to face occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including healthcare facilities, laboratories, emergency response, janitorial services, and body art establishments.
Critical Protection: This standard is essential for preventing transmission of serious diseases including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV in occupational settings.
Key Requirements
- Exposure Control Plan: Written plan identifying tasks and procedures with occupational exposure and methods to protect workers
- Universal Precautions: Treat all human blood and body fluids as infectious regardless of known status
- Engineering Controls: Safer medical devices, sharps disposal containers, handwashing facilities
- Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection provided at no cost to employees
- Hepatitis B Vaccination: Must be offered to all employees with occupational exposure at no cost
- Post-Exposure Follow-up: Medical evaluation and treatment following exposure incidents
Covered Bloodborne Pathogens
The standard specifically addresses exposure to:
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): Causes serious liver disease and can be fatal
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): Leading cause of chronic liver disease
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- Other Pathogens: Any pathogenic microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease
Training Requirements
Employers must provide training to all employees with occupational exposure, covering:
- General information about bloodborne diseases and transmission
- Exposure control plan details and how to obtain a copy
- Recognition of tasks that may involve exposure
- Use and limitations of control methods
- Selection, use, location, removal, and disposal of PPE
- Hepatitis B vaccine information and benefits
- Emergency contacts and procedures for exposure incidents
Recordkeeping and Documentation
The standard requires maintenance of:
- Medical Records: Employee medical surveillance records for duration of employment plus 30 years
- Training Records: Documentation of training sessions for 3 years from date of training
- Sharps Injury Log: Record of percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps (healthcare facilities)
- Exposure Incidents: Documentation of workplace exposure incidents and follow-up procedures
Compliance Strategies
Effective compliance requires a comprehensive approach including:
- Regular review and update of exposure control plans
- Implementation of safer medical devices and work practices
- Establishment of clear protocols for exposure incidents
- Regular training and competency assessments for employees
- Proper waste management and decontamination procedures
- Collaboration with healthcare providers for medical surveillance
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