(OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Compliant)
Provider: OpsIntegrity^TM

Purpose:
The purpose of this training is to provide awareness-level instruction on occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in compliance with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). It outlines key risks, safety protocols, and responsibilities to ensure worker health and safety.

Introduction

Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) are infectious microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease in humans. Employees in various industries, especially healthcare, sanitation, and emergency response may be exposed to these hazards through needlestick injuries, cuts, or contact with infected blood and bodily fluids.

This training will walk you through the basics of BBPs, highlight real-world risks, and provide the tools to work safely. By the end of this course, you'll understand the importance of an Exposure Control Plan, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), post-exposure actions, and your rights under OSHA’s standard.

Our Most Important Objective: A Safe and Healthful Workplace

At OpsIntegrity, we believe that maintaining a safe and healthful workplace is the highest priority for every employer and employee. This principle forms the foundation of all training modules and safety resources provided through the OpsIntegrity system.

Employers are responsible for:

• Providing a workplace free from recognized hazards.
• Complying with OSHA standards and other applicable safety regulations.
• Promoting continuous improvement in safety practices.
• Empowering workers to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation.

Employees are responsible for:

• Following safety procedures and practices at all times.
• Reporting safety concerns, hazards, or near misses.
• Actively supporting the safety culture of their workplace.

Through OpsIntegrity’s shared resources, training, and compliance tools, employers and employees work together to identify risks, prevent injuries, and maintain a strong commitment to safety excellence.

Safety is not just a policy. It is a shared responsibility and a daily practice.

Understanding Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens include viruses such as:

• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

These viruses can lead to serious or life-threatening illnesses. Transmission typically occurs through:

• Needlesticks or cuts from sharp objects contaminated with infected blood
• Contact of mucous membranes or broken skin with infected fluids.

In the construction industry, workers are most likely to come in contact with bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) during the following situations:

• Providing First Aid
  Scenario: A worker provides first aid to a coworker injured by a fall, cut, or other accident.
  Risk: Direct contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) like saliva or vomit.
  Controls: Use of gloves, face shields, and CPR masks; proper first aid training; access to a stocked first aid kit with barrier protection.
• Cleaning Up After an Injury Incident
  Scenario: A worker is assigned to clean blood spills or bodily fluids after an injury or accident on site.
  Risk: Handling contaminated tools, surfaces, or absorbent materials like rags or sawdust.
  Controls: Use of PPE, biohazard spill kits, proper disposal containers, and following decontamination procedures.
• Handling Used Bandages or PPE
  Scenario: Disposing of or moving used first aid materials, gloves, or clothing stained with blood.
  Risk: Indirect contact through contaminated materials.
  Controls: Labeling contaminated waste, using puncture-resistant bags, and wearing gloves during handling.
• Working Around Sharp Objects or Tools
  Scenario: Accidental cuts or punctures from sharp tools, broken glass, metal edges, or improperly disposed blades or nails.
  Risk: Potential exposure if the object has blood residue or if another worker is injured by the same item.
  Controls: Use of cut-resistant gloves, safe storage and disposal of sharps, and regular housekeeping.
• Sharing Tools or PPE
  Scenario: Workers inadvertently share gloves or tools that have come into contact with blood.
  Risk: Transmission through uncleaned equipment or clothing.
  Controls: Assign personal PPE, encourage cleaning of shared tools, and educate workers about the risks.
• Responding to Accidents Involving Strangers (e.g., Public Accidents)
  Scenario: Construction near public areas where workers assist civilians after a vehicle or pedestrian accident.
  Risk: Unknown health status of injured persons and exposure to blood or OPIM.
  Controls: Emergency responder training, PPE availability, and proper post-incident decontamination.
• Exposure During Demolition or Site Cleanup
  Scenario: Encountering biohazardous materials left behind in abandoned buildings or homeless encampments (e.g., used needles, contaminated bedding).
  Risk: Hidden biological hazards including bloodborne pathogens.
  Controls: Hazard assessment before work, PPE, sharps containers, and trained cleanup procedures.

Key Takeaway
Construction workers aren’t typically classified as high-risk for BBP exposure under OSHA’s standard, but real-world incidents put them in harm’s way. Employers must provide:

• PPE and spill response materials,
• First aid training with BBP awareness,
• A written Exposure Control Plan if there is anticipated occupational exposure.

Exposure Control Plan (ECP)

An Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is a required written program that outlines an employer’s strategy for eliminating or minimizing employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens. It is a critical part of compliance with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) and serves as both a prevention and response guide.

The ECP must be tailored to the specific tasks and risks at a given workplace and should be reviewed and updated at least annually, or whenever changes occur that affect occupational exposure. The plan must be readily accessible to all employees, whether in hard copy or digital form, and should be communicated clearly during training.

The ECP Must Include:

1. Exposure Determination
This section identifies all:

• Job classifications in which all workers are reasonably anticipated to have occupational exposure (e.g., designated first aid providers, cleanup personnel).
• Tasks and procedures in which occupational exposure occurs, even if not all employees in that job classification are exposed.

This determination must be made without regard to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

2. Implementation of Universal Precautions
The plan must describe how universal precautions will be applied—meaning all blood and certain bodily fluids are treated as if known to be infectious. This includes:

• Use of gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection
• Safe handling of sharps
• Procedures for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces

3. Engineering and Work Practice Controls
Details on how exposure will be minimized through:

• Engineering controls such as sharps disposal containers, self-sheathing needles, and splash guards
• Work practice controls such as handwashing protocols, not eating or drinking in work areas, and minimizing hand-to-face contact

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The plan must specify:

• The types of PPE to be used (e.g., gloves, face shields, gowns)
• The circumstances under which PPE must be worn
• Protocols for the cleaning, decontamination, and disposal of PPE

5. Housekeeping Procedures
Procedures for:

• Decontaminating work surfaces and equipment after exposure
• Handling contaminated laundry
• Managing regulated waste (e.g., blood-soaked materials, used sharps)

All cleaning agents used must be effective against HBV and HIV.

6. Hepatitis B Vaccination
Employers must:

• Offer the Hepatitis B vaccination series to all employees with occupational exposure
• Do so within 10 working days of assignment to a position with risk
• Provide the vaccine at no cost and without pressure or retaliation
• Maintain documentation of vaccination or signed declination forms

Employees who initially decline the vaccine may request it later.

7. Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up
The ECP must outline:

• Procedures for immediate medical evaluation after a potential exposure
• Access to a confidential medical examination, including testing and counseling
• Steps for documenting the incident and implementing corrective actions
• Communication with the exposed employee’s healthcare provider

8. Communication of Hazards
This includes:

• The use of biohazard labels and warning signs
• Training on recognizing and avoiding exposure risks
• Information on where the ECP is located and how to access it

9. Training and Education
The plan must include:

• A description of the training program provided to all employees at risk
• Annual retraining requirements
• Documentation of training sessions, including date, content, and attendee names

10. Recordkeeping
Employers must keep:

• Medical records for each employee with occupational exposure (for the duration of employment + 30 years)
• Training records (for at least 3 years)
• A written copy of the ECP, readily available for review by employees and OSHA

Annual Review
The ECP must be reviewed and updated annually, or sooner if:

• There are changes in tasks, procedures, or job roles
• New technologies or safer medical devices are introduced
• An exposure incident reveals shortcomings in the plan

Methods of Compliance

To protect workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), OSHA requires employers to implement a comprehensive system of safeguards. These safeguards are categorized into universal precautions, engineering controls, work practice controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Together, they form a layered defense system designed to prevent exposure and transmission of BBPs in the workplace.

A. Universal Precautions

Definition: Universal precautions is an approach to infection control in which all human blood and certain body fluids are treated as if they are known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, HCV, and other bloodborne pathogens.

Key Practices:

• Treat all blood and bodily fluids (including saliva in dental settings, semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.) as infectious—regardless of perceived risk.
• Assume that any bodily fluid from any person could be infectious, even if they appear healthy.
• Apply this approach consistently, not selectively.

Why It Matters: Many infected individuals do not show symptoms. Universal precautions eliminate the need to guess who may be infectious.

B. Engineering Controls

Definition: Engineering controls are physical or mechanical systems that isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace.

Examples Include:

• Sharps disposal containers: Leak-proof, puncture-resistant, and clearly labeled containers for safe disposal of used needles and other sharps.
• Self-sheathing needles: Devices designed to shield the needle after use, reducing the risk of accidental sticks.
• Needleless systems: Equipment that allows fluid transfer or injection without the use of needles.
• Splash guards and handwashing stations: Installed in high-risk areas to minimize cross-contamination.

Employer Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and implement safer medical devices regularly.
• Involve frontline employees in the selection of effective engineering controls.
• Maintain and inspect all controls routinely to ensure they function properly.

C. Work Practice Controls

Definition: Work practice controls are behaviors or procedures that reduce the likelihood of exposure by altering the way tasks are performed.

Required Practices:

• Hand hygiene: Wash hands immediately after removing gloves and after any contact with potentially infectious materials, even if gloves were worn.
• Prohibition of needle recapping: Needles must never be bent, broken, removed from disposable syringes, or recapped by hand unless required by a specific medical procedure—and even then, only with a one-handed technique or mechanical device.
• No eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics, or handling contact lenses in areas where exposure may occur.
• Cleaning and disinfection procedures: Regularly clean surfaces and equipment using EPA-registered disinfectants effective against BBPs.
• Transport precautions: Specimens must be placed in leak-proof containers labeled with a biohazard symbol when being transported or processed.

Why This Matters: Even with engineering controls and PPE, human behavior plays a critical role in preventing exposure.

D. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Definition: PPE is specialized clothing or equipment worn by employees for protection against infectious materials.

Types of PPE Commonly Used:

• Gloves: Required when there is any potential for hand contact with blood or OPIM, contaminated surfaces, or contaminated instruments.
• Face shields and masks: Protect eyes, nose, and mouth from splashes or sprays of blood or OPIM.
• Gowns and aprons: Prevent contamination of clothing and skin during procedures likely to generate splashes or spills.
• CPR masks or shields: Barrier devices for performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Proper Use Requirements:

• PPE must be provided by the employer at no cost to employees.
• It must be selected based on the task and level of expected exposure.
• It must be readily accessible and available in appropriate sizes.
• PPE must be removed and discarded properly before leaving the work area.
• Contaminated PPE must be either discarded or cleaned by trained personnel—never taken home by employees.

Summary of Compliance

Employers are required to:

• Integrate all four layers—universal precautions, engineering controls, work practice controls, and PPE—into daily operations.
• Train all employees on how to use each method effectively.
• Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of controls and update them as needed.

These methods of compliance are not optional—they are essential, enforceable components of a legally required bloodborne pathogens safety program.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a critical component of OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). PPE serves as a physical barrier between workers and potentially infectious materials (PIM), reducing the risk of exposure through skin, mucous membranes, or clothing.

PPE is considered a last line of defense, used in conjunction with engineering and work practice controls—not as a replacement for them.

Employer Requirements for PPE

Employers are required to:

• Provide appropriate PPE at no cost to all employees who may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
• Ensure that PPE is readily available in all work areas where exposure might occur.
• Train employees on the proper selection, use, limitations, donning, doffing, and disposal of PPE.
• Ensure PPE fits properly and does not pose a hazard in itself (e.g., tripping or visibility risks).
• Replace damaged or contaminated PPE immediately.

Types of PPE for Bloodborne Pathogen Protection

Depending on the task, workers may be required to wear one or more of the following:

• Gloves – Protect hands from contact with blood and OPIM. Must be worn when:
  • Handling contaminated materials
  • Performing first aid
  • Cleaning up blood spills
  • Performing decontamination tasks
  • Disposable gloves should never be washed or reused.
• Gowns, aprons, or lab coats – Provide body protection from splashes or spills.
• These must be fluid-resistant or impervious depending on the expected level of exposure.
• Face shields and masks – Protect eyes, nose, and mouth from splashes, sprays, or aerosols of blood or OPIM. Surgical masks combined with eye protection, such as goggles or glasses with solid side shields, are acceptable substitutes when face shields are not available.
• CPR masks or pocket masks – Provide a barrier during resuscitation efforts to prevent transmission through saliva or blood.
• Shoe covers or boots – Used in cases where large amounts of blood or body fluids are present, particularly in cleanup or biohazard response scenarios.

Guidelines for Proper PPE Use

Wear the Right PPE for the Task

• Select PPE based on the anticipated level of exposure and the nature of the task.
• For example: use gloves only for basic cleanup; use a full gown, face shield, and mask for responding to a large injury with spray potential.

Inspect PPE Before Use

• Always check for rips, punctures, or other defects before use.
• Damaged or compromised PPE must be replaced immediately.

Properly Don (Put On) and Doff (Remove) PPE

• Follow a safe sequence to avoid self-contamination:
  • Donning: Gown → Mask → Eye protection → Gloves
  • Doffing: Gloves → Eye protection → Gown → Mask
• Avoid touching the contaminated outer surfaces during removal.
• Dispose of PPE in designated containers immediately after use.

Never Wear PPE Outside of the Work Area

• PPE must be removed before leaving the immediate work area to prevent contamination of hallways, vehicles, break rooms, or personal belongings.

Proper Cleaning or Disposal

• Disposable PPE (e.g., single-use gloves) must be discarded into biohazard-labeled containers.
• Reusable PPE (e.g., face shields or lab coats) must be properly decontaminated by trained personnel using EPA-approved disinfectants.
• Contaminated laundry must be handled with minimum agitation and transported in labeled, leak-proof bags.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Employers must provide PPE, ensure its proper use, train employees, and take steps to ensure contaminated PPE is never reused inappropriately.
• Employees must use PPE when required, follow training instructions, report any damage or deficiencies, and remove PPE properly after exposure risk ends.

Why PPE Matters

Even minor incidents like cleaning a small cut or disposing of a used bandage can result in serious disease transmission if protective barriers are not used. Proper PPE usage is a non-negotiable part of a compliant and safe workplace.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most serious and common bloodborne pathogens that can cause liver infection, failure, cancer, or even death. The Hepatitis B vaccination is a highly effective preventive measure that significantly reduces the risk of infection after occupational exposure.

Under OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)), employers are legally required to offer the Hepatitis B vaccination to all employees who may reasonably be anticipated to come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) as part of their job duties.

Employer Requirements

Employers must provide the vaccination under the following conditions:

1. Offer Within 10 Days of Assignment to At-Risk Duties

• The vaccine must be made available within 10 working days of the employee’s initial assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may occur (e.g., first aid responders, cleanup crews, field personnel, lab workers).
• Employees are not required to receive the vaccine, but the offer must be formally documented.
• If an employee initially declines, the employer is still required to make the vaccine available at any later date if the employee changes their mind and remains at risk.

2. No Cost to Employee

• The vaccination must be provided free of charge.
• The employer must pay for all associated costs, including:
  • The vaccine itself (a 3-dose series over a 6-month period)
    Medical evaluation and lab testing, if applicable
  • Administration fees
  • Travel expenses if off-site vaccination is required

Employees must not be required to use personal health insurance or pay out of pocket for any part of the vaccination.

3. Administered by a Licensed Healthcare Professional

• The vaccination must be administered by or under the supervision of a licensed physician or other licensed healthcare professional.
• Vaccinations must be provided in accordance with the U.S. Public Health Service recommendations.

4. Signed Declination if Employee Refuses

• If an employee refuses the vaccination, they must sign an OSHA-specified declination form, which reads:

“I understand that due to my occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials I may be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. I have been given the opportunity to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, at no charge to myself. However, I decline hepatitis B vaccination at this time. I understand that by declining this vaccine, I continue to be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B, a serious disease. If in the future I continue to have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and I want to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, I can receive the vaccination series at no charge to me.”

• This declination must be kept in the employee’s confidential medical record.

5. Documentation and Medical Recordkeeping

• Employers must maintain written records of:
  • Dates the vaccine was offered and administered (or declined)
  • Signed declination forms
  • Names of the licensed healthcare providers administering the vaccine
• These records must be:
  • Kept confidential
  • Maintained for the duration of employment plus 30 years
  • Available upon request to the employee or their authorized representative

Summary

Employers play a vital role in preventing HBV infections in the workplace. By offering and encouraging vaccination, employers help protect not only the individual worker but also their coworkers and the broader public. Employees are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the free vaccination unless medically advised otherwise.

Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up

A post-exposure evaluation and follow-up is a critical step in protecting the health of an employee who may have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), such as HIV, HBV, or HCV. OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)) mandates that employers respond immediately and thoroughly to any exposure incident.

An exposure incident is defined as:

A specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact (e.g., needlestick, puncture, cut) with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) that results from the performance of an employee’s duties.

Immediate Employee Actions After an Exposure

1. Clean the Affected Area Immediately
   • Skin exposure: Wash the area with soap and water for several minutes.
   • Eye exposure: Rinse with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes.
   • Mouth/nose exposure: Rinse with water and spit several times without swallowing.
   • Puncture wounds: Encourage bleeding, then wash thoroughly.
2. Remove Contaminated PPE and Clothing
   • Place any contaminated items in a designated biohazard bag or labeled container.
3. Report the Incident Immediately
   • Notify a supervisor or designated safety contact as soon as possible.
   • Prompt reporting ensures timely medical evaluation, exposure tracking, and regulatory compliance.

Employer Responsibilities After an Exposure

Once an exposure incident is reported, the employer must act immediately to initiate a formal evaluation and follow-up:

• Provide a Confidential Medical Evaluation and Follow-up

This must include:

• Documentation of the exposure incident, including:
  • The route(s) of exposure
  • Circumstances under which the exposure occurred
• Identification and testing of the source individual, if consent is obtained (or required by law)
• Testing of the exposed employee, including baseline blood collection and testing for
• HBV, HCV, and HIV (with employee consent)
• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) when medically indicated, initiated as soon as possible (ideally within hours)
• Counseling and psychological support
• Evaluation of reported illnesses during the follow-up period

This process must be conducted by or under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.

Provide Medical Care at No Cost

• All evaluations, testing, counseling, and follow-up procedures must be provided at no cost to the employee, and during normal working hours.
• No cost-sharing, insurance billing, or deductibles may be required.

Documentation Requirements

Employers must maintain a confidential medical record for each exposed employee that includes:

• Name and social security number
• A copy of the employee’s HBV vaccination status
• Documentation of the exposure incident
• All examination findings, test results, medical opinions, and treatment records
• Signed declinations, if applicable

These records must be:

• Kept confidential
• Not disclosed or reported to anyone without the employee’s written consent (except as required by law)
• Maintained for the duration of employment plus 30 years, per OSHA 1910.1020

Written Opinion from Healthcare Provider

The employer must obtain a written opinion from the evaluating healthcare professional within 15 days of the completion of the evaluation. This opinion must be limited to:

• Whether the employee has been informed of the results
• Whether the employee has been told about any medical conditions resulting from exposure that require further evaluation or treatment

The opinion must not include any personal medical findings or diagnoses.

Importance of Timeliness

The faster an exposure is reported and treated, the greater the likelihood of preventing infection:

• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV must begin within hours to be effective.
• Baseline testing provides a reference point to track infection status over time.
• Early counseling reduces anxiety and improves adherence to follow-up care.

Summary

Post-exposure follow-up is a cornerstone of BBP protection. It ensures:

• Immediate care and support for exposed workers
• Long-term monitoring for infections
• Legal compliance for employers
• Strong workplace safety culture

Every employee must understand the importance of rapid reporting and proper post-exposure procedures, because every minute counts.

Housekeeping

Effective housekeeping is a vital component of any Exposure Control Plan and is required under OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)). Proper housekeeping procedures help minimize the risk of exposure by ensuring that all work areas are clean, sanitary, and properly equipped to handle blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).

Housekeeping responsibilities apply to all areas where exposure may occur, including medical stations, cleanup sites, restrooms, break rooms, field offices, and any surface or equipment that may become contaminated during normal job activities.

1. Decontamination Procedures
Routine cleaning and disinfection of surfaces is required to eliminate potential pathogens and prevent cross-contamination. The following standards must be followed:

• Clean and disinfect all surfaces, tools, equipment, and work areas that may have come into contact with blood or OPIM.
• Decontamination must be performed using an EPA-registered disinfectant that is labeled as effective against HIV, HBV, and HCV.
• Immediately clean up any spill of blood or OPIM using approved procedures:
  • Put on appropriate PPE before beginning cleanup.
  • Use absorbent materials to soak up fluids.
  • Apply disinfectant, allowing adequate contact time per manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Dispose of all contaminated materials as regulated waste.

Special attention must be given to:

• Exam tables, hand tools, PPE stations
• Sinks, toilets, doorknobs, and shared surfaces
• Flooring or ground areas where accidents have occurred

2. Maintaining a Clean and Orderly Work Environment

Work areas must be free of hazards and contamination, which includes:

• Prompt removal and disposal of contaminated sharps, bandages, or other regulated waste.
• Regular wiping down of high-touch surfaces in first aid or medical response areas.
• Keeping food and drink out of areas where blood or OPIM may be present. OSHA prohibits eating, drinking, smoking, applying makeup, and handling contact lenses in such areas.

If equipment or surfaces become contaminated:

• They must be decontaminated before servicing or shipping.
• Contaminated items that cannot be cleaned must be labeled with the biohazard symbol and handled according to hazardous material procedures.

3. Sharps Containers and Regulated Waste Disposal

Proper handling of contaminated sharps and regulated waste is critical to preventing exposure. Employers must:

Sharps Disposal

• Provide puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and labeled sharps containers at or near the point of use.
• Ensure containers are:
  • Easily accessible
  • Upright and secure
  • Not overfilled (containers should be replaced when they are ¾ full)
• Employees must never attempt to bend, break, recap, or manually remove needles from syringes.

Regulated Waste Disposal

Regulated waste includes:

• Liquid or semi-liquid blood or OPIM
• Items caked with dried blood
• Contaminated sharps
• Pathological or microbiological waste containing blood or OPIM

Proper disposal procedures require:

• Placing regulated waste in closeable, leak-proof, and biohazard-labeled containers
• Containers must be closed before removal to prevent spills
• Waste must be disposed of according to federal, state, and local regulations, typically via a licensed medical waste disposal company

Responsibilities and Best Practices

• Employers must assign trained staff or contractors to perform cleaning and decontamination.
• A written cleaning schedule or log is recommended to document compliance.
• Spill kits and disinfectant supplies should be maintained and accessible in areas where exposure is likely.

Summary

Good housekeeping isn't just about cleanliness—it’s about safety, compliance, and infection control. A tidy workspace with proper containment and decontamination protocols:

• Protects workers and the public
• Reduces the likelihood of accidental exposure
• Demonstrates an employer’s commitment to OSHA compliance and worker well-being

Labels and Signs

Proper labeling and signage are required under OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) to help identify items, materials, or areas that may contain or be contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). These visual warnings alert personnel to take appropriate precautions when handling or working near such materials.

Requirements for Biohazard Labels

All biohazard warning labels must:

• Display the universal biohazard symbol
• Be fluorescent orange or orange-red with contrasting lettering
• Include the word “BIOHAZARD”
• Be durable, clearly visible, and securely affixed

Labels must remain intact and legible even when exposed to moisture, physical handling, or outdoor environments.

Situations Requiring Biohazard Labels

Biohazard labels are required on the following, unless red containers or bags are used as substitutes:

1. Sharps Containers

• Used to collect any contaminated sharp objects such as blades, broken glass, or other puncture hazards.
• Must be puncture-resistant, leak-proof, closable, and labeled.

2. Regulated Waste Containers

• Any container used for disposal of materials saturated with blood or OPIM (e.g., used gauze, gloves, or other cleanup materials).
• Must be properly labeled and capable of preventing leaks or spills.

3. Contaminated Tools or Equipment

• Tools or equipment that have been contaminated during an incident must be:
  • Decontaminated before reuse, or
  • Tagged or labeled to indicate biohazardous contamination if cleaning is delayed.

4. Contaminated Laundry or Clothing

• Clothing, rags, towels, or other fabrics visibly contaminated with blood or OPIM must be:
  • Placed in red bags, or
  • Stored in labeled containers until proper laundering or disposal.

5. First Aid Kits or Response Areas

• If any part of a first aid kit or emergency response station holds contaminated materials, it must be labeled accordingly until properly cleaned and restocked.

Color Coding and Exceptions

• Red bags or red containers may be used in place of biohazard labels, provided they are clearly understood and designated for regulated waste.
• Individual items do not require separate labels if they are contained within a properly labeled outer container.

Best Practices

• Inspect all containers and equipment to ensure labels remain intact and legible.
• Do not handle any material or object marked with a biohazard label unless properly trained and wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Immediately report any missing or unreadable labels to the designated safety contact.

Summary

Biohazard labels and signs are an essential part of exposure prevention. They serve as clear indicators of contamination and help workers avoid accidental contact with infectious materials. Proper use of labeling contributes to a safer, compliant, and more accountable work environment.

Multi-Employer Worksite Considerations

In multi-employer worksites, each employer is responsible for protecting their own employees from bloodborne pathogen (BBP) exposure by providing appropriate training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and access to procedures for reporting and responding to incidents. When facilities, tools, or work areas are shared, employers must coordinate their Exposure Control Plans to ensure consistent practices are followed. Site-specific BBP training is essential so all personnel understand local protocols, the location of first aid and cleanup supplies, and the steps to take if an exposure occurs. Clear communication and thorough recordkeeping between employers help ensure timely medical evaluation, regulatory compliance, and a safer working environment for everyone.

Reporting and Resources

Reporting Procedures

Timely and accurate reporting is essential following any actual or potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBPs). Reporting allows employers to ensure proper medical evaluation, reduce the risk of further exposure, and meet OSHA recordkeeping requirements.

All workers must:

• Immediately report any incident or near-miss involving blood or other potentially infectious materials to their supervisor or designated safety contact. This includes needlesticks, cuts, contact with mucous membranes, or exposure to contaminated surfaces or tools.
• Do not delay reporting, even if the exposure seems minor or uncertain. Prompt response ensures the best chance for effective medical treatment and post-exposure evaluation.

Employers must:

• Investigate and document each exposure incident, including the route of exposure, type of material involved, and the identity (if known and permitted) of the source individual.
• Update OSHA 300 logs and any internal incident tracking systems, as required by OSHA regulations.
• Ensure a post-exposure medical evaluation and follow-up is initiated without delay, and that documentation is securely maintained in accordance with OSHA’s 30-year record retention rule.

Resources
Workers and supervisors should be familiar with the following resources, which provide essential guidance on BBP exposure prevention, training, and response:

• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
  www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1030
  This is the regulatory foundation for BBP protections in the workplace.
• CDC Bloodborne Pathogens Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/bbp
  Offers health information and practical guidance on BBP risks and responses.
• State Health Departments and OSHA Regional Offices
  These organizations provide local assistance, exposure response guidelines, and may assist with follow-up or enforcement.

Employers should also maintain easy access to:

• Exposure Control Plans
• Incident report forms
• Post-exposure evaluation procedures
• Contact information for occupational health providers or clinics

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Bloodborne pathogens like HBV, HCV, and HIV can cause serious disease.
• Universal precautions must always be followed.
• Use and dispose of PPE properly to prevent exposure.
• The Exposure Control Plan is your roadmap to safety—read and understand it.
  Post-exposure actions must be taken immediately.
• In multi-employer worksites, coordination is key to BBP safety.

Acknowledgment of Completion

By completing this Bloodborne Pathogens Awareness Training (29 CFR 1910.1030), I acknowledge that:

• I have received training in accordance with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard.
• I understand the risks associated with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
• I understand my right to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine at no cost.
• I understand the use of universal precautions, PPE, and post-exposure follow-up.
• I recognize the importance of reporting all potential exposures and know how to access the Exposure Control Plan and other safety resources.
• I understand this training is part of my employer’s overall safety program and that further job-specific training may be required.