Bloodborne pathogens place employees and patients at considerable risk, and yet, many organizations fail to comply with federal legislation intended to address these concerns. Often, employees who are most at risk have no idea what bloodborne pathogens are or why they’re so dangerous.

This concept can be difficult to understand, but this simple bloodborne pathogens definition may help: bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms found within human blood (and some other body fluids) that can cause diseases. The name derives from how these pathogens travel — by exposure to blood. In addition to blood, these pathogens can be spread via body fluids such as semen, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, and saliva. You’re probably already familiar with several of these microorganisms, which are highlighted in this list of bloodborne pathogens:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

As the above list suggests, bloodborne pathogens can be dangerous and often, deadly. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognize these dangers and has, accordingly, implemented legislation designed to keep employees facing potential pathogen exposure safe.

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Amended by the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act of 2000 and published in the Federal Register in early 2001, the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is implemented by OSHA to protect workers from the potential hazards of bloodborne pathogens. The standard addresses a variety of concerns, including protective equipment, engineering controls, hepatitis B vaccination, recordkeeping, and more.

The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applies to all those who employ workers with potential occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. These include employees expected to come into contact with skin, mucous membranes, or other infected material.

Extensive bloodborne pathogens training is necessary to ensure that all employees understand the full extent of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and how it applies to day-to-day tasks on the job — and emergency response. Failure to comply with the standard can lead to significant fines, as well as other harsh consequences.

Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act

Signed into law in 2000, the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act (NSPA) was designed to address the serious concern of exposure to bloodborne pathogens via accidental sharps injuries. The act revised the “engineering controls” definition previously featured in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to include “safer medical devices, such as sharps with engineered sharps injury protections and needleless systems.” The act also provided updated definitions for the terms “needleless systems” and “sharps with engineered sharps injury protection.”

The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act requires employers to implement new and more effective technologies while updating their exposure control plans. Employers must also seek feedback from employees in regards to engineering controls. Furthermore, employers must maintain a detailed log of sharp injuries incurred in the workplace.

Keep Your Facility Safe

Bloodborne pathogens certification demonstrates a thorough understanding of the issues addressed in both the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. The importance of this legislation cannot be overstated; compliance is key not only to remaining in good standing with OSHA but also preventing deadly infections among employees and patients alike.

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