- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA)
Bloodborne Pathogen Training
Bloodborne Pathogen Training is essential for employees who may encounter blood or other potentially infectious materials. This training is mandated by OSHA and Cal/OSHA and focuses on preventing the transmission of bloodborne diseases like hepatitis and HIV. It covers risks, precautions, protective measures, and procedures to minimize exposure. Our informative 1-hour session ensures employee safety in the workplace.
Regulatory bodies
Who needs it
Occupational exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030 (Federal OSHA) and 8 CCR 5193 (California OSHA) cover employees who, as a result of doing their job, could come in contact with blood or other potentially infectious material through the eyes, skin, nose or mouth, or under the skin by means of puncture with a sharp object such as a blade or metal shaving, a needle-stick, cut, or human bite.
It is about preventing on-the-job transmission of hepatitis B and hepatitis C, both diseases that affect the liver, and the HIV virus which causes AIDS.
Required for employees who render emergency medical care (in-house first aid team) or handle blood in their work. The regulation covers all employees for whom it could be reasonably anticipated as the result of performing their job duties to have occupational exposure (skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact) to blood or blood borne pathogens (Hepatitis B or HIV) as the result of performing their job duties. Generally bio-tech R&D, janitorial staff, and people required to respond to first aid emergencies are required to have this training.
Employees covered by this requirement must have training annually.
Regulation reference
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
- 8 CCR 5193
What our training provides:
The course covers information about risks of Bloodborne Pathogens (most common – hepatitis and AIDS), precautions to be taken, protection to be worn, info about hepatitis vaccines, and the procedures required to reduce the risk of exposure.
The session is approximately 1 hour.
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When is bloodborne pathogen training required?
Annually for all employees with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material.
What topics must the training cover?
Epidemiology, symptoms, and transmission of bloodborne diseases; safe work practices and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); exposure incident response.
How should training be documented?
With records listing dates, trainer name, topics covered, and signatures of attendees.
Who can provide the required training?
Anyone knowledgeable in the standard requirements and effective teaching methods. Please Contact Us to get support or request a Bloodborne Pathogen Training. Our skilled team of EH&S specialists is ready to assist you.
What must be covered regarding personal protective equipment?
Proper use, selection, removal, handling, decontamination, and disposal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Does the training need to be tailored to specific tasks and exposure risks?
Yes, it should reflect the tasks and exposures workers will encounter.
When is additional or follow-up training required?
If tasks, procedures or exposures change which affect occupational exposure.
How long do training records need to be retained?
At least 3 years from the date of training.
What are penalties for lack of training under the standard?
Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) fines, citations, and other enforcement actions.
Does training need to cover post-exposure evaluation and follow-up?
Yes, the exposure incident response process must be covered.
Can supervisors provide the training?
Yes, if they are qualified on the material and effective in instruction.
Does the training need to be interactive?
Yes, Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) recommends incorporating interactivity and engagement.
Is online or self-paced training acceptable?
It may supplement but not wholly replace interactive live training.
Do employees need to receive their titer results?
Yes, titer results must be provided after hepatitis B vaccination.
Can bloodborne pathogen training be combined with other trainings?
Yes, it can be combined effectively with HAZWOPER or first aid training.
Who enforces the bloodborne pathogen training requirements?
Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) and state OSH agencies ensure training is conducted properly.
Does the training need to be provided annually?
Yes, annual refresher training is required under the Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) standard.
Are contractors or temporary employees included?
Yes, any workers with occupational exposure must be trained.
Can employees decline required training?
No, the training is the employer’s obligation and is mandatory.
What exposures typically trigger the training requirement?
Reasonably anticipated contact with blood, bodily fluids, or tissue.