Understanding bloodborne pathogens
Yes

Bloodborne pathogens

Unexpected contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials can occur in a wide range of routine and nonroutine workplace activities. With that in mind, organizations often need a bloodborne pathogens program to ensure employees are protected, and exposures are managed.  

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), bloodborne pathogens means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

 

Bloodborne pathogens

To help mitigate the risk of bloodborne pathogens, life science organizations should have defined methodology for dealing with them. This includes:

  • Exposure control plan
  • Exposure determination
  • Methods of compliance (PPE, engineering and work practice controls)
  • Housekeeping (waste disposal, laundry, etc.)
  • Special practices for research labs and production facilities 
  • Containment biosafety cabinets
  • Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up
  • Communication of hazards to employees- labels, signs, information and training
  • Record keeping

Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act

Signed into law in 2000, this piece of legislation:

  • Modifies the bloodborne pathogens standard
  • Requires:
    • Implementation of safer medical devices (needleless systems, engineered sharps protections, etc.)
    • Maintaining a sharps injury log
    • Non-managerial healthcare workers' involvement in selecting engineering and administrative controls

 

Who needs to comply with OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard and the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act?

Employers with employees who, through their job duties, have the potential for exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

 

Helpful links

 

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, operations or actions safe or in compliance with any law or regulation.  By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

No

Bloodborne pathogens

Unexpected contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials can occur in a wide range of routine and nonroutine workplace activities. With that in mind, organizations often need a bloodborne pathogens program to ensure employees are protected, and exposures are managed.  

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), bloodborne pathogens means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

 

Bloodborne pathogens

To help mitigate the risk of bloodborne pathogens, life science organizations should have defined methodology for dealing with them. This includes:

  • Exposure control plan
  • Exposure determination
  • Methods of compliance (PPE, engineering and work practice controls)
  • Housekeeping (waste disposal, laundry, etc.)
  • Special practices for research labs and production facilities 
  • Containment biosafety cabinets
  • Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up
  • Communication of hazards to employees- labels, signs, information and training
  • Record keeping

Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act

Signed into law in 2000, this piece of legislation:

  • Modifies the bloodborne pathogens standard
  • Requires:
    • Implementation of safer medical devices (needleless systems, engineered sharps protections, etc.)
    • Maintaining a sharps injury log
    • Non-managerial healthcare workers' involvement in selecting engineering and administrative controls

 

Who needs to comply with OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard and the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act?

Employers with employees who, through their job duties, have the potential for exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

 

Helpful links

 

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, operations or actions safe or in compliance with any law or regulation.  By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.