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Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention Safety and Health Topics
Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention

In Focus
If you are stuck by a needle or other sharp or get blood or other potentially infectious materials in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on broken skin, immediately flood the exposed area with water and clean any wound with soap and water or a skin disinfectant if available. Report this immediately to your employer and seek immediate medical attention.

Guidelines for post-exposure follow-up:
Workers in many different occupations are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS. First aid team members, housekeeping personnel in some settings, nurses and other healthcare providers are examples of workers who may be at risk of exposure.

In 1991, OSHA issued the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) to protect workers from this risk. In 2001, in response to the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, OSHA revised the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. The revised standard clarifies the need for employers to select safer needle devices and to involve employees in identifying and choosing these devices. The updated standard also requires employers to maintain a log of injuries from contaminated sharps.

The following questions link to information relevant to bloodborne pathogens and needlestick prevention in the workplace.

OSHA Standards What OSHA standards apply?
Standards | Preambles to Final Rules | Directives | Standard Interpretations
Hazard Recognition What are the hazards of bloodborne pathogens in the workplace?
Bloodborne Pathogens | Needlestick
Possible Solutions What are some examples of possible solutions for workplace hazards?
Control Programs | Safer Needle Devices | Decontamination
Post-exposure Evaluation What should be done following an exposure to blood?
 
Additional Information What additional information is available?
Related Safety and Health Topics Pages | Training | OSHA Resources | More
 Safety and
 Health Topics
 
  Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention
  OSHA Standards
  Hazard Recognition
  Possible Solutions
  Post-exposure Evaluation
  Additional
Information
  Credits
   
  Related Safety and Health Topics
  Dentistry
  Healthcare Facilities
  Medical and First Aid
 
Content Reviewed 05/10/2007
 
 

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