![Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20080916150241im_/http://osha.gov/SLTC/images/needlestick.jpg) |
Safety and Health Topics |
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Bloodborne
Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention |
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In
Focus |
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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:
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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.
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What
OSHA standards apply?
Standards | Preambles to Final Rules | Directives | Standard Interpretations |
![Hazard Recognition Hazard Recognition](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20080916150241im_/http://osha.gov/SLTC/images/hospital_etool.gif) |
What are the hazards of bloodborne pathogens in the workplace?
Bloodborne Pathogens | Needlestick |
![Possible Solutions Possible Solutions](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20080916150241im_/http://osha.gov/SLTC/images/needle.gif) |
What are some examples of possible solutions for workplace hazards?
Control Programs | Safer Needle Devices | Decontamination |
![Post-exposure Evaluation Post-exposure Evaluation](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20080916150241im_/http://osha.gov/SLTC/images/nurse.jpg) |
What should be done following an exposure to
blood?
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![Additional Information Additional Information](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20080916150241im_/http://osha.gov/SLTC/images/2men.jpg) |
What additional information is available?
Related Safety and Health Topics Pages | Training | OSHA Resources | More |
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