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General Guidance
What is the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) as amended pursuant to the 2000 Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, is a regulation that prescribes safeguards to protect workers against health hazards related to bloodborne pathogens. It has provisions dealing with exposure control plans, engineering and work practice controls, hepatitis B vaccination, hazard communication and training, and recordkeeping. The standard imposes requirements on employers of workers who may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials such as certain tissues and body fluids.
The following information provides discussion on the revised standard.
- Bloodborne Pathogens - OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard [63 KB PDF*, 2 pages]. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2011, January).
- Revision to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard - Technical Background and Summary. OSHA, (2001, April). Includes revised information regarding the identification, evaluation, and selection of effective engineering controls, including safer medical devices.
- Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens; Needlestick and Other Sharps Injuries; Final Rule. OSHA Federal Register Final Rules 66:5317-5325, (2001, January 18). Also available as a 450 KB PDF, 9 pages. OSHA revised the Bloodborne Pathogens standard in conformance with the requirements of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act.
- Most frequently asked questions concerning the bloodborne pathogens standard. OSHA Standard Interpretation, (1993, February 1; corrected 2003, August 13; updated 2011, October 26). Responses to common questions about the bloodborne pathogens standard.
- Quick Reference Guide to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. OSHA, (2011). Provides answers and additional information to frequently asked questions regarding bloodborne pathogen hazards.
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*These files are provided for downloading.