BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
Scope: This standard covers all employees who are "reasonably anticipated" to be exposed to blood and other potentially infectious materials as part of their job duties. This class is mandated by OSHA regulations and retraining is required annually. The following occupations at the university fall under the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard:
Overview: The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard is designed to protect approximately 5.6 million workers and prevent about 200 deaths and 9,200 infections each year. Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. Although about a dozen diseases are know, the main concern is from exposure to hepatitis B & C, and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. To prevent illness, chronic infection, and death, OSHA has issued this standard to protect workers from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. Training includes information about the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, Hepatitis B & C, HIV, safety procedures for cleaning up blood spills, infectious waste, hepatitis B vaccine, and how to report exposure incidents. A self-study course is also available.