OSHA Requirements

All employees who have the potential to be exposed to bloodborne pathogens on the job are required to have initial training in bloodborne pathogens. Training is also required on an annual basis. Under the Bloodborne Standard, training must be provided in the following areas:

  • Exposure Control Plan
  • Epidemiology of Bloodborne Diseases
  • Engineering and work practice controls
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Housekeeping and waste disposal
  • Hepatitis B Vaccination
  • Post-Exposure Procedures

Purpose of Bloodborne Standard

To reduce the health risk to workers whose duties involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. There are micro-organisms that are present in blood and body fluid that can cause disease in humans. These micro-organisms are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis C and HIV. A large percentage of the population are unaware they have these viruses because they have no symptoms until the later stages of the disease.

Hepatitis and HIV Training

  • Hepatitis and HIV Overview
  • Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis and HIV
  • Biological effects of Hepatitis and HIV
  • Transmission routes for Hepatitis and HIV
  • Hepatitis and HIV risk factors

What is an exposure?

Contact with blood or body fluids that are infectious. The virus must have a way to enter the body through one of the transmission routes.

Preventative Measures

  • Universal Precautions
  • Use of appropriate protective equipment
  • Hand-washing
  • Biohazard waste management
  • Hepatitis B Vaccination

Post-Exposure Procedures

  • In the event that an exposure does occur, the area exposed is to be washed as soon as possible.
  • Report all exposures to your supervisor
  • Complete proper Workers' Compensation forms
  • Post-exposure medical evaluation and follow up

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE can be ordered through the County of San Mateo Vendor Agreement with Medlin Industries, Inc. Please call Candy Burns at 650-363-4515 for questions regarding this agreement.