Bloodborne Pathogens

Blood and other potentially infectious material (OPIM) have long been recognized as a potential threat to the health of employees who are exposed to these materials especially through penetration of the skin.  The primary agents of concern are HIV, HBV, and HCV. There are other diseases that can be acquired through exposure to contaminated blood and these are covered in the training offered by the Biosafety Office.

OSHA requires that anyone handling human blood or OPIM follow 29 CFR 1910.1030 “Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens; Needlesticks and Other Sharps Injuries; Final Rule”.

This federal regulation mandates training for all personnel handling blood or OPIM. The intent is to prevent or reduce exposure to any of these sometimes fatal diseases.
All personnel handling human blood, tissues or fluids are required to take the Bloodborne Pathogens Training offered by the Biosafety Office before work has started and take refresher training annually.

PIs are also responsible for developing an Exposure Control Plan. A template can be found here.

A very effective hepatitis B vaccine is available free of charge for anyone working with human specimens.

Please contact the Biosafety Office for additional information (5-0620).