Bloodborne Pathogens
This course describes bloodborne pathogens, how they are transmitted, practices that minimize the risk of exposure, what to do if there is an exposure incident, and how to handle and dispose of contaminated items for employees who might have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material. When combined with interactive instruction, this course will allow organizations to comply with the requirements for bloodborne pathogens training in the US and California.
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Course Details
Learning Objectives
- Discuss exposure risks to bloodborne pathogens
- Examine OSHA guidelines, universal precautions, and personal protective equipment
- Review safe cleanup and disposal practices
Specs
- English (US)
- Spanish (US)
- Spanish (European)
- Spanish (Mexican)
- French (Canada)
- French (European)
- Arabic
- Chinese (Simplified Mandarin)
- Chinese (Traditional Mandarin)
- Filipino Tagalog
- German
- Hindi
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Portuguese (Brazilian)
- Portuguese (European)
- Russian
- Thai
- Vietnamese
Frequently Asked Questions
What are bloodborne pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) are infectious microorganisms in human blood and certain bodily fluids that can cause severe human diseases. The most well-known bloodborne pathogens include hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These pathogens can be transmitted when blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) enter the body through needlesticks, cuts, abrasions, mucous membranes, or broken skin. Because these infections can lead to long-term health complications—and in some cases, be life-threatening, understanding and preventing exposure is critical in any setting where such contact might occur.
Does OSHA require bloodborne pathogens training?
Yes, OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates that employers provide bloodborne pathogens training to any employee with occupational exposure. The training must be delivered at no cost to the employee, occur during working hours, and be conducted at least once a year. Employers must also maintain documentation of training completion and keep records of any exposure incidents. This regulation applies across industries, including higher education institutions, where faculty, staff, and students may be at risk.
Why is bloodborne pathogens training important in colleges and universities?
In higher education environments, certain groups, including faculty, lab workers, custodial staff, healthcare workers, athletic trainers, and some students, may be at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. These individuals can encounter blood or bodily fluids through lab work, first aid situations, or maintenance tasks as part of their daily responsibilities. Proper training ensures that all at-risk individuals understand how to recognize potential exposure risks, use personal protective equipment (PPE), follow safe work practices, and know what to do during an incident. Training protects individuals from harm and ensures institutions comply with safety regulations such as OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
Can bloodborne pathogens training be completed online?
Many institutions, including colleges and universities, use online training platforms to deliver bloodborne pathogens training. Online courses, such as those offered by Vector Solutions, provide a convenient and effective way for faculty, staff, and students to complete required training at their own pace. These courses are often interactive and include assessments to ensure comprehension. If the course meets OSHA standards and covers all the necessary topics, online training is considered fully compliant and can be a time-efficient solution for large institutions.
Sample Video Transcript
Understanding bloodborne pathogens, which are defined as microorganisms present in human blood and can cause disease, is called bloodborne pathogens (BBP). The most common and dangerous BBPs in the workplace are HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. All three can be transmitted by exposure to needlesticks or blood splashes. Let’s learn about them in more detail. Tip: Many states and some territories have their own workplace health and safety rules. These may be stricter or otherwise different from, but equally effective as, OSHA’s requirements. For specific information about safe regulations, including whether your state has rules that differ from OSHA’s, please see the resource menu or contact our organization’s workplace safety professionals.
