The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation “Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens” (29 CFR 1910.1030) was implemented to help protect workers from the health hazards associated with occupational exposure to pathogenic organisms present in blood and other body fluids. The intent of this regulation was to minimize or prevent the transmission of bloodborne diseases including, but not limited to, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
This regulation is applicable to all employees whose work may involve the possible exposure to human blood or other potentially infectious material as well as other unfixed tissue specimens. Employees that routinely or possibly incur occupational exposure include pathologists, phlebotomists, faculty, physicians, research technicians, maintenance workers and building service workers.
An exposure control plan is made available to all WCM employees in accordance with this regulation. The exposure control plan is designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogen-related hazards.
Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan- Biological Safety Practices for Patient-Derived Specimens
- Handling Biological Samples from Subjects Known or Suspected to be Infected with HIV
Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training is provided to all WCM employees and students whose work involves potential exposure to HIV, HBV, HCV or other bloodborne pathogens. EHS provides BBP training as part of the laboratory safety and clinical and general safety training sessions. All occupationally exposed faculty, staff and students are required to attend either laboratory safety training or clinical and general safety training, before assignment to work involving bloodborne pathogens, and annually thereafter. An online component is also available for refresher training.
In the event of an exposure to bodily fluids, such as a splash or spray to the eyes, nose, mouth, broken skin, or a skin puncture, follow section 16 of the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan, and see the following links for additional WCM policies:
In case of accidental spill or release of material that may contain bloodborne pathogens, please refer to the Biological Spill Planning and Response Manual, or call Environmental Health and Safety: (646) 962-7233 with questions.