What Does It Mean To Be Bloodborne Pathogen Certified?

Transmission and Infection

There are many ways that BBPs can be transmitted; some are more common than others. There are three methods of transmission in particular that are the most common:

These methods of transmission can occur in a variety of ways, such as cuts from contaminated needles, blood transfusions, or sexual contact. Transmission leads to infection, and an infected individual is capable of spreading disease inside or outside the workplace.

For this reason, it is important to receive BBP certification if there is any possibility for transmission and infection in your workplace.

Most Common BBP Diseases

There are certain diseases that are more commonly spread through BBPs. These include most immune deficiency diseases, such as:

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Hepatitis C (HCV)

There are many other diseases that can spread through BBPs as well.

OSHA Requirements Regarding Bloodborne Pathogens

OSHA does have a Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) as well as the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. These are both important standards that seek to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens and establish the necessity of exposure control plans.

• The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard defines what a bloodborne pathogen is as well as the terminology associated with transmission methods, workplaces, and measures taken to prevent the spread of disease. Important requirements within this standard include establishing an exposure control plan and safety practices for preventing spread.
• The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act specifically discusses the safe manipulation of sharp objects. This act was created because injuries from sharp objects, such as needles or knives, were the highest cause of the spread of BBPs in the year 2000.

These standards both led to an increase in safer control methods for handling blood, bodily fluids, and sharp objects.

What Does Bloodborne Pathogen Training Include?

BBP certification training can be found in online courses through third party organizations. It generally includes basic information like that shared above but in more detail. Your employer is responsible for preparing you to handle the hazards of your specific workplace, but the training should prepare you adequately beforehand.

Not all training will be the same, but here at Hard Hat Training, we can provide you with a thorough training experience. Our training for bloodborne pathogens includes the following modules that go into great depth and are aligned with OSHA Requirements:

• Infection
• Contact Methods
• Industry Exposures
• Prevention
• Exposure Control Plans
• Hierarchy of Controls
• Work Practice Controls
• Workplace Restrictions
• Signs & Labels
• Handling Sharps
• Sharps Disposal
• Don & Doff (PPE)
• Exposure
• Procedures
• Evaluation & Follow-Up
• Recordkeeping
• Exposure Treatment

Our training goes in depth on each of these subjects and usually includes quizzes, a final exam, and practical exam. All these steps will ensure that you know the information well enough to begin working in a workplace with blood and bodily fluids.

Preventing Sharps and Needlestick Injuries

OSHA and the CDC provide procedures for handling sharps and needles safely. These procedures are especially important due to the high risk of BBP exposure involved with sharps and needles. Some of the important tips for how to prevent exposure are:

1. Complete bloodborne pathogens training and certification.
2. Plan how you will handle and dispose of sharps and needles before any procedure.
3. Use safe needle alternatives available to you.
4. Follow the safety features of the device exactly as they are intended to be used.
5. Immediately dispose of contaminated needles in sharps containers that are approved by OSHA and the CDC.

In the case that you are stuck by a needle or think that you have been exposed in some way to bloodborne pathogens, make sure to follow these important steps:

• Flood the exposed area of your body with water, and clean the wound with water and soap or disinfectant if it is available.
• Immediately seek medical attention and report the incident to your employer.

Bloodborne Pathogen Certification for Healthcare Workers

If you are a healthcare worker, you will most definitely require bloodborne pathogen certification. OSHA Requirements dictate that healthcare workers must receive bloodborne pathogen certification and renew it annually.

“Healthcare workers” is a blanket term that refers to anyone who works in the medical field and has direct contact with sick or injured individuals. This includes, but is not limited to, nurses, doctors, medical students, physicians, surgeons, and lab workers.

All workplaces for healthcare workers need to have an extensive exposure control plan— more extensive than other workplaces. Other workplaces face less risk of exposure and less frequent handling of bodily fluids and contaminated sharps.

Exposure Control Plan

Exposure control plans (ECPs) are not made to cover any and all workplaces. OSHA provides guidelines and templates so that your ECP can be specifically adapted for your workplace. Some of the aspects of an ECP should include:

These are just some of the more vital and common parts of an ECP, but there are other parts that your employer may need to include for your workplace. An ECP is similar to a Hazard Communication Plan, and some parts can be shared from one to another depending on your workplace.

Other Occupations That Need Bloodborne Pathogen Certification

There are few other occupations aside from healthcare workers that require some form of bloodborne pathogen training. However, proper training is still important for those that do not work in healthcare because there is a possibility of drawing blood in any occupation .

However, there is a significant risk of exposure with some other occupations unrelated to healthcare, such as:

• Body Art: Those who work in body art, specifically tattoo artists, need to receive bloodborne pathogen certification. Tattoo artists use a needle to pierce skin and draw with ink, which can lead to bleeding and exposure to blood. In order to prevent this, tattoo artists wear face protection and need to change needles between clients to avoid transmission and infection.
• Housekeeping: It is less common for housekeeping employees to be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, but it is not unheard of. Certain housekeeping employees benefit from bloodborne pathogen certification, especially if they work in a hospital. Even after a patient leaves a room, there could still be BBPs present that an employee can be infected with if not handled properly.
• First Responders: These occupations do not always deal with exposure to blood and bodily fluids, but there is still a higher possibility than most other occupations. Some do require bloodborne pathogen certification, such as EMTs and paramedics. Other first responders are not required, however, such as police officers and firemen.
• School and Day Care Staff: Those who work directly with children are also likely to be in an environment with high exposure to bodily fluids, such as saliva, vomit, and blood. Because of this, and depending on the employer, school and day care staff may also need to receive bloodborne pathogen certification.

Your employer will determine the need for specific workplace training. They have the responsibility to prepare you for all significant workplace hazards, which may include bloodborne pathogens. Check out our homepage for more information.