Introduction: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established guidelines for the education of health
care workers at risk for blood or body fluid (BBF) exposure at work. In December 1991, OSHA published the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard in the Federal Register explaining that exposure to BBF can be minimized or eliminated by a combination of engineering
and work practice controls, personal protective equipment, vaccination, medical surveillance, and training.
Since that time, health care workers have been required to have training in handling BBF at the time of initial assignment and annually thereafter. There is a test for certification of training
consisting of 25 multiple-choice questions relating to daily clinical activities and potential exposures. This exam must be completed annually.
To be certified, health care workers must:
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Review information
concerning bloodborne pathogens (HIV, hepatitis C & hepatitis B) and exposure prevention
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Complete and pass a
competency examination with a score of 80% or higher.
This program (the links below and in the navigation bar on the right) will provide you with important information about standard precautions.
It includes discussions on the following issues:
A. Basic Principles of Standard Precautions
B. Bloodborne Pathogens of Greatest Interest
C. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
D. Engineering Controls for Your Safety
E. What if Occupational Exposure Occurs?
If you wish a to complete your training off-line, please open and print our PDF version of
Bloodborne Pathogens.
Once you have finished the training material;
please complete the quiz that demonstrates your understanding of this material. This is so we can certify
that you have received your standard precautions training for this year. |
