OSHA requirements and rules specify that an employee who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens be trained at the time of hiring and this training should be provided at no cost to the employee. Training must also be conducted during the employee’s working hours and repeated at least once per year. If duties change for the employee, retraining is necessary.

There are specific rules concerning who is qualified to train employees and what information concerning bloodborne pathogens needs to be given.Before becoming a trainer, there are classes and certifications that need to be listed with OSHA.

– Trainers should include those in infection-control assignments as well as nurse practitioners, emergency medical technicians (EMT’s), and physician assistants who themselves have been properly trained. Clerical workers specifically assigned to training can also be acknowledged trainers.

– Hygienists, professional body conditioning trainers and epidemiologists can also be instructors if they have the necessary knowledge. It is advisable to train site specific staff and helpers, and if needed, outside guides and videos can be used.

– Training and information needs to include explanations of exposure, the exposure control plan, how bloodborne pathogens are transmitted, exactly what bloodborne pathogens are and how to prevent bloodborne pathogen exposure. Training also needs to include the limitation of work practices and information on the removal, handling, and disposal of pathogen infected fluids.

– Instructions need to include why the hepatitis B vaccine series is so necessary and this training must include the safety reasons of the vaccine, availability and methods of administering the immunizations. Finally, the immunizations themselves need to be a part of preparing a worker for possible contamination.

– Health care workers must be trained on how to report an exposure and instructions on how to report these incidents must be readily available.

– Emergency training in the event of a bloodborne pathogen contamination or spill is highly recommended and again, this information must be readily available.

– Training on what labels and color coding means must be understood by all employees. Disposal methods need to be taught, emphasized and signed off.

– Employees must be trained in the proper treatment in the event of a bloodborne pathogen emergency. The first rule is to immediately report the incident to the proper designated person. The second rule is to visit a physician who will test and treat any exposure. Third, training in the proper medications and vaccinations must be held and those medications or vaccinations given immediately when a bloodborne pathogen emergency has taken place.

If your facility is a laboratory where HIV and HBV specimens are collected and tested, there are training requirements by OSHA specific to that type of facility. Before an employee begins their work assignments in an intensive HIV or AIDs facility, additional training on handling these extremely contaminated specimens must be conducted. This training will must include protective gear used, reporting issues, and the proper way to dispose of blood and body fluid samples. It is good practice to have employees sign off on training to prove that they do understand the dangers, clean up procedures, and reporting rules.

For more information, please visit our Bloodborne Pathogens website.

For more information, please visit our Bloodborne Pathogens website http://www.hipaaexams.com/bloodborne-pathogens-training.html

Author Bio: For more information, please visit our Bloodborne Pathogens website.

Category: Advice
Keywords: Bloodborne Pathogens,body fluids,AIDS,Hepatitis B,Hepatitis C