Crime Laboratory Safety and the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

• NCJ Number: 150212
• Journal: Crime Laboratory Digest Volume: 20 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1993) Pages: 53-55
• Author(s): C P Whitcomb
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 3 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Guideline
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reviews the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard recently formulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Abstract

Compliance with this standard should greatly reduce the risk for occupational exposure to the Hepatitis B and HIV viruses in the workplace. Exposure determination must be made based on the definition of occupational exposure without regard to personal protective clothing or equipment. The standard requires employers to provide information and training on bloodborne pathogens to all employees who have a reasonable expectation of occupational exposure. Training must cover symptoms and epidemiology, the employer's exposure control plan, pathogen transmission, limitations of protective clothing, handling and disposal procedures, vaccinations, and reporting procedures for accidental exposures. Preventive measures center on access to the Hepatitis B vaccination and implementation of universal precautions. The standards also cover methods of control and procedures and record keeping if an exposure occurs. 13 references