The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard aims to limit your occupational exposure as a healthcare worker to contaminated blood and bodily fluids. However, decades after its introduction, you may still need to understand some essential requirements. This debunks eight common misconceptions surrounding the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard from your perspective as a healthcare professional.
Misconception #1: Who Benefits: The standard protects all of you with reasonably anticipated exposure risks. This includes physicians, technicians, janitors and other support staff who may come into contact with hazards.
Misconception #2: Vaccines Compliance Requirements: While hepatitis B vaccination is mandated, you must follow all other exposure control provisions even if vaccinated. For example, you would still need to use personal protective equipment.
Misconception #3: Training: You need bloodborne pathogens training when hired, whenever your duties change and following any exposure incidents. Annual refreshers are also required to maintain compliance.
Misconception #4: Written Plans Required for Dentistry: All covered employers, including dentists, must maintain an exposure control plan outlining their protective policies and post-exposure procedures.
Misconception #5: Offsite Services: Home healthcare, medical transport, and other offsite services still need to assess exposure risks and implement appropriate controls. If you work in mobile services, safety precautions are still essential.
Misconception #6: Compliance Records: Your medical records, training documents and exposure plans must be retained for the duration of employment plus 30 years. Proper record storage protocols should be followed.
Misconception #7: Exposure Incidents: Needle sticks happen more often than you may realize. You need to report quickly and follow up on any potential exposures. Sharp injury logs must be maintained.
Misconception #8: Blood Testing After Exposure: While recommended, post-exposure blood testing of sources requires informed consent. Your testing after exposure is also voluntary unless state law mandates it. But counselling should still be provided.
Accurate knowledge regarding this complex standard allows you and your healthcare leaders to create safer workplaces and protect personnel and patients from infection transmission. Ongoing training to clarify these common misconceptions is key.
