Information and Training
Properly training workers and providing information is one of the components of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. Employees must receive training when they are first assigned to tasks where occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens may occur. The training must be repeated annually, and must be provided at no cost to the employees and during work hours.
Employees must receive additional training when changes occur that affect the employees' occupational exposure, such as task or procedural modifications or the institution of new tasks or procedures. This additional training only needs to address new exposures created.
Training must include:
- making accessible a copy of the regulatory text of the standard and explanation of its contents,
- general discussion on bloodborne diseases and their transmission,
- an explanation of the exposure control plan and how the employee can obtain a copy of the written plan,
- how to recognize tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials
- use and limitations of methods for preventing or reducing exposure, including engineering and work practice controls and personal protective equipment
- information on the hepatitis B vaccine,
- response to emergencies involving blood or other potentially infectious materials,
- how to handle exposure incidents,
- the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up program,
- signs/labels/color-coding.
Due to the importance of information regarding occupational exposure to potentially life-threatening bloodborne pathogens, employees must have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from a knowledgeable trainer.
Laboratory and production facility workers must receive additional specialized initial training.