Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) are microorganisms found in the blood of infected individuals that cause diseases. They may also be present in "other potentially infectious materials" such as blood-tainted body fluids, unfixed tissues or body parts, some biological research materials, and even other primates. These pathogens are a concern because they are capable of infecting others who are exposed to infectious blood or other body fluids.

Some workers are at risk as a result of their occupational duties. These workers are required to receive bloodborne pathogens training prior to performing tasks during which occupational exposure may occur. Refresher training is required annually thereafter. The training covers a variety of topics aimed at reducing the risk of exposure and disease transmission.

For employees who are unsure if the bloodborne pathogen program applies to their position, complete the parameter sheet for guidance and more information.

For labs, clinics, and workplaces that deal with bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials, OSU-CHS Safety Department suggests the use of a Bloodborne Pathogen Binder.

The binder should include the following documents in order:

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, 1910.1030
Exposure Control Plan (ECP) with all appendixes (linked below)
List of all employees under this plan
Copies of completed and signed Hepatitis B vaccination forms
Training documentation
Self-inspection documentation
Completed Parameter Sheet

Clinical Training

OSU-CHS offers online training on standard precautions for BBPs and other potentially infections materials as part of onboarding for new staff, student orientation, and prior to clinical rotations for students. This training is required annually thereafter.

Infection Prevention and Control – 6 Courses

Infection Control
Hand Hygiene
Overview of HIV
Standard Precautions: Bloodborne Pathogens and Other Potentially Infections Materials
Transmission-Based Precautions: Airborne
Transmission-Based Precaution: Contact and Droplet

OSU-CHS Research also offers training for researchers through the Citi Program platform.

Exposure Control Plan

An Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is a written action plan that identifies occupational risks and specifies precautionary control measures needed to manage and minimize potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Oklahoma State University's ECP is available in a template:

Hepatitis B Vaccination

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious bloodborne pathogen that attacks the liver and can cause potentially life-threatening disease in humans. HBV is transmitted through exposure to blood or other body fluids.

Workers whose job duties include a reasonable risk of contact with blood or other potentially infections materials are required to be offered a vaccination series against HBV. The vaccine is offered after bloodborne pathogen training and within 10 working days of initial assignment to work unless the employee has previously received the complete HBV vaccination series, antibody testing has revealed immunity, or the employee cannot receive the vaccine for medical reasons.

A form for acceptance or declination of the HBV vaccine must be filled out by all workers whose job duties have been identified as placing them at risk for exposure.

The standard Hepatitis B vaccination forms should be completed and returned to the appropriate individuals.

Exposure Incident Reporting

If a bloodborne pathogen exposure incident occurs, report the incident immediately to the supervisor and the Occupational and Student Health Department at 918-281-2755. Complete and submit an Employee Injury Report and a Sharps Injury Log if contaminated sharps were involved.

DO NOT DELAY! If you believe you have been exposed to human blood or infectious materials, thoroughly wash the affected area and report the exposure to the biological safety contact listed below.

Important Contacts

For Assistance:
- Occupational and Student Health in Tulsa – (918) 281-2755
- OSU-CHS Safety - (918) 561-8391
- Cherokee Nation - (918) 525-6311
Hepatitis B Immunization:
- Occupational and Student Health - (918) 561-1256 or (918) 281-2755
For inquiries related to BBPs in research labs:
- Office of Research - Research Compliance / Lab Safety - chslabsafety@okstate.edu.

Additional Resources

How to comply with the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
- Personnel must complete initial and annual refresher BBP training.
- Complete the OSU CHS Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens/Hepatitis B Vaccination Acceptance/Declination Form. This form must be completed even if the person declines to be vaccinated: Hepatitis B Vaccination Declination Form. If you answer “yes,” contact or have your supervisor contact erika.teel@okstate.edu for instructions to get the immunization. If “no”, please give copy to your supervisor to keep on file.
- Personnel should be aware of the OSU CHS Exposure Control Manual
- Post the BBP Universal Precautions in the area where you will be working with BBP
- Adopt Biohazard Spill Response Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Ensure personnel have access to it.
- Contact chslabsafety@okstate.edu for a site inspection to be completed. The inspector will use the BBP Inspection checklist to confirm that all safety components are addressed, and the space is ready for work with BBP.
Bloodborne Pathogen Training
Training is required initially, annually, and as policy/procedure changes occur. All university personnel who work with blood containing materials or assigned to do first aid.

Training Instructions
- Go to https://www.citiprogram.org/
- New users must click "Register" to obtain a username and password
- Select Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences as your "Organization Affiliation" and click continue
- Enter your personal information (first name, last name, email address) and click continue
- Create a username, password and select a security question and click continue
- Enter Country of Residence and click continue
- Select "No" regarding the option to receive Continuing Education Unit Credit for Completed Courses", respond to the CITI contact questions and click continue
- Answer the questions requested by Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. For the "courses planned to take" question, select the course you were instructed to take and click continue
- Go to Question 9, "Would you like to take the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens course?" and select "Yes"
- Click complete registration to return to main menu
- Click finalize registration
- You will see a list of the course in which you are enrolled
- Select the course you are ready to take
- Select “Complete the Integrity Assurance Statement before beginning the course”
- Select “I agree” and click “Submit.
- Complete required modules and associated quizzes
Adding a Course
- After logging in, select 'View Courses" next to Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
- Scroll down to Learner Tools for Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences and select "Add a Course"
- Go to Question 9, "Would you like to take the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens course?" and select "Yes"
- Click Submit
- The course should be added to the Institutional home page
Manuals, Policies and Procedures
Regulations and Guidance
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Information
- SafetyInfo - Bloodborne Pathogen Program Development
- OSHA e-Tool - Bloodborne Pathogens
- OSHA - Bloodborne Pathogens in ICU Facilities
- OSHA - Bloodborne Pathogens Final Standard: Summary of Key OSHA Provisions
- Laboratory Safety Supply - Complying with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
- CDC - Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities
- OSHA collection - Fact Sheets on Bloodborne Pathogens
- CDC - Guidelines for Laundry in Healthcare Facilities
- CDC - Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
- Hygenius - Handwashing for Infection Control
- CDC - Hepatitis C Fact Sheet
- National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Diseases - HIV Infection and AIDS
- American Liver Foundation - If You Have Hepatitis C Infection
- OSHA - Needle Stick Information
- NIOSH - Selecting, Evaluating, and Using Sharps Disposal Containers