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Oklahoma State University

Bloodborne Pathogen Safety

The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is designed to protect the more than 5 million workers in the United States at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the hepatitis B virus, and the hepatitis C virus. Though the chances of contracting a disease transmitted by blood are relatively low, they are real. Transmission of these infections is preventable. Working together, employers and employees can prevent becoming infected by these diseases in the workplace. All employees who may perform activities where occupational exposure is possible are covered by these regulations. Occupational exposure means skin, eye, mucous membrane or non-intact skin (e.g., needle stick, cuts, abrasions) contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) that may be reasonably anticipated while on the job. Employees whose duties place them "at risk," as defined above, are required to receive training.

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard is intended to protect workers from all known and as yet, unknown diseases transmitted by blood. The viruses of greatest concern at present, however, are HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and those found in human or non-human primate derived cell lines.

Resources

Bloodborne Pathogen Safety Training

Training is required initially, annually and as policy/procedure changes occur.

Training Information ›

Staff and Contact 
Amber Hood, M.S., CPIA, CIP  Director, Regulatory Compliance and Research Facilities amber.hood@okstate.edu 
918-561-1413
Rebecca Crandell, M.S. Assistant Directory, Research Compliance rebecca.crandell@okstate.edu
918-561-1409