This free online course introduces OSHA's standard regarding workplace health from blood-borne pathogens.

Every day, professionals such as EMTs, phlebotomists, and lab technicians are exposed to contagious and infectious samples of bodily fluids obtained from the human body. These fluids include anything from blood and saliva to cerebrospinal fluid and semen. Suppose any of these fluids is contagious and gets inside their bodies. In that case, the infectious pathogens residing in them can make them ill with chronic and life-threatening conditions, such as Hepatitis B and C and AIDS.

These pathogens and contaminated bodily fluids can enter the human body in many ways. However, standards, such as OSHA bloodborne pathogens, exist to prevent such mishaps. In this course, we will look at this standard, its implications in the form of various work practices and engineering control measures, and how its requirements deal with bodily fluids obtained from the human body for examinations and research. The course comprises one module divided into four topics, each with a central theme.

The first topic discusses different entry routes for bloodborne pathogens into the human body and the occupations significantly exposed to their intrusion. The second topic is solely dedicated to preparing the Exposure Control Plan, while the third covers using PPE. The last topic discusses the common bloodborne pathogens that can infect a person who may have mishandled the samples or otherwise harboured the infection. This course will provide you with a basic framework of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard and its requirements for protecting personnel.