InstituteBloodborne PathogensSafety & HealthBloodborne Pathogens Exposure IncidentGeneral Industry SafetyBloodborne PathogensEnglishAnalysisFocus AreaCompliance and Exceptions (Level 2)USA
Requirements after an exposure incident
['Bloodborne Pathogens']
- OSHA regulations ensure that an exposed employee receives prompt, confidential medical evaluation and prophylaxis.
While preventive and control measures are intended to eliminate or minimize the risks of occupational exposure, exposure incidents still occur.
An exposure incident is an actual contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) that results from the performance of an employee’s duties. It is an exposure incident if contact is:
- To the eye or mouth;
- To another mucous membrane;
- To non-intact skin (i.e., skin with dermatitis, hangnails, cuts, abrasions, chafing, acne, etc.); or
- Parenteral (piercing mucous membranes or the skin barrier through such events as needlesticks, human bites, cuts, and abrasions).
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has several requirements in place for procedures after an exposure incident. These ensure that an exposed employee receives prompt, confidential medical evaluation and prophylaxis.
Follow-up measures must be undertaken immediately, with appropriate safety precautions.