• The training can be somewhat flexible to meet employees’ needs but must at a minimum cover the required training elements listed in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
• Some required elements include OSHA and site-specific regulations; recognizing, preventing, and treating exposure; measures such as PPE, vaccinations, and warning labels; and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up.

The provisions for employee bloodborne pathogens training are performance oriented, with flexibility allowed to tailor the program to the employee’s background and responsibilities. However, the training elements listed in subparagraph (g)(2)(vii) of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard must be covered, and some elements call for site-specific information.

At a minimum, the training program must include the following elements:

• An accessible copy of the regulatory text of 1910.1030 and an explanation of its contents;
• A general explanation of the epidemiology and symptoms of bloodborne diseases;
• An explanation of the modes of transmission of bloodborne pathogens;
• An explanation of the employer’s exposure control plan and how an employee can get a copy of the written plan;
• An explanation of how to recognize tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM);
• An explanation of methods to prevent or reduce exposure, such as appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE), including the uses and limitations of these methods;
• Information about PPE, including its types, selection, proper use, location, removal, handling, decontamination, and disposal;
• Information on the hepatitis B vaccine, including its effectiveness and safety, how it is given, the benefits of being vaccinated, and that it is offered free of charge;
• Information on the appropriate actions to take and people to contact in an emergency involving blood or OPIM;
• An explanation of the procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs, including how to report the incident and what medical follow-up will be made available;
• Information on the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up that the employer is required to provide for the employee following an exposure incident;
• An explanation of the warning signs, labels, and color-coding required by subparagraph (g)(1) of 1910.1030; and
• An opportunity for interactive questions and answers with the person conducting the training session.