• Bloodborne pathogens training can be given by a variety of professionals, as long as they have expertise in bloodborne pathogen hazards and OSHA requirements in general and as related to the specific workplace.
• If a workplace seems to have training deficiencies, OSHA will look at the trainer’s qualifications to verify competence.

Bloodborne pathogens training must be conducted by someone who is knowledgeable about bloodborne pathogen hazards, and the required training elements as they relate to the specific workplace.

Possible trainers include a variety of healthcare professionals such as infection control practitioners, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, occupational health professionals, physician’s assistants, and emergency medical technicians. However, a trainer does not need to be a healthcare professional. Non-healthcare professionals, such as but not limited to industrial hygienists, epidemiologists, and professional trainers, may conduct the training if they have the necessary knowledge of the subject matter covered by the training program as it relates to the workplace. One way, but not the only way, knowledge can be demonstrated is if the person received specialized training. If no one at a workplace is qualified to do the training, the employer may need to send employees outside to get trained or bring a trainer in.

In some workplaces, such as dental or physicians’ offices, the individual employer may conduct the training, given the necessary knowledge of bloodborne pathogen hazards and the subject matter specified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in paragraphs (g)(2)(vii)(A) through (N) of 1910.1030.

If an OSHA inspector finds training deficiencies in a workplace, the inspector will look at the specialized courses, degrees, or work experience of that workplace’s trainer to verify competence. G