What does OSHA require for cleaning various surfaces under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?

All equipment and environmental and working surfaces shall be cleaned and decontaminated after contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)].

• Contaminated equipment, such as IV poles, require labels or tags in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(H). The labels must also identify which portions of the equipment are contaminated.
• Some equipment, if grossly contaminated, must be cleaned with a soap and water solution prior to decontamination, as some anti-microbial products will not work in the presence of blood, which interferes with the sterilizing process.

Protective coverings, such as plastic wrap or aluminum foil, shall be removed and replaced as soon as possible, when they become overtly contaminated, or at the end of a work shift if they may have become contaminated during the shift [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(B)].

All bins, pails, cans, and similar receptacles intended for reuse which have a reasonable likelihood for becoming contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious material shall be inspected and decontaminated on a regularly scheduled basis and cleaned and decontaminated immediately or as soon as feasible upon visible contamination [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(C)].

Broken glassware which may be contaminated, must not be picked up directly with hands; use mechanical means, such as use a brush and dustpan, tongs or forceps [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(D)].