OSHA Standard 1926 Subpart D: In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, hospital, or physician, that is reasonably accessible in terms of time and distance to the worksite, which is available for the treatment of injured employees, a person who has a valid certificate in first aid training from the U.S. Bureau of Mines, the American Red Cross, or equivalent training that can be verified by documentary evidence, shall be available at the worksite to render first aid.
NOTICE: THIS IS ONE OF THE OSHA STANDARDS THAT REFERS TO THE 1910 REGULATIONS FOR ENFORCEMENT
OSHA Standard Appendix A 1910.1030(c)(1)(i): Each employer having an employee(s) with occupational exposure as defined by paragraph (b) of this section shall establish a written Exposure Control Plan designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure.
OSHA Standard Appendix A 1910.1030(c)(1)(ii)(B): The schedule and method of implementation for paragraphs (d) Methods of Compliance, (e) HIV and HBV Research Laboratories and Production Facilities, (f) Hepatitis B Vaccination and Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up, (g) Communication of Hazards to Employees, and (h) Recordkeeping, of this standard, of this section.
OSHA Standard Appendix A 1910.1030(c)(2)(i)(B): A list of job classifications in which some employees have occupational exposure, and
OSHA Standard Appendix A 1910.1030(c)(2)(i)(C): A list of all tasks and procedures or groups of closely related task and procedures in which occupational exposure occurs and that are performed by employees in job classifications listed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (c)(2)(i)(B) of this standard.
Key Points – Bloodborne Pathogens
Protection with personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for every employee, even in cases of minimal blood exposure. If exposed, you need to wash your contaminated areas as soon as possible with soap and water and report the exposure to your immediate supervisor.
What you need to know!
1. Your first responsibility is to alert 911 and then contact the trained and certified First Aid/CPR representative for the site.
2. No specific job titles entail first aid responsibilities, but a trained individual will be present at each job site. This qualified individual will be introduced during your Site-Specific Safety Orientation, and their details will be listed in your construction trailer.
3. Qualified individuals trained in response are not obligated but have the ability to perform First Aid/CPR once equipped appropriately. Trained individuals or those exposed will have the opportunity to receive Hepatitis vaccinations and any other suitable treatments.
4. Anybody around an incident should consider all blood and other potential infectious materials (OPIM) to be hazards.
5. If you are exposed to any objects that might have been contaminated (sharp disposable containers, needles, etc.), you are required to STOP WORK and report the condition immediately; then warn others and keep them away from the items or hazards until they are safely addressed. Remember to contact your safety team as soon as possible. Better safe than sorry!
6. If you suspect exposure to the eyes, mouth, skin, mucous membranes, or blood, it’s crucial to wash your hands and affected skin promptly with soap and water. Then, seek transportation for evaluation and any required treatment without delay.
7. Only trained and authorized personnel may clean up and remove any residual blood or OPIM from the area and job site. The chain of custody for contaminated material needs to be strictly adhered to when disposing of contaminated items.
8. If you are trained to provide care and you performed First Aid/CPR duties, you need to dispose of contaminated PPE and clothing and wash your hands and exposed skin with soap and water immediately. After reporting and evaluating your exposure, you may also then be transported for further evaluation and other treatment if necessary.
9. You are personally responsible for reporting any incident to your immediate supervisor and safety team for tracking, treatment, and reporting.
