Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Hepatitis B are serious concern for workers. Occupational exposure to blood, potentially infectious materials, and certain body fluids can contain bloodborne pathogens such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), a serious liver disease. Exposure to blood borne pathogens may occur in many ways. Although needle stick injuries are the most common means of exposure for workers, blood borne pathogens also can be transmitted through contact with the mucous membranes and non-intact skin of workers. This standard is designed to formalize and document BNL's program to control possible exposure to these hazards. This exposure can be minimized or eliminated using universal precautions. In addition the program specifies the use of engineering and work practice controls, personal protective clothing and equipment, training, medical surveillance, hepatitis vaccination, signs and labels and other provisions.
The BNL program is based on the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. OSHA's standard has been revised, so for details, please contact the subject matter expert. The details of BNL's standard will be revised to meet these changes.