Mon 19 Oct 2015
Bloodborne Pathogen program for Construction?
Posted by admin under Bio Exposure Index, Bloodborne Pathogens, OSHA, Safety Programs, Uncategorized
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“Do I need a bloodborne pathogens (BBP) program for my construction company?”
Of course, the answer depends, . But, OSHA does have a letter of interpretation.
The basics are: do your employees have DAILY exposure (anticipated exposure) to blood, or blood containing substances? Further defined as; “today we are going to pick up these bloody needles. Or, “this afternoon we are going into this live sewer, which is coming from the treatment plant”.
Here is OSHA Bloodborne construction letter of interp, but interpret the letter of interpretation yourself. 🙂
“…while the bloodborne pathogens standard does not apply to construction work, as defined in 29 CFR 1910.12(b), it does apply to employees performing maintenance activities who experience occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. OSHA expects the construction employer performing maintenance activities to take the following precautions as required by the following referenced standards:Â Section 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)Â requires that the employer instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe condition…”
In summary, most construction firms do NOT need a full blown bloodborne pathogen program. However, you should still train your employees on the hazards they might incur. This might include the hazards of bloodborne pathogens. There may be a time and project where they wished they had the training.