Blood, OPIM, and Bloodborne Pathogens
Emergency department (ED) personnel face a variety of health risks, ranging from exposure to bloodborne pathogens to hazardous chemicals. This module focuses on strategies and solutions to help protect workers in these high-risk environments.
Healthcare provider handling a blood sample
Potential Hazard
ED workers are at increased risk of exposure to blood, other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), and bloodborne pathogens due to the urgent, life-saving nature of emergency care.
Possible Solutions
The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard mandates precautions when handling blood and OPIM. Key methods to reduce exposure include:
- Engineering and Work Practice Controls: These are the primary measures to eliminate or minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Engineering controls reduce risk by removing, isolating, or otherwise controlling hazards. Work practice controls modify how tasks are performed to reduce exposure.
- Integration into the Exposure Control Plan (ECP): Any implementation of engineering or work practice controls must be reflected in the facility’s ECP to ensure compliance and continuous protection for employees.