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Environmental Health & Safety

Bloodborne Pathogens

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued the Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Standard to protect workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The BBP Standard requires that all employees treat blood and certain other bodily fluids as potentially infectious, following the principle of universal precautions. Any reasonable chance of contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials places an individual "at risk" of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

For details on the Texas Christian University BBP Program, please refer to the program document in the Resources & Forms section or contact the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) office at safety@tcu.edu or 817-257-5395.

Universal Precautions
Universal Precautions focus on preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens. They are primarily concerned with blood and certain body fluids, assuming that all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious.

Key Practices
Universal Precautions include several critical practices to minimize risk of infection, such as:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Example: Wear glove, downs, masks, and eye protection when handling blood or OPIM.

  • Always use disposable gloves when administering first aid.
  • Replace gloves after each use and wash hands thoroughly.

Hand Hygiene
Example: Wash hands immediately after removing gloves or after any contact with blood.

  • Use soap and warm water for 15 seconds (sing Riff Ram Bah Zoo three times) or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  • Hand hygiene is critical even if gloves were worn.

Proper Sharps Disposal
Example: Dispose of needles in clearly labeled, puncture-resistant sharps containers.

  • Never recap used needles.
  • Use mechanical devices or forceps if necessary to handle sharps safely.

Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection
Example: Clean surfaces with a fresh 1:10 bleach solution if contaminated with blood.

  • Use appropriate disinfectants for cleaning medical equipment or surfaces.
  • Ensure cleaning staff are trained in handling biohazards.

Safe Waste Disposal
Example: Dispose of contaminated material in biohazard-labeled bags.

  • Follow OSHA regulations for medical waste handling.
  • Ensure waste bins are secure and clearly marked

Avoid Eating, Drinking, or Applying Cosmetics in Exposure Areas
Example: Do note eat or store food in areas where blood is handled.

  • Prohibit personal activities in laboratory or patient care areas.

Resources & Forms
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Title 25 Chapter 96
Bloodborne Pathogen Control Plan (work in progress)
Exposure Response Poster (work in progress)
Hepatitis B Vaccination Form (work in progress)
Site-Specific Training Form (work in progress)

Training
Assignments and access to online bloodborne pathogens courses are overseen by EHS and the Office of Research. In addition to online modules, site-specific departmental information must be provided in order to be in regulatory compliance with OSHA. It is the responsibility of the employee, along with their supervisor or designated work area trainer, to complete site-specific training and maintain a copy of the record. For further training and information, contact EHS at safety@tcu.edu or 817-257-5395. 

Access HSI/SafetySkills Learning Portal
Bloodborne Pathogens: Basics of Bloodborne Pathogens - SNP-9.2
This online course addresses the basics of bloodborne pathogens, the type of pathogens, and what to do if exposed.

Bloodborne Pathogens - BBP-1.2
Following completion of this online course, learners should be able to recognize the basics of bloodborne pathogens, identify the meaning and risks of occupational exposure, and identify how to safely handle sharps and contaminated waste.