Overview
The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), was revised in response to the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. The purpose of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is to significantly reduce or eliminate employee exposure to diseases spread through blood or other infectious material. For covered employers/employees, the standard includes requirements for the creation of exposure control plans, vaccination requirements, training, effective record keeping and handling of incidents in which there is suspected exposure.
Application to Private K-12 Schools
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) covers the private sector, including private schools.
Required Exposure Control Plan
School administrators are required to create exposure control plans that must be reevaluated for updates each year. Plans must include a list of job classifications with a designation of exposure potential and a listing of the job responsibilities that leave an employee open to potential exposure.
Required Training
Employees who are at risk of occupational exposure must receive training that covers general safety and health guidelines and a clear understanding of work duties that may put them at risk of exposure, specifically, custodians, maintenance employees, cafeteria staff, science, art, technology, agri-science teachers and any other teachers or school staff that may come into contact with blood and other infectious materials must receive training.
