Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: BLOODBORNE

The employer is not limited to abatement methods suggested by OSHA, i.e., methods explained are general and may not be effective in all cases. Other methods of abatement may be equally or more appropriate. Ultimate responsibility for determining the most appropriate abatement method rests with the employer, given its superior knowledge of the specific conditions on its worksite. Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to the hazard of being infected by bloodborne diseases: (a) The first aid nurse was exposed to the hazard of being infected by bloodborne diseases (HIV, HBV, etc.) through possible direct contact with blood or other body fluids. NOTE: Feasible and useful abatement methods for reducing the hazard among others are: 1) To offer employee Hepatitis B vaccinations free of charge in amounts and at times prescribed by standard medical practice in accordance with the Centers of Disease Control guidelines, and as a preprophylatic practice. 2) Training and education on precautionary measures, epidemiology, modes of transmission, prevention of HIV/HBV and other communicable diseases, proper work practices, the concept of "universal precautions", handling of infectious waste, and procedures to be followed in the event of an exposure to body fluids or a needle stick. 3) Developing follow-up procedures for implementation after possible exposures, that include appropriate testing (e.g. HIV, HBV, etc.) of the employees (after obtaining proper consent) and other appropriate procedures as outlined by C.D.C..