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Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Response
Hepatitis B is the most contagious bloodborne virus. After a needlestick, wash, report at once and start HIV prophylaxis within hours.
The OSHA rules
The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) protects every worker who may contact blood. The employer must keep a written exposure control plan and review it at least once a year. The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act of 2000 added duties: use safer sharps, such as retractable or shielded needles and needleless IV connectors, involve frontline workers in choosing them, and keep a sharps injury log. Controls come in layers. Engineering controls remove the hazard, such as safety needles and sharps containers. Work-practice controls change how you work, such as never recapping. PPE comes last. The employer must offer the hepatitis B vaccine free within 10 working days of assignment. A worker who declines signs a form and can still get it later. Training is yearly.