If you work in any type of environment where there is a chance that you could be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, then you are going to want to make sure that you are taking your OSHA bloodborne pathogens test and getting the certification you need for the job. There are many risks associated with bloodborne pathogens, and there are many different industries and professions that could be exposed. When you get training and take a test for your certification, it helps to ensure that you have the knowledge needed to deal with any type of exposure and contamination that you might run into in your line of work.

Why Does OSHA Compliance Matter?

OSHA, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, is an organization dedicated to helping make the workplace safer regardless of what types of dangers and hazards it might face. There are many different types of OSHA standards, including their Bloodborne Pathogens Standard – 29 CFR 1910.1030.

According to information directly from the United States Department of Labor and OSHA, the standards are to “address items such as exposure control plans, universal precautions, engineering and work practice controls, personal protective equipment, housekeeping, laboratories, hepatitis B vaccination, post-exposure follow-up, hazard communication and training, and recordkeeping. The standard places requirements on employers whose workers can be reasonably anticipated to contact blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), such as unfixed human tissues and certain body fluids.”

The standards are an update to the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act of 2000. It includes the necessary safeguards for helping to keep workers safe when they are around blood and bodily fluids. Companies are required to follow the OSHA standard, and that means those who are working in these environments are going to need to have their OSHA bloodborne pathogens test taken care of before they start working. Keep in mind that certification is only good for one year, and then you will need to recertify.

What Are Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens are microscopic, and they have the potential to be extremely dangerous, even deadly when proper care is not taken around them. Diseases are spread through these pathogens when people are exposed, which is why it is so important to make sure that they are taken care of properly and that the risk has been eliminated. Some of the different types of diseases that can spread through bloodborne pathogens are HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, syphilis, and the West Nile Virus.

Contamination can occur through an accident with a sharp object, such as a needle. It could also happen when blood or other bodily fluids that contain pathogens are exposed to the skin, eyes, or a wound of someone who is providing care for them. With proper training an OSHA bloodborne pathogens test and certification for those who work around those environments, it can help to reduce the risk substantially.

Who Needs Training?

When it comes to the OSHA bloodborne pathogens test and certification, you might be wondering who is going to need to have training. If an employee is working in a field where they are going to be exposed to blood and other bodily fluids, then they are going to need to have their certification. It is for everyone’s benefit.

Naturally, those who are working in healthcare, such as doctors, nurses, and orderlies are going to want to have their certification. However, there are plenty of others who should have certification, as well. This includes the janitorial staff, who could be exposed to blood and bodily fluids, blood bank workers, nursing home workers, and tattoo artists. If you are going to be getting a job that might fall into this category, you might want to get a certificate on your own even before you apply.

What Should the Training Include?

The goal of OSHA compliant training is always about improving the health and safety of those who are working in these fields, along with the patients or customers who frequent those locations.

Proper training is often going to include information about the various types of bloodborne pathogens and the diseases and dangers that they can cause. The training is also going to include information on how exposure happens, precautions that should always be taken, personal protective equipment that needs to be worn and used, and engineering and work practice controls.

The Benefits of Online Testing

How are you going to take your OSHA bloodborne pathogens test? While there are some who still believe that traditional classroom training and testing is a good option, more and more are choosing to use online testing instead. The online testing tends to be far more convenient for the vast majority of people. When you take a test online, you tend to be more comfortable, and it is easier to learn and retain knowledge.

Online training is easy and convenient. With BloodborneTraining.com, you can take the bloodborne pathogens training course for free. Once you take the training and pass the tests, you can then have the option to pay for your certificate. It is quiet, easy, and the best option for most people. You can sign up here to get started right now for free.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Testing Company?

Now that you have decided to look for a company that can provide the OSHA bloodborne pathogens test, you will want to make sure they are the right company for your needs. Always check to see that they are offering training that is compatible with the standards put forth by OSHA. In addition, check to see how they handle the quizzes for the testing portion and make sure that you can take them again as many times as needed without additional fees. A company that can offer great interactive testing and training and that is mobile friendly can be a real benefit. BloodborneTraining.com is an excellent option.

If you work in an environment where exposure to bloodborne pathogens is a real threat, you need to be prepared. It is a legal requirement to have your OSHA bloodborne pathogens test and certification, and now you have a better understanding of just what you need to do to find the best online source for your certification.