Guides
Plain answers drawn from the OSHA standard, OSHA's interpretation letters, and state and county rules. Each guide lists its sources.
How long is bloodborne pathogens certification good for?
One year. OSHA's standard requires training when you are first assigned to work with exposure risk, then within one year of your previous training, and again whenever your tasks change in a way that affects exposure.
Is online bloodborne pathogens training OSHA approved?
No course is "OSHA approved", because OSHA doesn't approve bloodborne pathogens training providers. An online course can satisfy the standard when it covers the required topics and the employer adds site-specific information and real-time access to a knowledgeable person for questions.
Who needs bloodborne pathogens training?
Every employee with occupational exposure: anyone who can reasonably be expected, as part of their job duties, to contact blood or other potentially infectious materials. How often it happens doesn't matter; whether it's a reasonable part of the job does.
What to do after a needlestick or blood exposure at work
Wash the area right away, report it to your supervisor immediately, and get a medical evaluation the same day. Treatment to prevent HIV works best when started within hours, and your employer must provide the evaluation at no cost to you.
Does my employer have to pay for bloodborne pathogens training?
Yes. If your job involves occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, OSHA requires your employer to provide the training at no cost to you and during working hours.
Bloodborne pathogens training requirements for tattoo and piercing artists in Colorado
Colorado leaves body art licensing to county and district health departments, and each sets its own training rule. Boulder County requires proof of a bloodborne pathogens course within 60 days of hire, renewed every year. Arapahoe County requires an approved course within 90 days of hire.