Do child care workers need bloodborne pathogens training?

What OSHA says

In a 1992 letter of interpretation, OSHA said a child care worker with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials is covered by all sections of the standard. Coverage depends on whether exposure can reasonably be anticipated, not on job title or the type of workplace.

Staff the center designates to give first aid are covered. In child care, that usually means nosebleeds, cuts, bites that break the skin, mouth injuries, and cleaning up blood from toys, mats and surfaces.

Covered employees must be trained at hire and every year after, at no cost to them, and offered the hepatitis B vaccine.

State licensing rules

Child care licensing is set by each state, and many require bloodborne pathogens training on top of OSHA. Some also specify the curriculum. Washington's early learning rules, for example, require providers who care for children to complete training on preventing exposure to blood and body fluids before they are licensed or start working with children.

Check your state licensing agency's training requirements for staff and family child care providers before choosing a course, especially if your state approves specific providers or sets an hour minimum.

Family child care homes

OSHA applies to employers and employees. A provider who works alone in her own home has no OSHA training obligation for herself, but state licensing may still require it, and any assistant she employs is covered.

What the training covers

How hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV spread, universal precautions, gloves and when eye protection is needed, cleaning a blood spill with an EPA-registered disinfectant or fresh bleach solution, bagging soiled clothing, hepatitis B vaccination, and what to do right after an exposure.