Bloodborne Pathogens Sharps Injury Prevention
62 flashcards covering Bloodborne Pathogens Sharps Injury Prevention for the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens section.
Bloodborne pathogens sharps injury prevention focuses on reducing the risk of exposure to infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis from contaminated needles and other sharp medical devices. This topic is defined by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, which applies to construction and general industry workers handling potentially infectious materials, emphasizing engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment to minimize sharps-related hazards.
On OSHA Outreach Training exams, this topic often appears in multiple-choice questions testing knowledge of exposure control plans, proper disposal methods, and recognition of high-risk situations. Common traps include overlooking the need for immediate reporting of injuries or confusing reusable sharps with single-use devices, which can lead to improper handling.
Remember to always activate safety features on sharps devices before disposal to avoid accidental exposures.
Terms (62)
- 01
Under 29 CFR 1910.1030, what must an exposure control plan include for sharps injury prevention?
The plan must include the use of engineering and work practice controls to eliminate or minimize exposure, such as safer needle devices, and must be accessible to employees (29 CFR 1910.1030(c)).
- 02
How often must employers review and update their exposure control plan?
At least annually and whenever necessary to reflect new or modified tasks and procedures affecting occupational exposure (29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)).
- 03
What engineering controls are required to prevent sharps injuries?
Engineering controls such as sharps with engineered sharps injury protections and needleless systems must be used where feasible to eliminate or minimize exposure (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)).
- 04
When must safer medical devices be evaluated under the Bloodborne Pathogens standard?
Safer medical devices must be evaluated as part of the exposure control plan to ensure they are effective in reducing exposure incidents (29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)).
- 05
Under 29 CFR 1910.1030, what is required for the safe handling of contaminated sharps?
Contaminated sharps must be placed in a closable, puncture-resistant, leakproof container that is labeled or color-coded and not overfilled (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(1)).
- 06
How often must employees with occupational exposure receive training on bloodborne pathogens?
At the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(i)).
- 07
What must employers provide to employees who use sharps in their work?
Information and training on the use of engineering controls, such as safer sharps devices, to prevent injuries (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)).
- 08
Under the Bloodborne Pathogens standard, what steps must follow a sharps-related exposure incident?
The employer must make immediately available a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up, including testing and post-exposure prophylaxis if indicated (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)).
- 09
What is the definition of an 'engineering control' in sharps injury prevention?
An engineering control is a device or equipment that removes the hazard at the source, such as self-sheathing needles, to minimize employee exposure (29 CFR 1910.1030(b)).
- 10
When must work practice controls be implemented for sharps?
Work practice controls must be used to eliminate or minimize exposure, such as not bending, recapping, or removing contaminated needles unless no alternative exists (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)).
- 11
Under 29 CFR 1910.1030, what labeling is required for sharps containers?
Sharps containers must be labeled with the biohazard symbol and the word 'Biohazard' or be color-coded red (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(H)).
- 12
How must contaminated sharps be disposed of to prevent injuries?
They must be discarded immediately or as soon as feasible into appropriate containers that are closable, puncture-resistant, and leakproof on the sides and bottom (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(1)).
- 13
What is required if an employee is exposed to bloodborne pathogens via a sharps injury?
The employer must ensure the employee is offered post-exposure evaluation and follow-up, including HBV vaccination if not previously administered (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)).
- 14
Under the Bloodborne Pathogens standard, what training elements must cover sharps injury prevention?
Training must include information on the use and limitations of engineering controls like safer sharps devices and the selection and proper use of personal protective equipment (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(A)).
- 15
What personal protective equipment must be used when handling sharps?
Appropriate gloves, gowns, and eye protection must be used based on the task and the type of exposure anticipated (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)).
- 16
When must employers solicit input from non-managerial employees on sharps safety devices?
Employers must involve non-managerial employees in the evaluation and selection of effective engineering controls, such as safer sharps devices (29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)).
- 17
How often must the Hepatitis B vaccination be offered to at-risk employees?
Within 10 working days of initial assignment unless the employee has previously received the vaccine or declines it (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(2)(i)).
- 18
What is the appropriate response to a sharps injury in the workplace?
Immediately wash the affected area, report the incident to the employer, and receive a confidential medical evaluation (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(1)).
- 19
Under 29 CFR 1910.1030, what must be included in post-exposure evaluation records?
Records must include a description of the exposed employee's duties, how the exposure occurred, the source individual's blood results if applicable, and the exposed employee's results (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(4)).
- 20
What engineering controls are specifically mentioned for preventing needlestick injuries?
Sharps with engineered sharps injury protections, such as retractable needles, must be used where feasible (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)).
- 21
Before using sharps in a procedure, what must the worker do?
The worker must ensure that engineering controls, like safer devices, are in place and follow work practice controls to minimize exposure (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)).
- 22
A worker sustains a needlestick from a contaminated syringe. What should the employer do next?
The employer must provide immediate confidential medical evaluation, including testing and counseling, and document the incident (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)).
- 23
What is required for the maintenance of sharps containers?
Sharps containers must be maintained upright, easily accessible, and not allowed to overfill (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(1)(i)).
- 24
Under 29 CFR 1910.1030, how must contaminated laundry that may involve sharps be handled?
It must be handled as little as possible and not sorted or rinsed in the location of use (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A)).
- 25
What is the first step when an employee reports a sharps exposure?
The employer must initiate a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up process immediately (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)).
- 26
How must sharps be transported to prevent injury?
They must be placed in a secondary container if outside of the primary container to maintain puncture-resistance and leakproof integrity (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(2)).
- 27
A healthcare worker is assigned to handle sharps. What training must they receive?
Training on the epidemiology and symptoms of bloodborne diseases, modes of transmission, and controls to prevent exposure (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)).
- 28
What documentation is needed for sharps injury logs?
The log must record the type and brand of device involved, the department or work area, and the procedure involved in the incident (29 CFR 1910.1030(b) and related requirements).
- 29
Under the Bloodborne Pathogens standard, what must be done with regulated waste involving sharps?
It must be placed in containers that are closable, constructed to contain all contents, and labeled or color-coded (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)).
- 30
What is required if safer sharps devices are not feasible?
Work practice controls must be used as an alternative to eliminate or minimize exposure (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)).
- 31
How often must exposure control plans be made available to employees?
The plan must be accessible to employees at all times and reviewed annually (29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(ii)).
- 32
What must employers do to evaluate the effectiveness of sharps controls?
Regularly review and update the exposure control plan based on exposure incidents and new information (29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)).
- 33
Under 29 CFR 1910.1030, what personal hygiene practices are required after handling sharps?
Employees must wash hands immediately or as soon as feasible after removing gloves or other personal protective equipment (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(ix)).
- 34
What is the role of the exposure control officer in sharps safety?
The officer ensures implementation of the exposure control plan, including selection of controls for sharps (29 CFR 1910.1030(c)).
- 35
Before a procedure involving sharps, what must be verified?
That appropriate engineering controls and personal protective equipment are available and in use (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)).
- 36
A lab technician pricks their finger with a contaminated sharp. What follows?
The employer must provide immediate access to a healthcare professional for evaluation and possible prophylaxis (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)).
- 37
What information must be included in employee training on sharps?
The use of appropriate engineering controls, selection of work practices, and the basis for selecting personal protective equipment (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)).
- 38
Under 29 CFR 1910.1030, how must sharps disposal containers be located?
They must be easily accessible to employees and located as close as feasible to the immediate area of use (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(1)(ii)).
- 39
What must be done with reusable sharps containers?
They must be decontaminated before servicing or shipping (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(3)).
- 40
How must bloodborne pathogen exposure records be maintained for sharps incidents?
Records must be kept for the duration of employment plus 30 years and made available to employees upon request (29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(1)).
- 41
What is required for the selection of safer medical devices?
Devices must be evaluated based on their effectiveness in reducing exposure and employee input (29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)).
- 42
Under the Bloodborne Pathogens standard, what prohibitions exist for sharps handling?
Bending, recapping, or removing contaminated needles is prohibited unless the employer can demonstrate it is required by a specific medical procedure (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)).
- 43
What training must cover for employees who handle sharps in construction?
The same requirements as general industry, including engineering controls and safe work practices (29 CFR 1910.1030 and 29 CFR 1926 cross-references).
- 44
A worker in general industry reports a sharps injury. What recordkeeping is required?
The injury must be recorded on the sharps injury log if it meets OSHA recordable criteria (29 CFR 1910.1030(b)).
- 45
What must be included in the written opinion after a sharps exposure evaluation?
It must state that the employee has been informed of the results of the evaluation and any medical conditions resulting from exposure (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(5)).
- 46
Under 29 CFR 1910.1030, what exceptions exist for recapping needles?
Recapping is allowed if the employer demonstrates it is required by a specific procedure and a mechanical device or one-handed technique is used (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A)).
- 47
How must employers communicate hazards to employees handling sharps?
Through labels, signs, and training on the risks of bloodborne pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(vi)).
- 48
What is the minimum content for bloodborne pathogens training related to sharps?
An opportunity for interactive questions and answers on topics like exposure prevention and emergency procedures (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(viii)).
- 49
Before transporting sharps, what must be ensured?
That containers are secure, leakproof, and properly labeled to prevent exposure during transport (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(2)).
- 50
A nurse experiences a sharps injury during patient care. What is the employer's immediate action?
Provide post-exposure evaluation, including testing the source individual's blood if possible and consent is obtained (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)(ii)).
- 51
What updates are required in the exposure control plan for new sharps devices?
The plan must be revised to reflect changes in technology that eliminate or reduce exposure (29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)).
- 52
Under 29 CFR 1910.1030, what must be done with contaminated PPE after sharps use?
It must be removed and placed in a designated container for washing, decontamination, or disposal (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(x)).
- 53
How often must sharps-related exposure incidents be investigated?
As part of reviewing the exposure control plan, incidents must be evaluated to implement additional controls (29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)).
- 54
What is required for the decontamination of surfaces contaminated by sharps?
Surfaces must be decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant immediately or as soon as feasible (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)).
- 55
Under the Bloodborne Pathogens standard, what employee rights exist regarding sharps exposure?
Employees have the right to access their exposure and medical records related to incidents (29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(3)).
- 56
What procedural controls must be in place for sharps in research labs?
The same as for general industry, including engineering controls and training (29 CFR 1910.1030).
- 57
A construction worker has a sharps exposure on site. What must the employer provide?
Immediate medical evaluation and follow-up as per the Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)).
- 58
What must be verified in sharps safety training sessions?
That employees can demonstrate understanding of the training content, including controls for sharps (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(viii)).
- 59
Under 29 CFR 1910.1030, how must sharps be stored when not in use?
In a way that prevents unauthorized access and maintains container integrity (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)).
- 60
What follow-up is required after a sharps injury for HBV?
Post-exposure prophylaxis, if medically indicated, based on the exposed employee's immune status (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3)(iv)).
- 61
How must employers ensure compliance with sharps safety in high-risk areas?
By implementing and enforcing the exposure control plan specific to those areas (29 CFR 1910.1030(c)).
- 62
What is the key element of work practice controls for sharps?
Altering the manner of performing tasks to minimize exposure, such as using one-handed techniques for recapping (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)).