{"id":2736,"date":"2025-11-24T19:24:24","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T19:24:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/?p=2736"},"modified":"2026-10-15T10:33:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T10:33:19","slug":"ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens: The Complete OSHA-Compliant Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/#What_Is_PPE_for_Bloodborne_Pathogens\" >What Is PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/#Types_of_PPE_Required_for_Bloodborne_Pathogens\" >Types of PPE Required for Bloodborne Pathogens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/#PPE_for_Bloodborne_Pathogens_by_Worker_Role\" >PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens by Worker Role<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/#OSHA_Requirements_What_the_Law_Says_About_BBP_PPE\" >OSHA Requirements: What the Law Says About BBP PPE<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/#How_to_Put_On_and_Remove_BBP_PPE_Donning_and_Doffing_Order\" >How to Put On and Remove BBP PPE: Donning and Doffing Order<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/#Universal_Precautions_vs_Standard_Precautions_What_They_Mean_for_Your_PPE\" >Universal Precautions vs. Standard Precautions: What They Mean for Your PPE<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/#Disposing_of_PPE_After_Bloodborne_Pathogen_Exposure\" >Disposing of PPE After Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/#BBP_Training_Requirements_for_PPE_Users\" >BBP Training Requirements for PPE Users<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<section class=\"style-snapshot\">\n<div class=\"style-section\">\n<h3 class=\"style-section-title\">Key Takeaway<\/h3>\n<div class=\"style-section-content style-section-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>PPE for bloodborne pathogens helps protect workers from exposure to infectious blood and potentially infectious body fluids. Choosing the right equipment, including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, depends on the task and anticipated exposure risk. Proper donning, doffing, and disposal procedures help prevent accidental contamination and reduce the risk of infection. OSHA requires employers to provide appropriate PPE and annual training for workers with occupational exposure. Regular training and consistent use of Standard Precautions help maintain a safer workplace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_PPE_for_Bloodborne_Pathogens\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:17pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">What Is PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Personal protective equipment (PPE) for bloodborne pathogens refers to specialized garments and devices that create a physical barrier between a worker&apos;s skin, eyes, and mucous membranes and potentially infectious blood or body fluids. OSHA defines bloodborne pathogens as pathogenic microorganisms present in the human blood that cause disease in humans, most notably hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">According to the CDC, approximately 5.6 million U.S. workers face occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens each year. This is a number that extends well beyond hospitals and clinics. Any occupation where contact with blood or OPIM is reasonably anticipated falls under OSHA&apos;s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">PPE does not eliminate the hazard at its source (engineering controls and work practice controls serve that function), but it provides the final, critical protective layer when those other controls cannot fully eliminate exposure risk. OSHA requires all three layers working together: engineer out the hazard where possible, modify work practices to reduce risk, and use PPE as the last line of defense.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_PPE_Required_for_Bloodborne_Pathogens\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:17pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Types of PPE Required for Bloodborne Pathogens<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color:#666666;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves are the baseline requirement for virtually every BBP exposure scenario. They are required whenever there is potential for hand contact with blood, OPIM, contaminated surfaces, or mucous membranes. Acceptable glove materials include nitrile, latex, vinyl, and other impervious compounds. Latex gloves should be powder-free and reduced-protein to minimize allergy risk; nitrile is now the preferred standard in most clinical and first-responder settings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves must be inspected before each use for tears or punctures, replaced immediately if damaged, and removed carefully using the glove-to-glove \/ skin-to-skin technique to avoid contaminating bare hands. Wearing two pairs (double-gloving) provides additional protection in high-risk procedures but is not a substitute for undamaged gloves.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color:#666666;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Face Shields and Eye Goggles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Eye protection is required whenever tasks create a risk of splashes, sprays, spatters, or droplets of blood or OPIM reaching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Chemical splash goggles protect the eyes from direct exposure, while face shields provide broader coverage of the nose, mouth, and chin. In high-splash environments (surgeries, autopsies, trauma response), both may be worn simultaneously.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color:#666666;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gowns, Lab Coats, and Protective Clothing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Body-covering PPE is required whenever blood or OPIM may come into contact with the worker&apos;s clothing or skin. Options include gowns, aprons, lab coats, or clinic jackets. The garment must not allow blood or OPIM to penetrate to the worker&apos;s clothing underneath. When gross contamination is anticipated (major trauma response, autopsy, large-scale spill cleanup), surgical caps, shoe covers, and full-body protective coveralls may also be required.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color:#666666;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Masks<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Surgical masks or respirators protect the nose and mouth from splashes or sprays. They are always worn in combination with eye protection, not as a standalone. The mask-plus-goggles or mask-plus-face-shield combination covers all facial mucous membranes and is the standard configuration for high-splash clinical tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color:#666666;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Pocket Masks and Resuscitation Devices<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Pocket masks and bag-valve-mask (BVM) devices eliminate direct mouth-to-mouth contact during CPR and other resuscitation procedures. OSHA requires employers to provide these devices wherever resuscitation is a foreseeable job duty, including for first responders, school nurses, lifeguards, and designated workplace first aid providers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PPE_for_Bloodborne_Pathogens_by_Worker_Role\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:17pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens by Worker Role<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">No two job settings carry the same exposure risk, and OSHA&apos;s standard was written with that in mind. The regulation covers a far broader range of occupations than most workers realize: not just nurses and physicians, but also first responders, janitorial staff, dental hygienists, tattoo artists, morticians, school nurses, and anyone designated as a workplace first-aid provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">The table below maps required PPE to common occupations covered under 29 CFR 1910.1030, based on typical task exposure levels. The &quot;additional PPE&quot; column applies whenever the task creates a reasonably anticipated risk of splash, spray, or body exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n<div align=\"left\">\n<table style=\"border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: currentcolor; border-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<colgroup>\n<col width=\"185\">\n<col width=\"201\">\n<col width=\"232\">\n        <\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Healthcare worker (blood draw\/phlebotomy)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Nitrile or latex gloves<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Face shield, mask if the patient is uncooperative<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Nurse \/ medical assistant<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves, gown<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Face shield, eye goggles, surgical mask<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Surgeon \/ OR technician<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves, gown, surgical mask, eye protection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Double gloves, full-face shield<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">EMT \/ paramedic<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves, pocket mask<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gown, face shield at high-bleed trauma scenes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Firefighter\/police officer<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves, pocket mask<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gown, eye protection at trauma scenes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Dentist \/ dental hygienist<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves, mask, eye protection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Face shield during high-spray procedures<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Janitorial \/ housekeeping staff<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gown, eye protection for blood spill cleanup<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">School nurse \/ designated first aid provider<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves, pocket mask<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gown, eye protection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Tattoo\/body art professional<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Mask, eye protection (splash risk from procedures)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Laboratory technician<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves, lab coat<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Eye goggles, face shield for open specimens<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Mortician\/funeral home worker<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves, gown, eye protection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: solid #e0e0e0 0.68181825pt;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Full protective coverall, face shield<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">The &quot;additional PPE&quot; column is not optional when those conditions apply. OSHA uses the phrase &quot;reasonably anticipated&quot; to mean employers must plan for realistic worst-case scenarios, not only routine tasks. A police officer who typically wears gloves must also have a face shield accessible when responding to a high-bleed traumatic incident.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"OSHA_Requirements_What_the_Law_Says_About_BBP_PPE\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:17pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">OSHA Requirements: What the Law Says About BBP PPE<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">OSHA&apos;s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) and its companion PPE standard (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I) together define the full scope of employer obligations regarding protective equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Employer-provided and free of charge. Employers must provide, clean, repair, and replace all required PPE at no cost to the worker. If employees are purchasing their own gloves or masks, the employer is out of compliance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Appropriate to the task. PPE selection must match the anticipated type and level of exposure. A risk assessment, factoring in the task, the materials involved, and whether splashing or spraying could occur, must guide every selection decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Properly fitted. Ill-fitting PPE creates genuine hazards. Gloves that are too large reduce tactile sensitivity and increase the chance of tearing; gowns that do not fully cover clothing leave skin exposed. OSHA requires PPE to fit correctly and be maintained in a sanitary, reliable condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Documented in the Exposure Control Plan (ECP). Every employer covered by the BBP standard must maintain a written ECP specifying which job classifications carry exposure risk, what PPE is required for each task, and how PPE availability and correct use will be ensured.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">HBV vaccination (separate from PPE). Employers must offer the Hepatitis B vaccination series free of charge to all workers with occupational exposure within 10 working days of initial assignment- unless the worker has previously been vaccinated or declines in writing on OSHA&apos;s prescribed form.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Put_On_and_Remove_BBP_PPE_Donning_and_Doffing_Order\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:17pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">How to Put On and Remove BBP PPE: Donning and Doffing Order<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">The sequence in which you wear (don) and remove (doff) PPE is as important as the equipment itself. Incorrect doffing (particularly improper glove removal) is one of the most common causes of self-contamination incidents in healthcare and first-responder settings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color:#666666;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Donning Order: Put On in This Sequence<\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type:decimal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" role=\"presentation\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gown:<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">&nbsp;Secure all ties and fasteners. Ensure full coverage of clothing, wrists, and neck. The gown goes on first because it is the largest garment and establishes the baseline barrier.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type:decimal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" role=\"presentation\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Mask or Respirator:<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">&nbsp;Position correctly over the nose and mouth. A proper seal is essential- gaps allow droplets to reach mucous membranes.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type:decimal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" role=\"presentation\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Eye Protection (goggles or face shield):<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">&nbsp;Ensure a secure fit over the eyes. If wearing a face shield, confirm it covers the nose, mouth, and chin.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type:decimal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" role=\"presentation\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves:<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">&nbsp;Put on last. Extend the glove cuffs over the gown&apos;s sleeve cuffs to eliminate any gap between the two layers.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color:#666666;font-size:13pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Doffing Order: Remove in This Sequence (Assume All Outer Surfaces Are CONTAMINATED)<\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type:decimal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" role=\"presentation\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gloves:<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">&nbsp;Use the glove-to-glove\/skin-to-skin technique. Grasp the outside of one glove with the other gloved hand and peel off, then slide a bare finger under the cuff of the remaining glove and peel off without touching the outer surface.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type:decimal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" role=\"presentation\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Eye Protection:<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">&nbsp;Grasp the earpieces, headband, or neck strap only. Never touch the front lens or outer shield surface. Place in a designated container for reprocessing.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type:decimal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" role=\"presentation\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Gown:<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">&nbsp;Unfasten ties and fold the gown inward so the contaminated outer surface is rolled inside. Remove without shaking. Place in a leak-proof waste container.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type:decimal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" role=\"presentation\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Mask:<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">&nbsp;Remove by grasping the straps or ties only. Avoid any contact with the front surface. Discard into a biohazard waste container.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type:decimal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" role=\"presentation\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Wash Hands Immediately:<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">&nbsp;Soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If a sink is not immediately available, use an alcohol-based hand rub of at least 60% alcohol concentration. Wash with soap and water as soon as a sink becomes available- hand rub is a bridge, not a replacement.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Many infection control programs recommend posting a laminated doffing checklist at each PPE dispense station. This simple visual aid dramatically reduces doffing errors, especially under time pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Universal_Precautions_vs_Standard_Precautions_What_They_Mean_for_Your_PPE\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:17pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Universal Precautions vs. Standard Precautions: What They Mean for Your PPE<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Two terms appear throughout OSHA and CDC guidance on BBP PPE, and confusing them leads to real compliance gaps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Universal Precautions (UP), originally recommended by the CDC in the 1980s, are still referenced in OSHA&apos;s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. They require treating all human blood and certain body fluids as potentially infectious, regardless of the patient&apos;s known infection status. The practical rule: if it&apos;s blood or OPIM, wear PPE.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Standard Precautions (SP), introduced by the CDC in 1996, expand UP&apos;s coverage to additional body fluids, secretions, and excretions (excluding sweat), as well as nonintact skin and mucous membranes. SP adds hand hygiene, safe injection practices, respiratory hygiene, and proper management of contaminated laundry and waste. Today&apos;s healthcare and first-responder settings apply SP as the baseline: it is a superset of UP.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Transmission-Based Precautions (TBP) add a third layer for patients known or suspected to carry infections that require additional containment- contact, droplet, or airborne precautions. For BBP purposes, TBP may apply in cases involving profuse bleeding, surgical procedures on infected patients, or management of hemorrhagic fever patients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Practical implication: if your workplace follows Standard Precautions, your PPE requirements are broader than those under the older UP framework. Any task involving patient contact, body fluid management, or instrument handling falls within scope- even when blood is not visibly present.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Disposing_of_PPE_After_Bloodborne_Pathogen_Exposure\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:17pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Disposing of PPE After Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Used BBP PPE is regulated waste under 29 CFR 1910.1030 and must be handled as such- not placed in ordinary trash receptacles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Disposable PPE (gloves, gowns, masks, shoe covers) must be placed immediately into appropriately labeled, leak-proof biohazard containers. These containers must be red or prominently labeled with the universal biohazard symbol.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Reusable PPE (goggles, some face shields) must be decontaminated using an EPA-approved disinfectant before any subsequent use. Until cleaned, the outer surface must be treated as contaminated and handled only with gloved hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Sharps (needles, lancets, scalpels) must go into a puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container immediately after use. Never recap, bend, or remove used needles by hand. When a sharps container reaches its fill line, seal it and dispose of it as regulated medical waste through an approved waste management provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Critical rule: contaminated PPE must never leave the work area. Remove all PPE in the designated doffing area, dispose of it properly, and wash your hands immediately. Carrying used gloves or gowns into a hallway, break room, elevator, or outside the facility is both a compliance violation and a real risk of exposure to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">For blood spill cleanup specifically: use an EPA-registered disinfectant or a 1:10 bleach-to-water solution. Aerosol cleaners are not recommended because they can aerosolize pathogen-containing droplets. Clean from the outside of the spill inward, and dispose of all cleanup materials (paper towels, cloths, PPE) as regulated waste.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"BBP_Training_Requirements_for_PPE_Users\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:17pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">BBP Training Requirements for PPE Users<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Owning the right PPE is a necessary starting point, but OSHA also requires that every covered worker knows how to select, use, maintain, and dispose of it. Under 29 CFR 1910.1030, employers must provide annual bloodborne pathogens training to every worker with occupational exposure. Initial training must occur before the worker&apos;s first assignment to tasks that carry exposure potential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Training on PPE specifically must cover: which types are required for each task, how to select the correct PPE for anticipated exposure levels, proper donning and doffing procedures, the limitations of PPE (it reduces but does not eliminate risk), how to dispose of or decontaminate PPE, and what steps to take if PPE is damaged or fails during a task.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">This training must be provided at no cost to the employee, delivered during paid work hours, and presented in a language and at an educational level the worker can comprehend. Workers must also have the opportunity to ask questions. OSHA requires employers to maintain training records for each covered employee.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\">Completing a recognized online BBP certification course satisfies the OSHA annual training requirement for most non-clinical and allied health workers. SimpleCPR&apos;s Bloodborne Pathogens Infection Control course covers all required elements under 29 CFR 1910.1030, including PPE selection, Universal and Standard Precautions, exposure control protocols, and post-exposure response, and can be completed online in under two hours with immediate certification.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"bottom: 10px; right: 10px; position: absolute;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/signatureforemail.com\/?utm_source=wth_free_link&amp;utm_medium=external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:11px; color: #c0c0c0;\" class=\"broken_link\">Create Gmail Signature Online<\/a><\/div>\n<p><span class='st_facebook_hcount' st_title='PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens: The Complete OSHA-Compliant Guide' st_url='https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/' displayText='facebook'><\/span><span class='st_twitter_hcount' st_title='PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens: The Complete OSHA-Compliant Guide' st_url='https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/' displayText='twitter'><\/span><span class='st_linkedin_hcount' st_title='PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens: The Complete OSHA-Compliant Guide' st_url='https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/' displayText='linkedin'><\/span><span class='st_plusone_hcount' st_title='PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens: The Complete OSHA-Compliant Guide' st_url='https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/' displayText='plusone'><\/span><span class='st_pinterest_hcount' st_title='PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens: The Complete OSHA-Compliant Guide' st_url='https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/' displayText='pinterest'><\/span><span class='st_email_hcount' st_title='PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens: The Complete OSHA-Compliant Guide' st_url='https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/' displayText='email'><\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaway PPE for bloodborne pathogens helps protect workers from exposure to infectious blood and potentially infectious body fluids. Choosing the right equipment, including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, depends on the task and anticipated exposure risk. Proper donning, doffing, and disposal procedures help prevent accidental contamination and reduce the risk of infection. OSHA [&hellip;]<\/p>\n<p><span class='st_facebook_hcount' st_title='PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens: The Complete OSHA-Compliant Guide' st_url='https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/' displayText='facebook'><\/span><span class='st_twitter_hcount' st_title='PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens: The Complete OSHA-Compliant Guide' st_url='https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/' displayText='twitter'><\/span><span class='st_linkedin_hcount' st_title='PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens: The Complete OSHA-Compliant Guide' st_url='https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/' displayText='linkedin'><\/span><span class='st_plusone_hcount' st_title='PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens: The Complete OSHA-Compliant Guide' st_url='https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/' displayText='plusone'><\/span><span class='st_pinterest_hcount' st_title='PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens: The Complete OSHA-Compliant Guide' st_url='https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/' displayText='pinterest'><\/span><span class='st_email_hcount' st_title='PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens: The Complete OSHA-Compliant Guide' st_url='https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/ppe-for-bloodborne-pathogens-the-complete-osha-compliant-guide\/' displayText='email'><\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2737,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2736"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2736"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2736\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2739,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2736\/revisions\/2739"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2736"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2736"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplecpr.com\/online-cpr-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2736"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}