Bloodborne Pathogens in Food Processing and Handling Environments

Working in food processing and handling environments means you may encounter situations involving blood or other bodily fluids. This course covers the health risks associated with bloodborne pathogens, the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, and the safe work practices your facility uses to protect you from exposure. You’ll also learn the steps to take if an accidental exposure incident occurs, so you can respond quickly and confidently.

Course Highlights

• Overview of bloodborne pathogens — including HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C — their symptoms, transmission routes, and available treatments or vaccines
• How bloodborne pathogens are transmitted, including through skin abrasions, contact with potentially infectious materials, and parenteral exposure from contaminated sharp objects
• OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and what it requires of your facility, including the development of a written exposure control plan
• Biohazard labeling requirements and how to identify contaminated equipment, surfaces, and regulated waste containers
• Safe work practices to reduce exposure risk, including proper handwashing procedures and handling of contaminated materials
• Housekeeping practices for decontaminating work surfaces and safely disposing of potentially infectious waste
• The Hepatitis B vaccination program, including your right to receive the vaccine at no cost and the process for declining or accepting it at a later date
• Emergency response procedures following an accidental exposure, including how to clean the affected area, contain the incident, and report it to your supervisor
• Post-exposure protocols, including medical evaluation, confidential blood testing, and available treatments such as post-exposure prophylaxis

By the end of the course, you will have learned

• The types of bloodborne pathogens you may encounter in a food processing or handling environment and how each is transmitted
• The key requirements of OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and how your facility’s exposure control plan fulfills those requirements
• How to recognize biohazard labels and understand their significance in the workplace
• Safe work practices and proper housekeeping procedures that reduce the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens
• Your rights regarding the Hepatitis B vaccination and how to access it through your employer
• The correct steps to take immediately following an accidental exposure incident
• The post-exposure evaluation and follow-up process, including medical treatment options and confidentiality protections