OSHA: Training

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OSHA: Training

OSHA requires that employers provide training to workers. Clinical laboratories must provide training on electrical safety, fire safety, and hazardous chemical safety.
Employers must also provide bloodborne pathogen training to those who work or may come in contact with bloodborne and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Bloodborne pathogens are infectious organisms, usually viruses, that live in human blood and body fluids. The bloodborne pathogens that are of greatest concern to healthcare workers are hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Bloodborne pathogen safety standards (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandate that healthcare workers treat every patient specimen as if it were infectious. OSHA requires that laboratories have an Exposure Control Plan for instances in which healthcare workers are exposed to OPIM.
Formaldehyde is a liquid chemical used to preserve tissue specimens in the anatomical pathology laboratory. Since formaldehyde is a carcinogen and an irritant, formaldehyde safety standards (29 CFR 1910.1048) mandate that healthcare personnel receive specific formaldehyde training.
In addition to requiring training, OSHA provides its own training materials, distributes training grants to nonprofit organizations, and provides training through authorized education centers.