OSHA GENERAL INDUSTRY SAFETY & HEALTH
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE
Third group of occupational hygiene hazards | Organisms or materials of biological origin may cause infection, allergy, or toxicity following occupational exposure.
1 | Hazard Sources & Routes of Entry
Hazard Sources: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Parasites, Blood & Biological Fluids, Animals, Contaminated Food, Mold, Contaminated Wastewater.
Routes of Entry:
Inhalation: Droplets and bioaerosols.
Needlesticks & Cuts: Contaminated sharps.
Eyes, Nose & Mouth: Mucous-membrane splashes.
Broken or Damaged Skin.
Accidental Ingestion: Contaminated hands or food.
Note: Cuts and abrasions may increase pathogen entry, but they are not the only route of transmission.
2 | Who Is Most Exposed?
Healthcare & Emergency Response (Blood, OPIM, needlesticks, and contaminated specimens).
Laboratories & Research (Blood, OPIM, needlesticks, and infectious specimens).
Food Processing & Slaughterhouses.
Agriculture & Animal Handling (Zoonotic diseases – Zoonoses).
Cleaning & Waste Management.
Wastewater & Emergency Response.
3 | OSHA Requirements Map
29 CFR 1910.1030 (BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS): Applies when occupational exposure to human blood or other potentially infectious materials — OPIM — is reasonably anticipated.
Written Exposure Control Plan.
Exposure determination.
Universal precautions.
Engineering and work-practice controls.
Hepatitis B vaccination.
Training.
Post-exposure response.
(Not a comprehensive standard for every bacterium, virus, or biological hazard).
29 CFR 1910.132: Documented hazard assessment, PPE selection, provision, and employee training. (Select suitable gloves for the hazard, exposure duration, task, and conditions of use. Replace gloves when contaminated or damaged. Gloves do not replace hand hygiene).
29 CFR 1910.138: Select suitable gloves for the hazard, exposure duration, task, and conditions of use.
GENERAL DUTY CLAUSE – Section 5(a)(1): May apply to a recognized biological hazard capable of causing death or serious harm when no specific standard covers it, subject to the Act and sector scope.
4 | Exposure Control Chain
Eliminate or reduce the source.
Isolation, ventilation & splash barriers.
Safer sharps & puncture-resistant containers.
Hygiene, disinfection & training.
Task-appropriate PPE.
Warning: PPE is not a substitute for engineering controls and safe work practices.
5 | After a Needlestick or Exposure
Wash skin with soap and water.
Flush eyes or mucous membranes immediately with water.
Notify the supervisor and document the incident.
Obtain confidential medical evaluation without delay.
Begin follow-up and post-exposure prophylaxis when prescribed.
Warning: Do not squeeze the wound or apply caustic chemicals.
The Investigator's Eye Checklist
What biological agent may be present?
What is the transmission route?
Who has reasonably anticipated exposure?
Are engineering controls effective?
Are the Exposure Control Plan and training current?
Are sharps incidents recorded and analyzed?
Break the Chain of Infection: Source • Transmission Route • Portal of Entry • Exposed Worker
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