Safety and Compliance
Course Pack: Occupational Health And Wellness Safety
Bloodborne Pathogens Safety
Course Description
Bloodborne Pathogens Safety provides water and wastewater professionals with essential training on recognizing, preventing, and responding to occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) in treatment plants, collection systems, laboratories, and field operations. The course covers pathogen characteristics, exposure routes, OSHA regulatory requirements, Universal Precautions, PPE selection, and engineering and work-practice controls. Learners gain practical knowledge through real-world utility scenarios involving raw wastewater contact, sharps hazards, and maintenance-related exposures, helping them reduce risks, respond effectively to incidents, and maintain a safe, compliant work environment.
Learning Objectives
1) Identify major bloodborne pathogens (including HBV, HCV, and HIV) and explain their relevance to water and wastewater operational environments.
2) Evaluate exposure risks and transmission routes specific to wastewater handling, equipment maintenance, laboratory sampling, and field operations.
3) Apply OSHA required Universal Precautions, engineering controls, PPE, and safe work practices to minimize occupational contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
4) Execute proper exposure incident response procedures, including immediate decontamination, reporting, medical evaluation, and follow up actions.
Agenda
1) Pathogen overview (HBV, HCV, HIV) and exposure scenarios for utilities.
2) Exposure control plan components and universal precautions.
3) Hand hygiene, PPE, and decontamination procedures.
4) Sharps handling, waste disposal, and laundry.
5) Incident response, medical follow-up, and documentation.
Target audience
Water and wastewater treatment operators, maintenance technicians, collection system crews, laboratory personnel, field service staff, supervisors, and any personnel with potential occupational contact with wastewater or OPIM.
Level
I, II, III, IV
Learning material and method
Online on-demand
Assessment
Knowledge check and quiz (80% correct and above)
Instructor
Dave Burpeau