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Introduction: A Guide to Employer Obligations
Overview
OSHA's final rule for Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens [29 CFR 1910.1030(f)] requires the dental employer to make immediately available confidential medical evaluation and follow-up to an employee reporting an exposure incident.
An exposure incident is any eye, mouth, mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or other parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM). (For example, a puncture from a contaminated sharp such as an injection needle or a cut from a scalpel blade or suture needle.) Saliva in dental procedures is treated as OPIM.
The dental employer must refer the exposed employee to a licensed health care professional. This means a person who is licensed under the laws of the state where he/she practices to independently provide the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up services required by the standard. The health care professional will counsel the individual about what happened and how to prevent further spread of any potential infection. He or she will prescribe appropriate follow-up in accordance with current U.S. Public Health Service recommendations. The licensed health care professional also will evaluate any reported illness to determine if the symptoms may be related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection.
Note: The standard is designed to prevent occupational exposure to blood or OPIM. If the required controls are in place and the standard is correctly implemented, then exposure incidents will be relatively uncommon events.
Return to Top Step-by-Step Guide to Compliance
This section is designed to supplement the flow chart outlining the standard's requirements following an exposure incident.
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Flow Chart
A flow chart providing visual step-by-step guidance to the standard's requirements for post-exposure evaluation and follow-up.
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Questions and Answers for Dental Employers
Sample "questions and answers" addressing potential dental employer concerns.
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Reference List
A Reference List, including OSHA publications, as well as relevant CDC guidelines and recommendations.
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Additional Links
Internet resources containing information for health care professionals on infection control and occupational safety.
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Prepared by the American Dental Association in cooperation with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (December 1997). This document is not considered a substitute for any provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or for any standards issued by OSHA. |
