Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Hepatitis B are
serious concern for workers. Occupational exposure to blood,
potentially infectious materials, and certain body fluids can
contain bloodborne pathogens such as Human Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV) and the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), a serious liver
disease. Exposure to blood borne pathogens may occur in many
ways. Although needle stick injuries are the most common means
of exposure for workers, blood borne pathogens also can be
transmitted through contact with the mucous membranes and non-
intact skin of workers. This standard is designed to formalize
and document BNL's program to control possible exposure to these
hazards. This exposure can be minimized or eliminated using
universal precautions. In addition the program specifies the use
of engineering and work practice controls, personal protective
clothing and equipment, training, medical surveillance,
hepatitis vaccination, signs and labels and other Last Modified:
March 16, 2012