Red Cross Blood Borne Pathogens

This comprehensive awareness program provides the critical knowledge needed to identify and reduce the risks of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in accordance with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. The curriculum explores the epidemiology and symptoms of common bloodborne diseases, specifically focusing on HIV, HBV, and HCV. Students will learn to implement "Universal Precautions"—the practice of treating all human blood and certain body fluids as if they are known to be infectious. Key modules include the proper selection, use, and disposal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), safe handling of "sharps," and effective decontamination procedures using biohazard spill kits. The course also details the necessary emergency actions to take following an exposure incident, including reporting protocols and post-exposure medical evaluations. Upon successful completion of the written examination, participants receive a certification valid for one year, satisfying the mandatory annual retraining requirement for at-risk employees.