Free written program · 29 CFR 1910.1030
Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan Template for Employers
An exposure control plan explains how you reduce employees’ occupational contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials. The template identifies exposed job groups and tasks, universal precautions, engineering controls, hepatitis B vaccination, and post-exposure actions. Healthcare managers, designated first-aid supervisors, and other employers with exposure duties can use it to develop instructions backed by real supplies, medical arrangements, and staff responsibilities.
The full bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan template
Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan. Blanks in [brackets] are for your own details.
The printable copy downloads as a web page file: open it in your browser, then print it or save it as a PDF.
Written plan to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens including HBV, HCV, and HIV.
1. Purpose & Scope
This Exposure Control Plan eliminates or minimizes employee exposure to blood and Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) at [Company Name] in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030. OPIM includes semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, and any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood. This plan is reviewed and updated annually.
2. Exposure Determination
Job classifications where ALL employees have occupational exposure: [List — e.g., nurses, phlebotomists, emergency responders, custodial staff in healthcare]. Job classifications where SOME employees have occupational exposure: [List — e.g., maintenance workers, teachers designated as first aid responders]. Tasks that involve exposure are listed in Appendix A of this plan.
3. Universal Precautions & Engineering Controls
Universal Precautions: ALL blood and OPIM are treated as if known to be infectious. Engineering controls (reviewed annually with input from non-managerial employees):
- Sharps disposal containers — available at point of use, replaced when 3/4 full.
- Self-sheathing needles and needleless systems.
- Splash guards and biosafety cabinets.
- Handwashing facilities (or antiseptic towelettes when water not available).
- Contaminated laundry handled with gloves, in labeled bags.
4. Hepatitis B Vaccination
Hepatitis B vaccination is offered to ALL employees with occupational exposure:
- Within 10 working days of initial assignment.
- At NO cost to the employee.
- At a reasonable time and place.
- Under supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.
- Employees may decline vaccination but must sign the OSHA-mandated declination form.
- Employees who initially decline may request the vaccine at any time during their employment.
5. Post-Exposure Procedures
If an exposure incident occurs:
- IMMEDIATELY wash the area with soap and water (flush eyes with clean water or saline).
- Report to supervisor within 1 hour.
- Complete the OSHA Sharps Injury Log and incident report.
- Confidential medical evaluation within 2 hours including: source individual testing (if consent is obtained or legally permitted), exposed employee testing, post-exposure prophylaxis per current CDC guidelines, counseling, and follow-up testing at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.
The printable copy adds effective and review dates and approval signature lines for management and the safety manager.
A starting point, not legal advice. Have a qualified person check it against your site, your state's rules and the standard before you rely on it.
Bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan: when it’s needed
Employers whose employees have occupational exposure need a written plan under 29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1). Include an exposure determination and procedures for evaluating exposure incidents, and make the plan accessible to employees. Review it at least annually, considering safer medical devices and input from frontline staff. Training is required at initial assignment and at least annually under 1910.1030(g)(2). Federal OSHA does not cover state or local government employees; public schools and public hospitals are covered only in states that run their own OSHA programs (state plans).
How to use this bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan template
- List job classifications and exposure-related tasks, distinguishing roles where all workers have occupational exposure from roles where only some do.
- Inspect sharps disposal, handwashing access, protective equipment, and safer devices with frontline employees who perform the exposed tasks.
- Arrange hepatitis B vaccination access and establish a confidential medical referral route that works during every operating shift.
- Replace generic post-exposure timing and testing examples with instructions reviewed by your medical provider against current clinical guidance.
- Add exposure incident evaluation procedures, schedule annual staff training, and document the yearly plan review and safer-device considerations.
Before you use this bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan template: what to fill in and check
- Exposed job classifications, specific tasks, and the missing task appendix referenced in the template.
- Vaccination provider, post-exposure medical contact, after-hours access, and transportation arrangements for urgent evaluation.
- Sharps container locations, replacement instructions, protective supplies, and contaminated laundry handling arrangements.
- Public-sector coverage under your state plan and applicable medical privacy or consent rules.
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Bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan questions
Which employees need to be included in an exposure control plan?
Include employees with reasonably anticipated occupational contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials through their duties. Make the exposure determination without considering PPE, as directed by 29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(2). Identify classifications where everyone has exposure, then classifications where only some workers do and the relevant tasks. A job title alone may miss designated responders or maintenance employees assigned exposure-related work.
When must an employer offer hepatitis B vaccination?
For employees with occupational exposure, 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(2) generally requires making vaccination available within ten working days of initial assignment, after required training, and at no cost. The rule contains provisions for previous vaccination, immunity, and medical contraindications. An employee may decline using the required declination statement and later accept while still covered. Set up the provider appointment process before assigning exposed work.
What should happen after a needlestick at work?
Follow immediate washing or flushing instructions and report the exposure promptly so confidential medical evaluation and follow-up can begin. Under 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(3), that evaluation must be made immediately available after a reported incident. Do not wait for routine paperwork before seeking care. Your plan should identify the receiving provider and explain reporting, incident evaluation, applicable consent procedures, and how medical confidentiality is protected.