Compliance directive for bloodborne pathogens standard revised
OSHA recently issued a new compliance directive for enforcing the bloodborne pathogens standard that was revised in January and which became effective on April 18. The compliance directive updates an earlier directive issued in 1999 and incorporates changes mandated by the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act passed in November 2000.
The new compliance directive gives OSHA inspectors guidance in enforcing the standard, which covers occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. The directive also provides consistent inspection procedures.