Bloodborne Pathogens

This course provides Direct Support Professionals with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens while supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, aging adults, and people with physical disabilities. Aligned with OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030 and the American Direct Support Safety Standards (ADSSS), this training translates regulatory requirements into plain language and real-world applications specific to community-based and residential care environments.

Learners will explore what bloodborne pathogens are, how they are transmitted, and the proven methods to prevent infection—through universal precautions, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and consistent implementation of workplace exposure control plans. The course also explains workers’ rights, employer obligations, and procedures for vaccination, exposure response, and post-exposure follow-up.

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Understand OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and its relevance to direct support work
• Recognize and respond appropriately to potential exposure situations
• Apply safe work practices and PPE procedures confidently
• Know how to access and follow their organization’s Exposure Control Plan
• Understand their right to a free Hepatitis B vaccination and confidential post-exposure care

Training Frequency: This training must be completed at initial assignment and renewed annually, or whenever job duties change in a way that may increase exposure risk.