OSHA Series: Operational Safety Protocols


It is critical that all who work within healthcare understand how to recognize those tasks or procedures that could reasonably be expected to result in direct or indirect transmission of a bloodborne pathogen or infectious microorganism. In the event of an exposure incident, the protocol must be clearly defined.

The following topics will be discussed in this course:

  • Determining which office or practice tasks put an employee at risk for exposure,
  • Implementing methods, such as handwashing and appropriate vaccinations, to help prevent or reduce the potential for exposure, and
  • Adopting an appropriate post-exposure protocol.

Robert Flint, DMD, MD Show Full Bio

Learning Objectives:


  1. Provide an explanation of the appropriate methods for recognizing tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.
  2. Provide an explanation of the use and limitations of methods that will prevent or reduce exposure including appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment.
  3. Provide information on the types, proper use, location, removal, handling, decontamination and disposal of personal protective equipment.
  4. Provide information on the hepatitis B vaccination.
  5. Provide information on the appropriate actions to take in an emergency involving blood or other potentially infectious materials.
  6. Provide an explanation of the procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs.

In 1992, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enacted the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, codified as 29 CFR 1910.1030. Compliance with the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard will reduce occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious material, including Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other bloodborne pathogens. "Operational Safety Protocols" explains the appropriate methods for recognizing tasks that may involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials and methods that will prevent or reduce exposure.  The responsibility of the employing dentist for providing Hepatitis B vaccinations to dental workers is referenced and appropriate post exposure actions outlined.


  1. Exposure Determination

  2. How to Recognize Tasks Involving Exposure

  3. Methods that will Prevent or Reduce Exposure

  4. Handwashing

  5. Hepatitis B Vaccination

  6. Post Exposure Management

  1. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR), Bloodborne Pathogens 1910.1030, www.osha.gov
  2. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Bloodborne Pathogens, www.cdc.gov
  3. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Bloodborne Infectious Diseases, www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/bbp/

American Dental Association is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.
