Biohazard and Occupational Health
What this domain tests
Bloodborne pathogen and occupational health questions focus on exposure control, PPE, decontamination, and post-exposure response under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030.
Core rules and concepts
- The agency must have an exposure control plan, reviewed annually, and make it accessible.
- Universal precautions: treat all blood and body fluids as infectious; use gloves, eye protection, masks, gowns, and sharps containers as the task requires.
- Hepatitis B vaccination must be offered within 10 working days of initial assignment, at no cost; training occurs at initial assignment and annually.
- Labels and signs mark regulated waste and contaminated equipment; decontaminate work surfaces and vehicles.
- Post-exposure: wash a needlestick or cut with soap and water, flush mucous membranes, report immediately, and seek evaluation and post-exposure prophylaxis; confidentiality applies.
Worked example
A technician is stuck by a needle hidden in a couch cushion. She washes the wound with soap and water, reports to the supervisor, completes an exposure report, and is referred for source evaluation and PEP assessment. Reasoning: immediate washing reduces inoculum; documentation triggers the employer's follow-up and workers' compensation; delaying the report loses treatment time.
Traps
Recapping needles; eating or drinking at the scene; using plastic bags for sharps; assuming dried blood is safe; failing to document an exposure; wearing contaminated gloves to answer a phone or open a door.