Bloodborne Pathogen Training

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employees with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM) receive initial and annual refresher training in the following subjects:

• The regulatory text of this standard and an explanation of its contents;
• A general explanation of the epidemiology and symptoms of bloodborne diseases;
• Modes of transmission of bloodborne pathogens;
• The employer's exposure control plan and the means by which the employee can obtain a copy of the written plan;
• Appropriate methods for recognizing tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials;
• Use and limitations of methods that will prevent or reduce exposure including appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment;
• Information on the types, proper use, location, removal, handling, decontamination and disposal of personal protective equipment;
• Basis for selection of personal protective equipment;
• Information on the hepatitis B vaccine, including information on its efficacy, safety, method of administration, the benefits of being vaccinated, and that the vaccine and vaccination will be offered free of charge;
• Information on the appropriate actions to take and persons to contact in an emergency involving blood or other potentially infectious materials;
• Procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs, including the method of reporting the incident and the medical follow-up that will be made available;
• Information on the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up that the employer is required to provide for the employee following an exposure incident;
• Signs and labels and/or color coding required, and
• An opportunity for interactive questions and answers with the person conducting the training session.

Access Training

Bloodborne Pathogen training is available for all NIU employees whose work brings them into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).

The online training is on Blackboard.

1. Log into webcourses.niu.edu
   • Click 'Organizations'
   • Click on 'Bloodborne Pathogen Training'
2. Take the training
3. Complete the quiz
4. Print out the badge/certificate and save a digital copy
5. Give a copy of your certificate to your supervisor for department training records

Questions? Please contact Mary Schlagel at mschlagel@niu.edu.