---
title: "What Is Bloodborne pathogens standard? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "The bloodborne pathogens standard is the OSHA rule that protects workers from exposure to blood and other body fluids that can carry disease."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/bloodborne-pathogens-standard
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Compliance and risk

# Bloodborne pathogens standard

The bloodborne pathogens standard is the OSHA rule that protects workers from exposure to blood and other body fluids that can carry disease.

OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard is listed as 29 CFR 1910.1030. OSHA explains that bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. They include hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Needlesticks and other sharps injuries can expose workers.

Dental employers with covered workers must follow the standard. Read the full text on osha.gov for the exact duties.

The standard works with CDC guidance on [infection control](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/infection-control). It is enforced by [OSHA](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/osha). Offices often track their duties on a [compliance checklist](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/compliance-checklist).

[Next stepPractice consulting with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=consulting)

## Related terms

-   [OSHA](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/osha)
-   [Infection control](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/infection-control)
-   [Standard precautions](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/standard-precautions)
-   [Compliance checklist](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/compliance-checklist)

## Sources

1.  [OSHA: Bloodborne Pathogens Overview](https://www.osha.gov/bloodborne-pathogens)
2.  [OSHA: 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1030)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)