ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how hepatitis B and C are transmitted in the health care setting. It describes the components of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard. OSHA regulates many things in the workplace, including equipment, machinery, first aid, and materials used on the job. The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard was established by OSHA in 1991 to reduce occupational exposures to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viruses, but which may also be caused by other microorganisms, alcohol, drugs, or poisonous substances. There are six forms of viral hepatitis, which are signified with the letters A, B, C, D, E, and G. The components of OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard begin with universal precautions, and include a written exposure control plan that addresses how to handle exposure incidents, labeling requirements, and accurate record-keeping.
