Exposure incident (bloodborne pathogens)
A specific contact of blood or other infectious material with the eyes, mouth, mucous membranes or broken skin, or through the skin.
Definition, in the source's words
29 CFR 1910.1030(b)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“Exposure Incident means a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance of an employee's duties.”
What it means
Occupational exposure is the anticipated risk; an exposure incident is the actual event. After one, the employer makes a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up available (1910.1030(f)(3)).
Example
A janitor is stuck by a discarded needle while emptying a trash bag. That's parenteral contact during work duties: an exposure incident, which triggers the post-exposure evaluation. Blood on intact skin that's washed off is not an exposure incident.
Where it appears on the exam
ASP: ASP11 Domain 6, Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Health
Practice: Bloodborne Pathogens
CSP: CSP11 Domain 7, Training
CHST: CHST5 Domain 2, Emergency Preparedness, Incident Investigation, and Response
Questions
- What does parenteral mean here?
- Piercing the skin or mucous membranes, as with a needlestick, cut or bite.
Related
Checked 2026-10-16. Spot a problem? Email hello@passcited.com.