Universal precautions
Treating all human blood and certain body fluids as if they're known to be infectious.
Definition, in the source's words
29 CFR 1910.1030(b)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“Universal Precautions is an approach to infection control. According to the concept of Universal Precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens.”
What it means
You can't tell who is infected, so the same precautions apply every time: gloves and other barriers, safe handling of sharps, and proper cleanup.
Example
A first-aider puts on gloves before treating a coworker's cut, even though the coworker says they're healthy. That's universal precautions: the response doesn't depend on what anyone knows about the source.
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
- Does OSHA require universal precautions?
- Yes. 1910.1030(d)(1) requires universal precautions to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Related
- Occupational exposure (bloodborne pathogens)
- Exposure incident (bloodborne pathogens)
- Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.1030
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