Re: Bloodborne Pathogen Standar

[jdelahunt@cc.colorado.edu (John DeLaHunt)]

>I recommended to one of my clients that uses approximately 250 uCi of P-32 as a
>DNA probe, that they should setup a simple in-house urinalysis bioassay
>program, using their LSC, as part of their routine Health Physics procedures.  
>
>The small manufacturing company's Industrial Hygienist (I.H.) however said that
>they couldn't do that because their company's policy prohibited them from
>handling bodily fluids, in order to avoid OSHA's bloodborne pathogen standards.

The fluids of concern to the Fed OSHA BBP program specifically exclude
urine, unless it is visibly contaminated with blood.

q.v.  29 CFR 1910.1030 

  (a) Scope and Application. This section applies to all occupational
exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials as defined by
paragraph (b) of this section.
  (b) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following shall
apply:
  "Other Potentially Infectious Materials" means (1) The following human
body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial
fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid,
saliva in dental procedures,  any body fluid that is visibly contaminated
with blood, and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult or
impossible to differentiate between body fluids; (2) Any unfixed tissue or
organ (other than intact skin) from a human (living or dead); and (3)
HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and HIV- or
HBV-containing culture medium or other solutions; and blood, organs, or
other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV.

Hope this helps.

John

*******************************************************
*John DeLaHunt, EHS & RSO * 1125 Glen Avenue          *
*The Colorado College     * Colorado Springs, CO 80905*
*jdelahunt@cc.colorado.edu* VOX:  (719)389-6678       *
*        Owner:           * FAX:  (719)635-3177       *
*hazmat-l@cc.colorado.edu *                           *
*******************************************************
****My opinions only, not those of Colorado College****