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Correct Answer: establish an exposure control plan which is updated every five to ten years.
the question posed refers to the elements included in osha's bloodborne pathogens standards and aims to identify which statement does not align with these regulations. the correct answer is that the establishment of an exposure control plan should not be updated every five to ten years; rather, it needs to be updated annually. this distinction is crucial in maintaining the effectiveness and relevance of the exposure control plan in protecting employees from the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens.
osha, the occupational safety and health administration, requires that all employers who have employees potentially exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials (opim) must implement an exposure control plan. this plan forms the cornerstone of an employer's efforts to protect workers from the health hazards associated with bloodborne pathogens. according to osha's standards, specifically the one concerning bloodborne pathogens (29 cfr 1910.1030), an exposure control plan must be maintained and updated at least annually and whenever necessary to reflect new or modified tasks and procedures that affect occupational exposure and to address new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure.
the plan includes several key elements: the identification of employees at risk of exposure, the schedule and method of implementation for the various provisions of the standard (such as methods of compliance, hepatitis b vaccination, and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up), and the procedure for the evaluation of circumstances surrounding exposure incidents. these elements are critical because they ensure that the exposure control plan is comprehensive and continuously applicable to the conditions within the workplace.
moreover, the provision of personal protective equipment (ppe), as mentioned in the question, is an integral part of osha's requirements. employers must provide appropriate ppe such as gloves, gowns, eye protection, and masks to employees at no cost. employees must use this equipment whenever there is an expectation of exposure to blood or opim. regular training on the correct use and limitations of ppe is also required, which should be conducted at least annually.
another aspect covered by the bloodborne pathogens standard is the requirement to make hepatitis b vaccinations available to all employees who are at risk of exposure. this must be offered after the required training and within 10 working days of initial assignment to a position with occupational exposure to blood or opim, unless the employee has previously received the complete hepatitis b vaccination series.
lastly, maintaining worker medical and training records is also a mandatory requirement under the bloodborne pathogens standard. these records help in tracking the effectiveness of the program and ensuring that all exposed employees receive proper medical follow-ups in the event of an exposure incident.
in conclusion, the statement about updating the exposure control plan every five to ten years is incorrect as per osha's bloodborne pathogens standards. the requirement is to update the plan annually, which underscores the importance of keeping safety measures current and effective in response to any changes in the workplace or workforce.
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