Bloodborne Pathogens Training Online (OSHA and Cal/OSHA)
Short answer.
Federal OSHA and Cal/OSHA both require bloodborne pathogens training when a worker is first assigned to tasks with occupational exposure, and at least annually after that. An online course can cover the required content, but OSHA states that online training by itself is not sufficient. Workers must be able to ask a qualified trainer questions and get answers, and the employer still adds site-specific training. Our courses are $33 each, in Federal OSHA and Cal/OSHA versions, English and Spanish. (OSHA letter of interpretation, July 11, 2019)
Which version do I need?
Pick the version that matches the rule your workplace falls under. Each course is $33.
| Your situation | English | Spanish |
|---|---|---|
| Employer under federal OSHA (29 CFR 1910.1030) | Bloodborne Pathogens (Federal OSHA) Online Training | Patógenos transmitidos por la sangre (OSHA federal) |
| California employer (8 CCR 5193) | Bloodborne Pathogens (Cal/OSHA) Online Training | Patógenos transmitidos por la sangre (Cal/OSHA) |
Spanish versions exist for both rules. The full Spanish list is in Cursos en línea en español. To compare other courses, see the Federal OSHA online courses and the Cal/OSHA online courses, or the M Squared Training Academy hub. For a short crew talk on the same topic, there is a Bloodborne Pathogens Toolbox Talk, which is separate from the annual training.
What the employer still has to do
Finishing a course does not complete the employer's duties. Under the federal standard the employer must:
- Keep a written exposure control plan that is designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure (29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(i)).
- Make the hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series available to employees who have occupational exposure (29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(1)(i)).
- Keep training records for 3 years from the date of the training (29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(2)).
The federal paragraphs are on the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard page. California has matching duties in 8 CCR 5193: a written exposure control plan that is reviewed and updated at least annually (subsection (c)(1)(D)), the hepatitis B vaccine made available (subsection (f)(1)(A)), and training records kept for 3 years (subsection (h)(2)).
Questions you may have
Does online bloodborne pathogens training count?
It counts as part of the training. OSHA says online, self-paced training can be a valuable part of a training program, and also says online training by itself would not be sufficient. The letter points to workers being able to ask questions of, and receive responses from, a qualified trainer. (OSHA letter, July 11, 2019)
How often is the training required?
Both rules require it at the time of initial assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may take place, and at least annually after that. Federal OSHA adds that annual training must come within one year of the previous training (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(ii) and (iv)). California says the same in 8 CCR 5193(g)(2)(B) and (D).
Does the standard require a live trainer?
The training program must include "an opportunity for interactive questions and answers with the person conducting the training session" (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(N); 8 CCR 5193(g)(2)(G)14). OSHA's 2019 letter names a telephone hotline to a qualified trainer as one way to give online students that opportunity. Our trainer line is listed below.
Can a California worker take the federal course?
California has its own standard, 8 CCR 5193, and California employers are covered by it. Use the Cal/OSHA version for California workplaces so the training matches the rule the employer answers to.
Does the course replace training on my own site?
No. The standard requires that the person conducting the training be knowledgeable about the subject "as it relates to the workplace that the training will address" (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(viii)), and the program must cover the employer's own exposure control plan. Your employer provides that part, along with any hands-on practice.
Is there a Spanish version?
Yes, for both rules. The standard requires training material appropriate in content and vocabulary to the educational level, literacy, and language of employees (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(vi)). Use the Spanish links in the table above.
What records come out of the training?
The employer's training record lists the dates, a summary of the contents, the names and qualifications of the trainers, and the names and job titles of attendees (29 CFR 1910.1030(h)(2)). You receive a certificate of completion from M Squared Safety Solutions, Inc. after you pass the final exam.
How training works here
You take the course online at your own pace. Each course has a final exam, and you receive a certificate of completion when you pass. If you have a question about the material, call an M Squared trainer at 949-954-6581, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Pacific time. The trainer answers in English and Spanish.
The limit: this course does not replace the training your employer must give on your own job, including site-specific training and hands-on practice.