Principal Investigators (PIs), laboratory managers, instructors, supervisors, and department leaders are responsible for ensuring that activities involving human blood, unfixed human tissue, human cell lines, or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) are identified and managed in accordance with the University of Maryland Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan and applicable biosafety requirements.
In accordance with that plan, departments and responsible managers must identify tasks involving occupational exposure and implement feasible engineering and work practice controls to eliminate or minimize risk. Where needles or sharps are used to collect human blood, administer injections, or perform other procedures involving potential sharps exposure, responsible units must evaluate safer medical devices, including sharps with engineered sharps injury protections and needleless systems where appropriate to the procedure.
Outside of labs, managers and supervisors must provide adequate controls identified in the plan to prevent exposures associated with that work.
Registration is available online. PIs are also responsible for ensuring that all members of their laboratory receive both initial and annual refresher web-based Bloodborne Pathogens for Researchers training on preventing occupational transmission of bloodborne pathogens as required by the OSHA regulation.
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Individuals at risk for occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials are eligible to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine at no cost through the University Health Center.
If an exposure evaluation has determined that you have risk for, please review and complete the final page of the following fact sheet:
Hepatitis B Vaccination Fact Sheet and Form
After completing the last page of the form, return it to the University Health Center using one of the options below:
- Preferred: Upload the completed form at myuhc.umd.edu in a secure message addressed to Heather Teitelbaum, MS, PA-C. Associate Director of Medical Services
- Alternative: Send the completed form to University Health Center – Occupational Health Service via the University Mail inter-office delivery system.
Additional BBP Information
Bloodborne Pathogens Handout
This document is intended for trade employees and housekeeping services employees that may encounter blood or other potentially infected material such as semen, vaginal secretions, feces or vomit contaminated with visible blood.