History & Background: Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Because of the use of needlesticks in tattoo and body piercing applications, tattoo artists and body piercers are at risk for bloodborne pathogens linked to diseases, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In the 1980s, hepatitis B had long been recognized for its ability to cause serious injury and death, and HIV was beginning to receive worldwide attention. OSHA did not have a set of standards dedicated to these and other bloodborne pathogens, but instead had guidelines that currently exist that were applicable to scenarios in which an employee would be exposed to these or other OPIM. Some examples are 29 CFR 1910.132, which mandates that an employer must provide PPE, and 29 CFR 1910.145 (f), which requires accident prevention tags to warn an employee of a biological hazard.

In 1986, several unions petitioned OSHA to take formal action and reduce the risks for employees with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Initially, the petitions of these unions were all denied; however, the petitions made OSHA begin the required process of gathering more information. By the 1990s, a standard was drawn up and passed - 29 CFR 1910.1030.

To learn more about Body Art Bloodborne Pathogens visit our Bloodborne Pathogens Tattoo Artist & Body Piercers Online Training web page.