What, specifically, is the employer required to do about engineering controls?
Every employer with employees who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens is required to have an Exposure Control Plan, which describes the methods the employer uses to comply with the standard. Under the new compliance directive, employers are required to familiarize themselves with the devices that are commercially available and document the basis for choosing one device over another in their Exposure Control Plan. At least once a year, all employers must evaluate their Exposure Control Plans, and document the technical basis for deciding to stick with an existing program or change it. The employer’s evaluation must conform to OSHA’s policy that the use of engineering controls is mandatory if they will reduce exposure.
