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181 Healthcare: Sharps Safety
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Sharps and Container Safety

Exposure Control Plan (ECP)

In order to reduce or eliminate the hazards of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, an employer must implement an exposure control plan for the worksite with details on employee protection measures.

A written ECP is a plan required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030(c) to eliminate or minimize occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens.

The standard requires that employers:

  • use engineered sharps injury prevention devices whenever possible;
  • maintain a Sharps Injury Log; and
  • develop a written Exposure Control Plan (ECP).

The employer must prepare an exposure determination that contains a list of:

  • job classifications in which all employees have occupational exposure
  • job classifications in which some employees have occupational exposure, and
  • all specific procedures which may expose employees to bloodborne pathogens.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-1. The Exposure Control Plan (ECP) identifies specific procedures which may expose employees to _____.