BBP Certification for Nonprofit and Disaster Relief Volunteers

Volunteers are among the first people to step in and provide aid whenever disasters like floods or earthquakes strike. They take care of food and water distribution, build shelters, and also provide medical support. However, such efforts often come with hidden risks, specifically in the form of bloodborne pathogens (BBPs). These infectious microorganisms are present in blood and bodily fluids, including HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV). According to a global review published in the National Library of Medicine, about 56.6% of healthcare professionals have experienced occupational exposure to blood or body fluids during their careers. This highlights how real the risk of BBP exposure is for anyone in close contact with injured individuals, contaminated supplies, or unsanitary environments—including volunteers.

In this guide, we will highlight why a BBP certification matters for nonprofit and disaster relief volunteers and how they can learn more about staying safe through this training.

What is a BBP Certification?

The BBP certification is a structured training program that follows OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). This standard sets the framework for preventing occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the long run. While OSHA primarily regulates workplaces, nonprofits and volunteer organizations increasingly adopt BBP courses to protect their teams in high-risk environments. The certification generally involves an online or in-person training course, followed by a knowledge assessment. Volunteers who complete the course usually receive a certificate valid for one year, after which renewal is recommended.

How OSHA Safeguards Volunteers from Bloodborne Risks

Even with the best safety practices, accidental exposures can still occur for nonprofit and disaster relief volunteers. OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard outlines what organizations must do after an exposure to protect the affected individual. These steps generally include medical care, documentation, and honoring worker rights to reduce risk and support recovery. You can read OSHA’s general guidance here: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Overview.

Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up

If a volunteer or staff member is exposed to blood or body fluids, the employer or organization must quickly provide a confidential medical evaluation. This often includes testing for infections like hepatitis B or C and HIV. All follow-up care is typically free for the exposed individual and must begin as soon as possible after the incident.

Incident Reporting and Medical Records

Employers and organizations must document every exposure incident and keep the affected person’s medical records secure. These records must remain confidential and are usually preserved for the entire length of employment plus 30 years, in line with OSHA recordkeeping requirements. This documentation helps monitor long-term safety and ensures that proper procedures are followed after exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Employee and Volunteer Rights After Exposure

Volunteers and disaster relief workers have the right to know the results of any medical tests completed after exposure. They must also receive appropriate counseling and additional treatment if needed. They may also decline to participate in medical follow-up, and they cannot be punished or treated unfairly for that decision.

Source Individual Testing and Consent

When possible, the individual whose blood caused the exposure should be tested for infections. This testing must follow all applicable laws regarding consent and confidentiality. If testing is not possible, organizations must still evaluate the exposed volunteer using available medical information, standard protocols, and expert guidance.

Documentation of Exposure Control Failures

Employers and organizations must review how the exposure occurred and whether it could have been prevented. If any equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), or safety practices fail, those issues must be corrected immediately. This review helps improve the Exposure Control Plan and prevent similar incidents for other volunteers and staff in the future.

Benefits of BBP Training for Nonprofit Organizations

A bloodborne pathogen certification is beneficial not only for the volunteers themselves but also for the organizations that rely on them. Here are some key benefits for nonprofit and disaster relief organizations:

1. Protects Volunteers and Beneficiaries

BBP certification ensures volunteers know how to protect themselves while carrying out their duties. They learn how to use PPE, handle sharps safely, clean up spills, and respond to accidents—while still providing safe and effective assistance to disaster survivors during emergencies.

2. Reduces Liability for Organizations

Nonprofits that provide BBP training can demonstrate due diligence in protecting their workforce and volunteers. This can help reduce legal and financial risks over time, especially if an exposure incident occurs and needs to be investigated.

3. Builds Confidence and Preparedness

BBP-certified nonprofit and disaster relief volunteers are more confident in handling challenging situations. For example, they are better prepared to provide first aid, manage contaminated materials, or maintain hygiene standards in crowded shelters and temporary clinics.

4. Strengthens Organizational Reputation

Donors, communities, and government agencies are more likely to trust organizations that prioritize safety and preparedness. A strong safety culture can lead to increased support, funding opportunities, and long-term partnerships with other agencies and community groups.

Get BBP Certified to Ensure Volunteer Safety

Disaster relief is all about responding quickly, safely, and sustainably. Volunteers are the backbone of nonprofit and humanitarian operations, and their safety is essential to the long-term resilience of relief efforts. Making BBP certification a standard requirement is one of the most effective ways nonprofits can protect their teams. The process is simple: enroll volunteers in a bloodborne pathogens course, complete the training and assessment, and renew certification regularly.

A comprehensive Bloodborne Pathogens training program helps volunteers recognize risks, respond to exposures, and handle contaminated materials safely. By investing in BBP certification, nonprofit and disaster relief organizations can better protect their volunteers, the people they serve, and the communities that depend on them during crises.