Open Forum

OSHA has some pretty specific rules regarding protection of personnel who may, in the course of their duties, come into contact with human waste or bodily fluids. At a minimum they should receive Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP) training. You should provide the proper Personal Protective Equipment and tools necessary to perform the task with minimum exposure. You should also have a written program for BBP

There is also a possibility that you may be required to offer, at no cost to the volunteer, the HBV vaccination series. While I don't know that there has ever been a test case involving a cultural institution, there is legal precedent with volunteers at other institutions like health care facilities and volunteer fire departments, so it would be fairly easy to apply the same standard if your volunteers are regularly exposed or expected to take on those duties.

There are a lot of online resources for the training and your local health department might be a good resource as well. 

As far as the OSHA requirements,  California is one of 27 states that can administer workplace safety rules on its own.  California OSHA (CalOSHA) rules are either as strict or stricter then similar Federal OSHA rules.  CalOSHA has two main divisions.  Enforcement which conducts regulatory inspections and workplace accident investigations. Don;t want to see them.  The other is Consulting Services.  They are there to help.  And they really do.  They can provide handouts, sample plans, advise, workplace inspection, etc.  Consultants only take action and report it if they observe a workplace violation that is an immediate threat to workers.  And they don't share info with the enforcement side.  We have two retired CalOSHA enforcement inspectors and they have verified this.  CalOSHA is a part of the California Department of Industrial; Relations.

CalOSHA categories employers by type of hazard/business and number of employees.  You would most likely fall into the Museum category. For CalOSHA purposes, the size of your business is based on the number of employees/workers, which includes full time, part time and volunteers, paid and non-paid.  T  

As far as insurance, you should at least have a general liability-all risks policy.  Our museum carries a seven figure policy.  If you are part of the city, county or special district, you could contact that organizations risk manager for assistance.  If you are a stand-alone non-profit, you will have to start with talking to any number of insurance company agents.