Bloodborne Pathogen Safety

What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

• These are microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, that are carried in blood and other bodily fluids and can cause disease in humans.  

• Common examples include:

  • Hepatitis B (HBV)  

  • Hepatitis C (HCV)  

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)  

Transmission:

• Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted through:

  • Contact with infected blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).  

  • Needlestick injuries or cuts from contaminated sharps.  

  • Contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) or broken skin.  

Safety Precautions:

• Universal Precautions:

  • Treat all blood and OPIM (other potentially infectious materials) as if they are infectious.  

  • This is the cornerstone of bloodborne pathogen safety.  

• Engineering Controls:

  • Use safer medical devices, such as sharps containers and needleless systems.  

  • Provide handwashing facilities and eye wash stations.  

• Work Practice Controls:

  • Practice proper hand hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  

  • Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics in areas where exposure is possible.  

  • Do not recap, bend, or break contaminated needles.  

  • Properly dispose of contaminated sharps in designated sharps containers.  

  • Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces and equipment.  

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, gowns, face shields, and eye protection, when there is a risk of exposure.  

  • Gloves should be worn when handling blood or OPIM.  

  • PPE should be removed and disposed of properly after use.  

• Hepatitis B Vaccination:

  • Employers must offer the Hepatitis B vaccine to employees who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens.  

  • Vaccination is highly effective in preventing HBV infection.  

• Exposure Control Plan:

  • Employers must have a written Exposure Control Plan that outlines procedures for preventing and responding to exposures.  

  • This plan should include:

    • Exposure determination.

    • Implementation of engineering and work practice controls.  

    • PPE requirements.  

    • Hepatitis B vaccination.  

    • Post-exposure procedures.

    • Recordkeeping.

• Post-Exposure Procedures:

  • In the event of an exposure:

    • Immediately wash the exposed area with soap and water.  

    • Report the incident to your supervisor.

    • Seek immediate medical evaluation and follow-up.

    • Testing for HBV, HCV, and HIV may be necessary.

• Training:

  • Employers must provide regular training to employees on bloodborne pathogen hazards and safety precautions.  

  • Training should cover:

    • Transmission routes.

    • Symptoms of bloodborne diseases.

    • Exposure control measures.

    • Emergency procedures.  

Key Takeaways:

• Bloodborne pathogens pose a significant health risk.  

• Universal precautions and adherence to safety protocols are essential.  

• Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment and necessary training.  

• Prompt medical attention is crucial in the event of an exposure.