Universal Precautions Save Lives
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in human blood that can cause serious diseases. OSHA requires training for all employees with occupational exposure risk.
Learning Objectives:
HIV, HBV, and HCV
While many pathogens can be transmitted through blood, three are the primary concern in occupational settings.
Understanding exposure routes
Bloodborne pathogens are transmitted when infectious material enters your body. Knowing the routes helps you prevent exposure.
The foundation of protection
Universal Precautions is an approach to infection control where all human blood and certain body fluids are treated as if they contain infectious pathogens.
Never handle blood or OPIM with bare hands. Don't make assumptions based on who it came from or how "clean" they seem. Every exposure is a potential infection risk.
Don't skip PPE "just this once" or for "just a little blood." Small exposures can transmit disease. Gloves, eye protection, and other barriers must be used consistently.
Use established protocols for handling, cleanup, and disposal. Don't cut corners or create shortcuts. Procedures exist because they work to prevent transmission.
Wash hands immediately after removing gloves, even if gloves appear intact. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand hygiene is your last line of defense.
Your barrier against infection
PPE creates a barrier between you and infectious materials. Your employer must provide appropriate PPE at no cost.
Use: Anytime you might contact blood, OPIM, contaminated surfaces, or items. Type: Nitrile or latex (check for allergies). Single-use disposable. Change: Between tasks, if torn or contaminated, after each patient/incident. Never: Wash and reuse disposable gloves. Don't touch your face, phone, or clean surfaces while wearing contaminated gloves.
Use: When splashes, sprays, or droplets of blood/OPIM may occur. Type: Safety goggles with side shields, face shields, or safety glasses with side protection. Regular prescription glasses are NOT sufficient. Why: Mucous membranes in eyes are highly susceptible to infection. Most healthcare workers report not wearing eye protection during exposures that resulted in infection.
Use: When splashes to mouth/nose are likely. Often used in combination with eye protection. Type: Surgical masks for splash protection. Face shields protect entire face. Important: Masks protect you AND prevent you from contaminating the scene (if you cough/sneeze during cleanup).
Use: When clothing may become contaminated with blood/OPIM. Large spills, extensive cleanup, or procedures producing splashes. Type: Fluid-resistant or impermeable gowns/aprons. Removal: Turn inside-out when removing to avoid contaminating yourself. Dispose properly.
Proper procedures save lives
Proper cleanup prevents exposure to you and others. Follow these procedures every time.
Before starting: Is the area safe? Do I have proper PPE? Is help available if needed? Do I have appropriate cleaning supplies? If not trained or equipped, secure the area and call for help. Don't attempt cleanup without proper protection.
Minimum PPE: Disposable gloves. Also use: Eye protection (goggles/face shield), mask, gown/apron if splashing likely. Ensure: Gloves fit properly and cover wrist, no tears or holes. Put on PPE BEFORE approaching contaminated area.
Prevent spread: Use absorbent materials (paper towels, spill pads) to contain. Work from outside edges toward center. Don't: Use bare hands, smear the spill, or walk through it. Barrier: Place warning signs or barriers to keep others away.
Pick up: Broken glass with tongs/forceps (never bare hands). Scoop up bulk material with disposable scoop. Absorbent pads: Use to soak up liquids. Dispose: Place all contaminated materials in red biohazard bag or rigid sharps container (for glass/sharps).
Disinfectant: Use EPA-registered disinfectant or 1:10 bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Apply: Spray or wipe entire contaminated area. Contact time: Leave disinfectant on surface for 10 minutes minimum. Wipe: Clean with fresh paper towels, dispose in biohazard bag.
Remove carefully: Don't contaminate yourself. Gloves off first (inside-out technique). Then gown, face shield, mask. Dispose: All PPE in biohazard bag. Wash hands: Thoroughly with soap and water for 20+ seconds. Even with gloves, handwashing is essential!
Preventing needlestick injuries
Sharps injuries (needlesticks, cuts from contaminated objects) are the most common route of occupational bloodborne pathogen transmission.
If you find an improperly discarded sharp: Don't pick it up with bare hands! Use tongs or mechanical device. Place in sharps container. Report the incident so proper disposal procedures can be reinforced.
Immediate actions save lives
If you are exposed to blood or OPIM, immediate action is critical. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV must begin within 2-72 hours to be effective.
Needlestick/Cut: Wash with soap and water for 15 minutes. Don't squeeze or "milk" wound. Splash to eyes: Flush with water or saline for 15 minutes. Splash to nose/mouth: Rinse/spit with water for 15 minutes. Splash to intact skin: Wash with soap and water.
Don't delay! Report exposure to supervisor or designated person IMMEDIATELY. Time is critical—HIV PEP is most effective within 2 hours. Provide details: what happened, what material (blood/OPIM), how contact occurred, when it occurred.
Same day: See designated healthcare provider or emergency department. Bring: Information about exposure incident. Medical provider will: Evaluate exposure severity, offer baseline testing, discuss treatment options (PEP for HIV, immunoglobulin for HBV if not vaccinated), provide follow-up schedule.
Employer must: Complete exposure incident report. Investigate how exposure occurred. Identify control failures. Implement corrective measures. You will receive: Copy of evaluation report. Information about testing and follow-up. Rights and confidentiality notice.
If prescribed PEP: Start within 2-72 hours. Take ALL medications as directed for full duration (typically 28 days). Follow-up testing: Baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months. Don't skip: All follow-up appointments are important even if feeling fine.
Your best protection against HBV
The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective, and provides long-lasting protection. It's your best defense against the most common occupational bloodborne pathogen.
Already vaccinated or unsure? Talk to your healthcare provider. Blood test can check if you have immunity. If you were vaccinated as a child, you likely still have protection.
Your workplace safety blueprint
Every workplace with potential bloodborne pathogen exposure must have a written Exposure Control Plan. This plan details how your employer protects you from exposure.
Remember these critical points
Essential bloodborne pathogen knowledge:
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