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Preventing Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

Biohazards Infectious Disease Prevention

The Problem

Helping someone in distress is a natural instinct, but it can expose you to serious health risks if blood or body fluids are involved. Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), can cause severe or life-threatening illnesses. Even a single exposure to infectious blood or body fluids can result in infection. Today, we’ll discuss the hazards, how BBPs are transmitted, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and others.

Identify the Hazards

  • What Are BBPs?

    • Viruses or microorganisms found in blood or certain body fluids that can cause serious diseases.
    • Common examples include:

      • Hepatitis B (HBV): Causes liver damage.
      • Hepatitis C (HCV): Can lead to chronic liver disease.
      • HIV: Weakens the immune system and can lead to AIDS.
  • How Are BBPs Transmitted?

    • Direct contact with infected blood or body fluids, including:

      • Cerebrospinal, synovial, and amniotic fluids.
      • Saliva (in specific medical contexts).
      • Other fluids contaminated with blood, such as vomit or semen.
    • Routes of Entry:

      • Non-intact skin (cuts, scrapes, or broken cuticles).
      • Mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth).
      • Sharp objects (needles, broken glass).

Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

To protect yourself and others, follow these key safety practices:

  1. Universal Precautions:

    • Treat all blood and body fluids as if they are infectious, regardless of the person’s symptoms or appearance.
  2. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

    • Always wear gloves, masks, and eye protection when handling blood or body fluids.
  3. Avoid Direct Contact:

    • Do not touch blood, body fluids, or contaminated objects unless trained and equipped.
    • Never handle sharp objects like used needles or broken glass without proper tools.
  4. Report Blood or Body Fluids Immediately:

    • Notify your supervisor or safety team if blood or fluids are present.
    • Only trained personnel should handle biohazard cleanup.
  5. Understand Asymptomatic Carriers:

    • Remember, individuals infected with BBPs may not show symptoms but can still transmit disease.

Real-Life Case or Scenario

Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

E.g. An employee once assisted a coworker who had a deep cut but didn’t wear gloves. The employee later learned that the coworker had an undiagnosed bloodborne illness. This situation could have been prevented by following universal precautions and using PPE. Even if someone looks healthy, you must assume all blood and body fluids are infectious.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Use PPE provided by the employer when dealing with potential BBP exposure.
  • Report the presence of blood, body fluids, or sharp objects immediately.
  • Avoid touching blood or fluids unless properly trained.
  • Attend training sessions on BBP safety and adhere to cleanup protocols.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Provide appropriate PPE, training, and resources for BBP safety.
  • Ensure proper disposal containers for sharps and biohazard waste.
  • Maintain a clear reporting system for incidents involving BBPs.
  • Train designated personnel for biohazard cleanup.

Discussion & Questions

  • "Can anyone share additional ideas for preventing BBP exposure in the workplace?"
  • "Are there any specific areas of concern at this job site where BBP precautions could be improved?"

Encourage employees to raise questions or share experiences related to BBP risks.

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Commitment/Action Plan

Let’s commit to using universal precautions and PPE every time we encounter blood or body fluids. Make it a habit to report incidents promptly and avoid risks by leaving cleanup to trained personnel.

Wrap-Up

Bloodborne pathogens can pose life-altering risks if proper precautions aren’t followed. By treating all blood and body fluids as infectious and following OSHA guidelines, we can protect ourselves and our coworkers. Thank you for your attention and for making safety a priority.

Standards Overview

  • OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates that employers protect workers from occupational exposure to BBPs.
  • The standard requires training, access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and implementation of universal precautions when handling blood or body fluids.
  • Employers must also provide proper procedures for reporting and managing exposure incidents.
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Legal Disclaimer

This toolbox talk is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The information presented is based on best practices and general industry standards but may not apply to all workplace situations.
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It is the responsibility of the employer, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards. The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
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Participants are encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals to address specific concerns or questions. Always follow your organization's policies and procedures for workplace safety and hazard mitigation.

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