Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne Pathogens: microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria that are carried in blood and can cause disease in people.

Virus and Pathogens include

Malaria
• Syphilis
• Brucellosis
• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Human Ummunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HBV and HIV can be transmitted through contact with infected human blood and other potentially infectious body fluids such as:

• Semen
• Vaginal Secretions
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Pleural fluid
• Peritoneal fluid
• Amniotic fluid
• Saliva (in dental procedures)
• Any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood

HBV and HIV are transmitted through:

• Sexual Contact
• Sharing of hypodermic needles
• From mothers to their babies at/before birth
• Accidental puncture from contaminated needles, broken glass, or other sharps
• Contact between broken or damaged skin and infected body fluids
• Contact between mucous membranes and infected body fluids

Unbroken skin forms a barrier against bloodborne pathogens. However, infected blood can enter you system through open wounds such as

• Open Sores
• Cuts
• Abrasions
• Acne
• Any form of damaged or broken skin

Bloodborne pathogens can also be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the:

• Eyes
• Nose
• Mouth

Universal Precautions: Treat all blood, body fluids and potential infectious materials as if they are INFECTIOUS.
Personal Protective Equipment: Rules to follow:

• Always wear PPE in any potential exposure situation
• Remove and replace PPE that is torn or punctured
• Remove PPE before leaving the work area

Gloves:

Should be made of latex, nitrile, rubber or other water impervious materials. Double gloving provides more protection. Cover cuts or sores on your hands with a bandage before putting gloves on. Always inspect your gloves for punctures or tears before putting on. If the glove is damaged, DO NOT use it. When taking gloves off, do so carefully and be sure not to touch the outside of the glove. Dispose of them properly.

Goggles:

Anytime there is a risk of splashing the contaminated fluids, goggles and/or other eye protection should be worn. Splashing could occur while cleaning up a spill or while providing first aid/medical attention.

Face Shields:

Face shields can be worn in ADDITION to goggles to provide extra face protection. Face shields will protect against splashes to the nose and mouth.

Aprons:

• Aprons can be worn to protect your clothing and to keep blood or any other infectious fluids from soaking through your skin.

PPE For Worker Protection Against HIV and HBV:

Task:	Gloves:	Apron:	Mask:	Eyewear:
Control of bleeding with spruting blood	X	X	X	X
Bleeding control with minimal bleeding	X
Emergency child birth	X	X	X	X
Handling & Cleaning equipment items	X			X
Cleaning bio spills	X			X

Safe Hygiene Practices:

• Hand washing is one of the most important practices used to prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
• Hands should be washed immediately after removing gloves and other PPE.
• If you are working in a contaminated area, one should NEVER:
• Eat
• Drink
• Smoke
• Apply cosmetics or lip balm
• Handle contact lenses

Summary:

• Protect yourself on and off the job.
• Practice good personal hygiene.
• Follow work rules, use gloves and any other PPE.
• Wash hands often and immediately after exposure.
• Keep areas clean.
• Report problems immediately to supervisor.

Decontamination and Sterilization:

• Equipment and tools must be cleaned and decontaminated before servicing or put back in use.
• Decontamination should be accomplished by using a solution of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) diluted between 1:10 and 1:100 with water. The standard recommendation is to use at Ľ cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water.