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Bloodborne Pathogens
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Bloodborne Pathogens: microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria that are carried in blood and can cause disease in people.
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Virus and Pathogens include
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+ Malaria
+ - Syphilis
+ - Brucellosis
+ - Hepatitis B (HBV)
+ - Human Ummunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
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HBV and HIV can be transmitted through contact with infected human blood and other potentially infectious body fluids such as:
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+ - Semen
+ - Vaginal Secretions
+ - Cerebrospinal fluid
+ - Pleural fluid
+ - Peritoneal fluid
+ - Amniotic fluid
+ - Saliva (in dental procedures)
+ - Any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood
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HBV and HIV are transmitted through:
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+ - 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
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Unbroken skin forms a barrier against bloodborne pathogens. However, infected blood can enter you system through open wounds such as
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+ - Open Sores
+ - Cuts
+ - Abrasions
+ - Acne
+ - Any form of damaged or broken skin
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Bloodborne pathogens can also be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the:
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Universal Precautions: Treat all blood, body fluids and potential infectious materials as if they are INFECTIOUS.
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Personal Protective Equipment: Rules to follow:
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+ - Always wear PPE in any potential exposure situation
+ - Remove and replace PPE that is torn or punctured
+ - Remove PPE before leaving the work area
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Gloves:
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+ 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.
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Goggles:
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+ 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.
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Face Shields:
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+ 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.
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Aprons:
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+- Aprons can be worn to protect your clothing and to keep blood or any other infectious fluids from soaking through your skin.
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PPE For Worker Protection Against HIV and HBV:
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+ | Task: |
+ Gloves: |
+ Apron: |
+ Mask: |
+ Eyewear: |
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+ | Control of bleeding with spruting blood |
+ X |
+ X |
+ X |
+ X |
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+ | Bleeding control with minimal bleeding |
+ X |
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+ | Emergency child birth |
+ X |
+ X |
+ X |
+ X |
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+ | Handling & Cleaning equipment items |
+ X |
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+ X |
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+ | Cleaning bio spills |
+ X |
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+ X |
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Safe Hygiene Practices:
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+- 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:
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+- Eat
+- Drink
+- Smoke
+- Apply cosmetics or lip balm
+- Handle contact lenses
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Summary:
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+- 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.
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Decontamination and Sterilization:
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+- 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.
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