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Bloodborne Pathogens

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The Premiere Resource for Environmental, Health, and Safety Training Solutions

The Premiere Resource for Environmental, Health, and Safety Training Solutions



Bloodborne Pathogens Universal Precautions

Bloodborne Pathogens Universal Precautions



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IntroductionIntroductionIn this environment we deal with bloodborne pathogens every day - and we do so successfully because we all clearly understand the consequences.

In this environment we deal with bloodborne pathogens every day - and we do so successfully because we all clearly understand the consequences.

Everyone, no matter what your occupation, could encounter bloodborne pathogens. To protect yourself, it is vital that you understand what bloodborne pathogens are and the potential hazards they pose. And it is easy to keep yourself protected when you utilize these two simple things: common sense and universal precautions.

Everyone, no matter what your occupation, could encounter bloodborne pathogens. To protect yourself, it is vital that you understand what bloodborne pathogens are and the potential hazards they pose. And it is easy to keep yourself protected when you utilize these two simple things: common sense and universal precautions.



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• What bloodborne pathogens are

• Diseases that could be transmitted

• Potential exposure routes

• How to protect yourself and

• What to do if exposure does occur

• What bloodborne pathogens are

• Diseases that could be transmitted

• Potential exposure routes

• How to protect yourself and

• What to do if exposure does occur

In this presentation we will discuss:In this presentation we will discuss:



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What Bloodborne Pathogens AreWhat Bloodborne Pathogens Are

These materials can be transmitted through

contact with contaminated blood and semen

and vaginal secretions. Bloodborne

pathogens may also be present in other

body fluids like: urine, feces, nasal

secretions, breast milk, vomit, tears,

perspiration, and saliva. It is important to

note here that if there is no visible trace of

blood in these body fluids, the risk of disease

transmission is extremely small.

These materials can be transmitted through

contact with contaminated blood and semen

and vaginal secretions. Bloodborne

pathogens may also be present in other

body fluids like: urine, feces, nasal

secretions, breast milk, vomit, tears,

perspiration, and saliva. It is important to

note here that if there is no visible trace of

blood in these body fluids, the risk of disease

transmission is extremely small.

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious materials found in blood and other bodily fluids that cause disease in humans. Bloodborne pathogens are infectious materials found in blood and other bodily fluids that cause disease in humans.



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What Bloodborne Pathogens AreWhat Bloodborne Pathogens Are

People at a higher risk of being exposed to

bloodborne pathogens include healthcare

workers, dental workers, laboratory

technicians, law enforcement personnel,

firefighters, housekeeping personnel,

medical waste treatment employees, anyone

providing first aid or emergency care to

injured personnel, persons with more than

one sexual partner, and injection drug users.

People at a higher risk of being exposed to

bloodborne pathogens include healthcare

workers, dental workers, laboratory

technicians, law enforcement personnel,

firefighters, housekeeping personnel,

medical waste treatment employees, anyone

providing first aid or emergency care to

injured personnel, persons with more than

one sexual partner, and injection drug users.



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There are many diseases that can be transmitted by bloodborne pathogens including, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other pathogens such as those that cause malaria and syphilis. Although HIV is the best known, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the most common bloodborne pathogen diseases transmitted in the United States, with Hepatitis B much more common than Hepatitis at this time.

There are many diseases that can be transmitted by bloodborne pathogens including, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other pathogens such as those that cause malaria and syphilis. Although HIV is the best known, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the most common bloodborne pathogen diseases transmitted in the United States, with Hepatitis B much more common than Hepatitis at this time.

Diseases That Could Be TransmittedDiseases That Could Be TransmittedWhile the odds of contracting a bloodborne pathogen are small, their potential danger is great. While the odds of contracting a bloodborne pathogen are small, their potential danger is great.



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Let’s take a quick look at these three

transmittable diseases, starting with

HIV. As you are probably aware, HIV

or the human immunodeficiency

virus causes AIDS. The virus attacks

your immune system and leaves you

vulnerable to other types of diseases

like cancer and pneumonia.

Let’s take a quick look at these three

transmittable diseases, starting with

HIV. As you are probably aware, HIV

or the human immunodeficiency

virus causes AIDS. The virus attacks

your immune system and leaves you

vulnerable to other types of diseases

like cancer and pneumonia.

Diseases That Could Be TransmittedDiseases That Could Be Transmitted

HIV

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis A

Leptospirosis

Bruccellosis

Malaria

Babesiosis

Syphilis

Relapsing Fever

Viral Hemorrhagic Fever

Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease

HIV

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis A

Leptospirosis

Bruccellosis

Malaria

Babesiosis

Syphilis

Relapsing Fever

Viral Hemorrhagic Fever

Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease



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Many people live with HIV without

showing any symptoms and the

only way to know if a person is

infected is a blood test.

The same is true of Hepatitis. Both

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are

contagious liver diseases that

cause an inflammation of the liver.

Many people live with HIV without

showing any symptoms and the

only way to know if a person is

infected is a blood test.

The same is true of Hepatitis. Both

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are

contagious liver diseases that

cause an inflammation of the liver.



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Early symptoms are a lot like a mild flu,

including: fatigue, nausea, abdominal

pain and vomiting. Extreme fatigue is a

very common symptom of Hepatitis C.

Both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can be

either acute or chronic. Acute Hepatitis

B and Hepatitis C are short-term

illnesses that occur within the first 6

months after someone is exposed to

the Hepatitis B virus or the Hepatitis C virus, respectively.

Early symptoms are a lot like a mild flu,

including: fatigue, nausea, abdominal

pain and vomiting. Extreme fatigue is a

very common symptom of Hepatitis C.

Both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can be

either acute or chronic. Acute Hepatitis

B and Hepatitis C are short-term

illnesses that occur within the first 6

months after someone is exposed to

the Hepatitis B virus or the Hepatitis C virus, respectively.



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Acute Hepatitis B can sometimes lead to chronic Hepatitis B infection,

which is a long-term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis B virus remains

in a person’s body. Chronic Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can result

in long-term health problems and even death. Fortunately, a vaccine is

available for Hepatitis B.

If you are exposed to blood and other potentially infectious materials on a

regular basis as part of your job, the Hepatitis B vaccines will be made

available to you, by your employer, at no cost. More than 90% of those

vaccinated will develop immunity to Hepatitis B. Acute Hepatitis C

infection, however, often leads to chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis C is a

serious disease that can result in long-term health problems, and even

death. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.

Acute Hepatitis B can sometimes lead to chronic Hepatitis B infection,

which is a long-term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis B virus remains

in a person’s body. Chronic Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can result

in long-term health problems and even death. Fortunately, a vaccine is

available for Hepatitis B.

If you are exposed to blood and other potentially infectious materials on a

regular basis as part of your job, the Hepatitis B vaccines will be made

available to you, by your employer, at no cost. More than 90% of those

vaccinated will develop immunity to Hepatitis B. Acute Hepatitis C

infection, however, often leads to chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis C is a

serious disease that can result in long-term health problems, and even

death. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.



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Although HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the

three most commonly transmitted diseases, they

are not the only bloodborne pathogens that can

be transmitted. That’s why it’s important to

protect yourself from exposure to blood and

other potentially infectious materials.

Key Point: More than 90% of those

vaccinated will develop immunity to

Hepatitis B. Unfortunately there is not

vaccine for Hepatitis C.

Although HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the

three most commonly transmitted diseases, they

are not the only bloodborne pathogens that can

be transmitted. That’s why it’s important to

protect yourself from exposure to blood and

other potentially infectious materials.

Key Point: More than 90% of those

vaccinated will develop immunity to

Hepatitis B. Unfortunately there is not

vaccine for Hepatitis C.



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Potential Exposure RoutesPotential Exposure RoutesSo, how does the everyday Joe or Jane become exposed to

bloodborne pathogens? It’s simple really…

So, how does the everyday Joe or Jane become exposed to

bloodborne pathogens? It’s simple really…

The human skin acts as a natural barrier to bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens on the skin can be washed away, without harm to the individual.

But, when a bloodborne pathogen finds a way THROUGH the skin - through a body opening or a break in the skin - you could become infected.

Examples of breaks in the skin include cuts, scrapes, abrasions, acne or open sores. Also, body openings such as the eyes, mouth and nose can become routes of entry if contaminated material is splashed or sprayed into them.

The human skin acts as a natural barrier to bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens on the skin can be washed away, without harm to the individual.

But, when a bloodborne pathogen finds a way THROUGH the skin - through a body opening or a break in the skin - you could become infected.

Examples of breaks in the skin include cuts, scrapes, abrasions, acne or open sores. Also, body openings such as the eyes, mouth and nose can become routes of entry if contaminated material is splashed or sprayed into them.



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Contaminated material can also find a way into the body through a secondary means, such as when a person touches a contaminated tool and then touches their eyes, mouth, nose or open cut.

For medical workers, one of the most common methods of exposure is by a needle stick.

Contaminated material can also find a way into the body through a secondary means, such as when a person touches a contaminated tool and then touches their eyes, mouth, nose or open cut.

For medical workers, one of the most common methods of exposure is by a needle stick.

Potential Exposure RoutesPotential Exposure Routes



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In other work environments, however, the biggest threat of exposure to bloodborne pathogens comes from skin punctures by contaminated sharp objects.

For instance, an infected person could get cut on a sharp piece of metal or glass. The metal or glass would then most likely become contaminated with blood. That same sharp piece of metal or glass could then cut you. The other person’s blood could then mix with yours and possibly infect you.

It’s for situations like this that you need to utilize a little bit of common sense and take universal precautions to protect yourself!

In other work environments, however, the biggest threat of exposure to bloodborne pathogens comes from skin punctures by contaminated sharp objects.

For instance, an infected person could get cut on a sharp piece of metal or glass. The metal or glass would then most likely become contaminated with blood. That same sharp piece of metal or glass could then cut you. The other person’s blood could then mix with yours and possibly infect you.

It’s for situations like this that you need to utilize a little bit of common sense and take universal precautions to protect yourself!

Potential Exposure RoutesPotential Exposure Routes



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As the saying goes, “it’s better to be safe, than sorry.”As the saying goes, “it’s better to be safe, than sorry.”

How To Protect YourselfHow To Protect Yourself

ThatThat’s’s why, if you are routinely exposed to why, if you are routinely exposed to

blood or other potentially infectious materials blood or other potentially infectious materials

in your workplace, a written exposure control in your workplace, a written exposure control

plan will be made available to you.plan will be made available to you.

The plan is designed to eliminate or cut down The plan is designed to eliminate or cut down

the risk of exposure to employees, like health the risk of exposure to employees, like health

care workers. It is reviewed and updated at care workers. It is reviewed and updated at

least once a year and whenever necessary to least once a year and whenever necessary to

include new or modified procedures which include new or modified procedures which

concern job exposure. If you have questions concern job exposure. If you have questions

and a plan is required in your area, talk to and a plan is required in your area, talk to

your supervisor. your supervisor.

ThatThat’s’s why, if you are routinely exposed to why, if you are routinely exposed to

blood or other potentially infectious materials blood or other potentially infectious materials

in your workplace, a written exposure control in your workplace, a written exposure control

plan will be made available to you.plan will be made available to you.

The plan is designed to eliminate or cut down The plan is designed to eliminate or cut down

the risk of exposure to employees, like health the risk of exposure to employees, like health

care workers. It is reviewed and updated at care workers. It is reviewed and updated at

least once a year and whenever necessary to least once a year and whenever necessary to

include new or modified procedures which include new or modified procedures which

concern job exposure. If you have questions concern job exposure. If you have questions

and a plan is required in your area, talk to and a plan is required in your area, talk to

your supervisor. your supervisor.



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The big question to ask right now is,

“How do you know if someone is

infected with a bloodborne

pathogen?” And the common sense

answer is: you don’t. So what should

you do? How do you protect yourself?

The big question to ask right now is,

“How do you know if someone is

infected with a bloodborne

pathogen?” And the common sense

answer is: you don’t. So what should

you do? How do you protect yourself?




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Take “Universal Precautions”, meaning treat all blood and other body fluids as if they are infectious, because you just don’t know. And because you don’t know who is infected and who isn’t, it is vital to use personal protective equipment, work practice controls and engineering controls to reduce exposure risks for all employees.

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, acts as a barrier between you and infectious substances. It should be used whenever there’s a potential for exposure, such as when attending to an injured co-worker and when handling or disposing of contaminated objects or materials.

Take “Universal Precautions”, meaning treat all blood and other body fluids as if they are infectious, because you just don’t know. And because you don’t know who is infected and who isn’t, it is vital to use personal protective equipment, work practice controls and engineering controls to reduce exposure risks for all employees.

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, acts as a barrier between you and infectious substances. It should be used whenever there’s a potential for exposure, such as when attending to an injured co-worker and when handling or disposing of contaminated objects or materials.




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First aid or emergency response teams wear gloves and use CPR pocket masks or resuscitation bags to ensure that blood or other potentially infectious material does not make contact with their skin. You should do the same. ALWAYS wear gloves when there is any potential for hand contact with blood or body fluids.

Before putting gloves on, check for holes, tears or punctures. Do not reuse disposable gloves. Utility gloves may be decontaminated and used again. If they are cracked, peeling, torn or punctured, however, do not reuse them.

First aid or emergency response teams wear gloves and use CPR pocket masks or resuscitation bags to ensure that blood or other potentially infectious material does not make contact with their skin. You should do the same. ALWAYS wear gloves when there is any potential for hand contact with blood or body fluids.

Before putting gloves on, check for holes, tears or punctures. Do not reuse disposable gloves. Utility gloves may be decontaminated and used again. If they are cracked, peeling, torn or punctured, however, do not reuse them.




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In more extreme medical fields, goggles, masks, glasses with solid side shields and chin length face shields used in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles protect the eyes, nose and mouth from potentially infectious materials. Utilize work practice controls. Clean the affected area, any contaminated tools and any other items that may have been contaminated with a solution of ten parts water to one part common household bleach to effectively decontaminate the area. Remember to wear gloves and safety glasses to avoid direct contact with material that might be infected.

If you’re dealing with broken glass, use a broom and a dustpan, or a pair of tongs to pick up the glass - do NOT use your hands. Bring the trash container to the broken glass, instead of carrying the glass across the room.

In more extreme medical fields, goggles, masks, glasses with solid side shields and chin length face shields used in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles protect the eyes, nose and mouth from potentially infectious materials. Utilize work practice controls. Clean the affected area, any contaminated tools and any other items that may have been contaminated with a solution of ten parts water to one part common household bleach to effectively decontaminate the area. Remember to wear gloves and safety glasses to avoid direct contact with material that might be infected.

If you’re dealing with broken glass, use a broom and a dustpan, or a pair of tongs to pick up the glass - do NOT use your hands. Bring the trash container to the broken glass, instead of carrying the glass across the room.




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If there is any possibility that the glass could be contaminated with blood or infectious material, dispose of it in an appropriate puncture resistant and leak-proof sharps container marked with a biohazard label. Healthcare professionals, and in some cases other employees, may need to use needles and other sharp objects for medical purposes.

In such cases, utilizing engineering controls like specially designed sharps containers is necessary. Needles and other sharp objects must be placed in these sharps containers. Sharps containers are generally orange or red-orange in color, puncture resistant, leak proof and marked with the biohazard label. To avoid being exposed to a needle stick, NEVER recap a needle and NEVER reach into a sharps container.

If there is any possibility that the glass could be contaminated with blood or infectious material, dispose of it in an appropriate puncture resistant and leak-proof sharps container marked with a biohazard label. Healthcare professionals, and in some cases other employees, may need to use needles and other sharp objects for medical purposes.

In such cases, utilizing engineering controls like specially designed sharps containers is necessary. Needles and other sharp objects must be placed in these sharps containers. Sharps containers are generally orange or red-orange in color, puncture resistant, leak proof and marked with the biohazard label. To avoid being exposed to a needle stick, NEVER recap a needle and NEVER reach into a sharps container.




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Once you’ve finished your clean-up, remove your personal protective clothing and equipment before leaving the work area. Place it in designated regulated waste containers for storage, decontamination or disposal.

Remember to keep all regulated waste containers, any refrigerators or freezers that may contain blood or other potentially infectious materials, and any other containers used to store, transport or ship blood or possibly infected materials marked properly with red or orange-red biohazard labels.

Once you’ve finished your clean-up, remove your personal protective clothing and equipment before leaving the work area. Place it in designated regulated waste containers for storage, decontamination or disposal.

Remember to keep all regulated waste containers, any refrigerators or freezers that may contain blood or other potentially infectious materials, and any other containers used to store, transport or ship blood or possibly infected materials marked properly with red or orange-red biohazard labels.




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Once you’ve finished your clean-up, remove your personal protective clothing and equipment before leaving the work area. Place it in designated regulated waste containers for storage, decontamination or disposal. Remember to keep all regulated waste containers, any refrigerators or freezers that may contain blood or other potentially infectious materials, and any other containers used to store, transport or ship blood or possibly infected materials marked properly with red or orange-red biohazard labels.

Once you’ve finished your clean-up, remove your personal protective clothing and equipment before leaving the work area. Place it in designated regulated waste containers for storage, decontamination or disposal. Remember to keep all regulated waste containers, any refrigerators or freezers that may contain blood or other potentially infectious materials, and any other containers used to store, transport or ship blood or possibly infected materials marked properly with red or orange-red biohazard labels.




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Once you’ve removed your gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Since your skin is a barrier to bloodborne pathogens, you’ll want to keep it clean. Washing your hands frequently is an important way to prevent exposure. By utilizing universal precautions, personal protective equipment, workplace controls and engineering controls, you greatly reduce your risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Once you’ve removed your gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Since your skin is a barrier to bloodborne pathogens, you’ll want to keep it clean. Washing your hands frequently is an important way to prevent exposure. By utilizing universal precautions, personal protective equipment, workplace controls and engineering controls, you greatly reduce your risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.




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What To Do If Exposure Does OccurWhat To Do If Exposure Does OccurIf you are exposed to potentially infected material, immediately wash the area of your body where exposure has occurred with soap and water.

If you are exposed to potentially infected material, immediately wash the area of your body where exposure has occurred with soap and water.

Then report the incident to your supervisor or other proper personnel. You and your supervisor should document the incident immediately. If you’ve exposed to Hepatitis B and you haven’t been vaccinated, you can still get the vaccination. If you get the vaccine within 24 hours, Hepatitis B infection may be prevented. That’s why immediately reporting any exposure is extremely important.

Then report the incident to your supervisor or other proper personnel. You and your supervisor should document the incident immediately. If you’ve exposed to Hepatitis B and you haven’t been vaccinated, you can still get the vaccination. If you get the vaccine within 24 hours, Hepatitis B infection may be prevented. That’s why immediately reporting any exposure is extremely important.



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What To Do If Exposure Does OccurWhat To Do If Exposure Does OccurA blood test can be performed to

determine if you have become infected.

Your employer will be notified if a test is

performed. However, all medical records

will be kept confidential. No matter what

the outcome of the test, the results will not

be made available to your employer.

Remember, use common sense. If you are

exposed to blood or other potentially

infectious materials, wash the exposed

area immediately, report the incident and get tested and/or vaccinated!

A blood test can be performed to

determine if you have become infected.

Your employer will be notified if a test is

performed. However, all medical records

will be kept confidential. No matter what

the outcome of the test, the results will not

be made available to your employer.

Remember, use common sense. If you are

exposed to blood or other potentially

infectious materials, wash the exposed

area immediately, report the incident and get tested and/or vaccinated!



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In this presentation, we’ve looked at what

bloodborne pathogens are and how

bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted

from one person to another. We’ve learned

how to prevent exposure in the workplace,

and what to do if exposure does occur.

Diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens

can be very serious and you don’t know who

could be infected. By utilizing both common

sense and universal precautions, the

chances of being infected in the workplace

will remain minimal.

In this presentation, we’ve looked at what

bloodborne pathogens are and how

bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted

from one person to another. We’ve learned

how to prevent exposure in the workplace,

and what to do if exposure does occur.

Diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens

can be very serious and you don’t know who

could be infected. By utilizing both common

sense and universal precautions, the

chances of being infected in the workplace

will remain minimal.

SummarySummary



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Contact us at:

1-800-842-0466

or at

[email protected]

Contact us at:

1-800-842-0466

or at

[email protected]

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