Bloodborne Pathogens - Orientation

There is a danger in every workplace, regardless of industry or environment, that is always present. It can happen at any time with long-lasting consequences. The danger is exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The reason bloodborne pathogens are so dangerous is that they cannot be seen, and there is no way to tell if someone is infected. Nor can you tell by looking at spilled blood if it is infected. But if it is, and you come in contact with it, you run a risk of becoming infected yourself, and that infection can have permanent consequences.

What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms in blood that carry diseases. These include Hepatitis  B, Hepatitis C, and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or, HIV AIDS. What makes these  pathogens so dangerous is their ability to spread between people and populations quickly. The  viruses spread through exposure. This can be exposure to blood or other bodily fluids such as  mucus and saliva. The main danger with bloodborne pathogens is they are not visible, and there  is no way to tell if someone is infected. Therefore, to work safely, you must treat all bodily  fluids as potentially dangerous and take the precautions you need to stay safe and prevent  exposure. This can be done, for example, by wearing personal protective equipment such as  gloves or masks.

Needlestick Prevention

One of the most common ways for a person to become exposed to Bloodborne Pathogens is  through a needle stick. This usually happens after a needle is used and one attempts to recap it  incorrectly. For example, by holding the needle in one hand and the cap in the other. If you do  this, and you miss, even a small nick of the needle into your hand or finger can cause the  pathogen to spread to you. This is true even if you are wearing protective gloves, as the needle  can pierce the glove and stab your skin. The best way to recap a needle is to lay the cap on a  table, then trace the needle into it before using your other hand to secure the cap. Many work  environments are now using needleless systems or engineered sharp protection systems, but you  should always be aware of the possibility and take the precautions to protect yourself.

Prevention & Cleanup

Many people believe that exposure to bloodborne pathogens is only a risk for those who work  in healthcare, since they are actively around blood and needles on a regular basis. But,  bloodborne pathogens are a danger for all industries. Remember, Bloodborne pathogens are not  limited to blood, but can also exist in saliva, mucus, and bodily fluids. If an infected person is  sick, and coughing and sneezing, this can expose you to a pathogen. And, even a small cut, like  a paper cut, can spread a pathogen if the person is infected. Unfortunately, you can not tell if  someone is carrying a pathogen by looking at them. Your safest bet is to treat every incident as a  potential exposure and take the precautions you need to keep safe. This means creating a barrier,  through gloves or a mask, any time you are around blood or helping a sick coworker. If you ever  come across a spill or exposed blood, always take immediate action. Secure and flag the area to  alert others, and make sure to wear personal protective equipment and use sanitizing cleaners if  you are responsible for cleaning it up. Any rags or towels used in clean up should be bagged in red hazardous waste bags and disposed of properly.