Blood Borne Pathogens Blood Borne Pathogens What Workplace

Blood Borne Pathogens

Blood Borne Pathogens What ? Workplace exposure to blood that potentially carries infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B. Why ? You need to know how you can minimize your chances of workplace exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Details The following pages include information regarding the following bloodborne pathogens topics:

Topics How You May Be Exposed to Bloodborne Pathogens Signs to Alert You of Possible Hazards Protecting Yourself from Possible Hazards Protecting Yourself During an Accident or Spill Cleanup What to Do if There Is An Injury Incident What to Do If You Think You May Have Been Exposed

How You May Be Exposed to Bloodborn Pathogens Bloodborne pathogens are micro-organisms present in the blood. BBP can be found in: q. Blood q. Vomit q. Nose and mouth fluids q. Mucous membranes q. Skin secretions from cuts, scrapes, burns, rashes, etc. q. Other body fluids Occupational exposure can occur during: q. CPR q. Removal of foreign bodies from eyes or skin. q. Treating cuts and abrasions q. Changing contaminated bandages q. Disposal of contaminated sharps q. Biohazard spill clean up

Routes of Entry Absorption: Absorbed into the blood stream through the skin or eyes Inhalation: Absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs Ingestion: Absorbed into the blood stream through the gastro-intestinal tract from eating, drinking, or smoking Injection: Absorbed directly into the bloodstream via broken glass, spray guns, needles, compressed air, knifes, etc.

Signs to Alert You to Possible Hazards International Symbol for Biohazard Warning to prevent exposure through Distance (staying away) Barriers (PPE and tools) BIOHAZARD To alert you to possible hazards: Ø Signs must be posted at the entrance to work areas having potentially infectious material. Ø Sign should describe: Ø Name of the infectious agent Ø Special requirements for entry Ø Name, telephone number of responsible person

Warning Signs and Labels Look for the following warnings and labels on biohazard waste: If you see a n Warning labels on packaging container with a biohazard label, n Red bags or labels DO NOT open it. n Warning labels must be: – Fluorescent orange or red-orange – Properly affixed to waste containers n Decontaminated waste does not require labeling

Protecting Yourself from Possible Hazards n n n n Know how to interpret biohazard warnings and labels Follow local job procedures Understand what you are dealing with Know the type of PPE required for the job and wear it If you additional PPE is required, request it Remove PPE prior to leaving the work area Place used PPE in designated containers Discard disposable PPE; do not attempt to clean it

Protecting Yourself n Wash your hands and remove your PPE before you: – Eat – Drink – Smoke – Handle contact lenses – Apply cosmetics or lip balm

Protecting Yourself During an Accident or Spill Cleanup ý ý ý Safety Checklist Put on a leak-proof apron ý Place all waste in a Use eye protection to labeled container prevent exposure ý Wash hands after Wear two pairs of gloves cleanup, using to prevent exposure antimicrobial handwipes or soap Restrict access to the contaminated area ý Use germicidal disinfectant wipes to Use disposable towels to clean surfaces soak up fluids or blood ý Disinfect mops and other Use scoop or scraper to cleanup equipment after pick up solids use

An Injury? What Do I Do? In the event of an accident that has injuries, it is important to follow the advice listed below for both responding to the accident and for clean up. In case of an injury accident: Do NOT • Follow facility guidelines for responding to an incident • Take unnecessary risks • Know what to do before an incident occurs • Touch blood or body fluids • Get help • Give unprotected mouthto-mouth resuscitation • Shut off machinery, if appropriate • Add your name to a list of injured

Decontamination Methods n Soap and water n 10% bleach solution n Germicidal towelettes n Approved disinfectants n Separate laundering of soiled clothing or linens

What to Do If You Think You May Have Been Exposed n n n Decontaminate any exposed skin surface Report to your supervisor Determine the source of the exposure #1 Rule Try to obtain a sample for analysis Do NOT Ask about vaccination, follow-up Panic

Documenting the Exposure n Fill out form IIPP-08 (Accident form) – Fill it out as completely as possible – Supervisor should fill out the form from information given by the injured/exposed employee Describe what body fluids you were exposed to n Describe possible routes of exposure n – Absorption, inhalation, ingestion, injection – Any open wounds or sore you may have had n Indicate if PPE failed. If so, explain how.

1. Inhalation is a possible route of exposure for a bloodborne pathogen? True 2. Blood is the only substance that can carry bloodborne pathogens? False 3. Decontaminated waste does not need to be labeled? False 4. During a spill cleanup throw away all waste in the trash? False 5. During a spill cleanup you should use a 3% bleach solution? False 6. When responding to an accident with injuries, you should not give unprotected mouth-to-mouth resuscitation? True 7. If you have been exposed to a bloodborne pathogen, washing your hands can minimize the spread of the pathogen? True