The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard An Overview The Standard

The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard An Overview

The Standard l In 1990, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), developed the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard to protect workers by limiting occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.

The Standard l Originally, the Bloodborne Pathogen standard was primarily aimed at workers in hospitals, funeral homes, nursing homes, clinics, law enforcement agencies, and EMS workers. l However, all employees who could “reasonably anticipate” to face contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials are covered by the standard.

Quiz Question OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard covers: All employees, regardless of occupation or workplace 2. All employees in jobs where occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens can be “reasonably anticipated” 3. Only employees who work in health care settings 4. Only employees who use needles on the job 1.

What Are Other Potentially Infectious Materials? l Blood, body tissue, organs l Semen or vaginal secretions l Saliva l Any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood l All body fluids where you can not differentiate between fluids

Quiz Question Which of the following is not an example of another potentially infectious material? Blood 2. Spinal fluid 3. Urine 4. Body organs 1.

Bloodborne Pathogens Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that are present in human blood and can infect and cause disease in people who are exposed to blood containing the pathogen. These microorganisms can be transmitted through contact with contaminated blood and body fluids.

Bloodborne Pathogens Bloodborne pathogens include, but are not limited to: l Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) l Hepatitis B (HBV) l Hepatitis C (HCV) l Syphilis l Malaria

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) l HIV is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). l HIV is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. l HIV+ women can pass the virus to their unborn child during pregnancy or delivery, and through breast feeding.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) l HIV infection almost always develops into AIDS. l AIDS kills or damages cells of the body’s immune system. l HIV progressively destroys the body’s ability to fight infections and other diseases.

Hepatitis Acute viral hepatitis is a common, sometimes serious infection of the liver. There at least five distinct viral agents: 1. HAV – Hepatitis A 2. HBV – Hepatitis B 3. HDV – Delta 4. HCV – Hepatitis C 5. HEV – Enternally transmitted

Hepatitis B (HBV) An estimated 1. 25 million Americans are infected with the Hepatitis B virus. A Hepatitis B vaccine has been available since 1982, and has greatly reduced the disease among children and adolescents. HBV symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B (HBV) l Transmission of the Hepatitis B (HBV) occurs when an infected person’s blood or body fluids enters the body of another person. l The Hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series is available to all employees.

Hepatitis C (HCV) The Hepatitis C virus is a major cause of acute hepatitis and chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. The number of new HCV infections has declined. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, dark urine, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and nausea.

Quiz Question Which form of hepatitis currently has no available vaccination? 1. Hepatitis A 2. Hepatitis B 3. Hepatitis C 4. Hepatitis D

Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens Bloodborne pathogens are transmitted when contaminated blood or body fluids enter the body of another person. l In the workplace, transmission is most likely to occur through: l An accidental puncture by a sharp object, such as a needle, knife, or broken glass l Contact between broken skin and infected body fluids l Contact between mucous membranes and infected body fluids l

Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens l Infected blood or body fluids can enter into your body through: l Open sores l Cuts l Abrasions l Acne l Any sort of damaged or broken skin such as sunburn or blisters l Eyes, nose, or mouth

Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens It is also important to know how bloodborne pathogens are not transmitted. Bloodborne pathogens are not transmitted by: l Touching an infected person l Coughing or sneezing l Using the same equipment l Using the same toilets or water fountains

Quiz Question Which of the following is a possible way for transmission of bloodborne pathogens to occur? 1. An employee cleans up blood or body fluids without wearing protective gloves 2. A worker picking up broken glass from a dropped container that has potentially infectious material 3. Blood is accidentally splashed in someone’s eye 4. All of the above

Methods of Compliance The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard specifies methods that are to be used to minimize the transmission of bloodborne pathogens in the work place. These methods include: l Universal Precautions l Engineering and Work Practice Controls l Personal Protective Equipment l Appropriate Housekeeping Measures

Methods of Compliance Universal Precautions l The concept of Universal Precautions is that all blood and potentially infectious materials must be treated as if they are known to contain HIV, HBV, or other bloodborne pathogens. BIOHAZARD USE UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

Quiz Question In a workplace that uses “universal precautions” for infection control: 1. All employees are universally considered subject to the Bloodborne Pathogens standard, regardless of whether they “reasonably anticipate” facing contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials while performing their job duties 2. All rooms are labeled with the universal biohazard label 3. All blood and other potentially infectious materials are handled as if they were known to be infectious 4. All of the above

Methods of Compliance Work Practice Controls l Hand washing is one of the simplest and most effective practices used to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. l Hand washing keeps you from transferring contamination from your hands to other areas of your body, or to other surfaces you may contact later.

Methods of Compliance Hand washing guidelines l Thoroughly wash hands or other exposed skin with soap and water as soon as possible following an occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. l Wash your hands with soap and water every time you remove your gloves. l Use soft, antibacterial soap if possible.

Methods of Compliance Hand washing guidelines (cont) l If skin or mucous membranes come in direct contact with blood, wash or flush the area with water as soon as possible. l Where hand washing facilities are not available, use antiseptic hand cleansers or antiseptic towelettes.

Quiz Question Which of the following is a true statement concerning hand washing after occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials? 1. The best practice is to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after any potential exposure. 2. If your gloves are still intact when you remove them, there is no need to wash your hands. 3. Strong abrasive soaps are most effective in removing contamination for hands. 4. Using an antiseptic towelette is always an acceptable alternative to washing your hands with soap and water.

Methods of Compliance Personal Hygiene Examples of good personal hygiene practices include: Minimizing splashing, spraying, spattering and generation of droplets when attending to an injured person. l Refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balms, or handling contact lenses where there is a reasonable likelihood of occupational esposure. l

Methods of Compliance Personal Hygiene (cont) l Keeping food or drink away from refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets or on countertops or bench tops where blood or other potentially infectious materials are present.

Methods of Compliance Personal Protective Equipment The type of protective equipment appropriate for your job varies with the task and the degree of exposure you anticipate. Gloves are your number one line of defense. Gloves should be made of latex, nitrile, rubber, or vinyl. l If you have cuts or sores on your hands, cover these with a bandage as an additional precaution before donning your gloves. l

Methods of Compliance Personal Protective Equipment l Always inspect your gloves thoroughly before putting them on. Never use gloves that are damaged. l Remove contaminated gloves carefully, avoiding touching the outside of the gloves with bare skin. Dispose of contaminated gloves in a proper container.

Methods of Compliance Housekeeping The worksite shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. All equipment and working surfaces shall be cleaned and decontaminated after contact with potentially infectious materials. l Bleach in a 1: 10 dilution may be used. This is one cup of bleach to nine cups of water. l After cleaning leave the bleach on the surface to air dry of ten minutes. l

Methods of Compliance Housekeeping l Any broken glassware should not be picked up directly with the hands. l Broken glass should be put into a cardboard box, sealed, and labeled.

Exposure What to do if you have an exposure: Skin – wipe off blood and apply alcohol to the wound. l Eye, nose, or mouth – flush thoroughly with water. l If your clothing becomes soiled, change it as soon as possible. l Shower or wash any skin that may be contaminated. l After removing gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. l Report an exposure to your supervisor immediately. l