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BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN TRAINING OUTLINE

  
 

Section 1.

Introduction to OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen

There is a lot of talk these days about HIV and AIDS, HBV or hepatitis B virus and the dangers of getting infected by coming into contact with someone else’s blood.

In your profession, you may face many situations that could potentially cause you to come into contact with blood or body fluids from other individuals. Whether it’s removing trash that contains a used syringe, handling laundry soiled with blood or simply cleaning up after a sick child, the precautions you follow for handling these procedures could mean preventing serious illness or even death.

That’s why OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has developed the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard...to provide guidelines that will help you eliminate, or at least reduce, your exposure to HBV, HIV and other bloodborne pathogens while in the workplace.

This training module, which is one in the Betco Resource & Process Management (RPM) Library Series, focuses on

OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard for the workplace.

The module will cover:

  • What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

  • Who is covered by the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard?

  • What is Exposure?

  • Following Universal Precautions.

  • Protective Practices.

  • What if Exposure Occurs?

  • HBV Symptoms.

  • HIV Symptoms.

  • Employer Responsibilities.

Prior to using any cleaning chemical, be sure that you read the label and consult the Material Safety Data Sheet for that product.


 

Section 2.

What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (associated with AIDS).

 

Section 3.

Who is Covered?

OSHA originally developed the Bloodborne Standard for health care and hospital employees, but it has been expanded to include any occupation in which reasonably anticipated contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials may occur, including someone who may be responsible for the clean-up of blood or body fluids and even those who remove trash or handle laundry. Within these settings there may be potentially infectious materials and how you take care of them can literally make the difference between life and death.

 

Section 4.

What is Exposure?

Most occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens occurs when the pathogen comes in contact with the employee’s mucous membranes, like the nose or mouth, or breaks in the skin, like needle sticks, human bites, cuts or abrasions.

Body fluids such as blood, vomit and in some instances saliva can potentially contain bloodborne pathogens. Although you can easily protect yourself from coming into contact with the fluids by following Universal Precautions.

 

Section 5

Universal Precautions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention established the “Universal Precaution” approach, recommending that blood and certain body fluids from ALL patients be considered potentially infectious and that infection control precautions be taken to minimize the risk of exposure. This is the approach taken by OSHA in the Bloodborne Standard.

The best defense is a thorough offense…always follow Universal Precautions, as well as your facility’s exposure control plan, when handling contaminated materials.

This means that at all times assume that all blood and most body fluids are contaminated with bloodborne pathogens and that you should follow proper protective practices when handling a clean up or an exposure.

 

Section 6.

Protective Practices

Take measures to increase safety through protective practices. Always, wear the right protective equipment for the job.

Routinely check to see that whatever protective equipment you need is readily available and in good condition — not damaged or torn.

Proper personal protective equipment most often includes, disposable latex or vinyl gloves, and eye protection. Always wear these when there is a chance you could come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Other protective equipment may include masks and gowns.

If you don’t have the equipment you need, bring it to your supervisor’s attention. If there is any equipment that you are unsure how to use or when to use it, ask for help.

There are many principles to follow when doing daily cleaning tasks that will increase your safety. Remember the following safe practices:

  • Never eat, drink, smoke or apply lip balm in areas where there is a possibility that you could be exposed to blood or other body fluids.

  • When removing trash never compress bags in case sharp objects or needles may be hidden inside.

  • When cleaning a spill, carefully clean up and dispose of the fluids or contaminates in a way that won’t cause splashing or spattering. Never re-use the sponge or towel that was used for infectious cleanup.

  • Use tongs or other mechanical means to pick up sharp objects that may be contaminated with bloodborne pathogens or could puncture your skin.

  • Often, facilities have absorbents or spill kits that can be used for clean up of body fluids. Use these when ever possible.

  • Handle contaminated laundry as little as possible with a minimum of agitation. Bag the laundry at the location where it was used but do not sort or rinse it there. Transport contaminated laundry in bags or containers, which are labeled or color-coded.

Alternative color-coding or labeling of laundry is accept able if all of the soiled laundry is handled using Universal Precautions and the labeling or color-coding is sufficient to let all employees know that compliance with Universal Precautions is required.

If laundry is shipped to a location that does not use Universal Precautions, the bags or containers must be properly labeled and color-coded red or orange.

  • Remember that needles or other sharp objects may be hidden within the laundry. Wear personal protective gear if you are responsible for handling contaminated laundry.

  • Besides protecting yourself, you are responsible for containing the bloodborne pathogens and decontaminating the area so someone else isn’t exposed. It is crucial to clean and disinfect the area with the appropriate disinfectant cleaner, such as Betco’s TB Plus, Quat Stat, or a bleach solution.

  • After a clean-up procedure, always remove and dispose of your gloves arid other equipment in a properly labeled container, or a red or orange infectious waste bag.

  • Thoroughly wash your hands with a hand cleaner such as Betco’s Winning Hands Premium Antibacterial Hand Cleaner immediately after you remove the gloves, goggles or other personal protective equipment. Good hand washing helps reduce the spread of infection and disease.

  • All containers and cleaning equipment such as mop buckets and tongs used during decontamination, must be disinfected following use.

  

Section 7.

What if Exposure Occurs?

If there is any chance that you have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens, contact your supervisor immediately for specific instructions on exposure protocol. Also, notify your physician. Once an exposure occurs be sure to pay attention to your health and watch for any symptoms that are related to HIV or HBV.

 

Section 8.

HBV Symptoms

Hepatitis B or HBV is a type of liver disease that inflames the liver and leads to liver damage and sometimes even liver cancer. HBV has the following symptoms:

  • Fatigue

  • Abdominal pain

  • Loss of appetite

  • Nausea

  • Jaundice

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Light colored stools

  • Dark urine

HBV symptoms may not appear for some time after initial exposure. Notify your health care provider immediately if you think you may be at risk for HBV.

Hepatitis B vaccinations must be made available at no cost to all employees who have occupational exposure.

Vaccinations must be provided after initial bloodborne pathogen training and within ten working days of any assignment, which could result in occupational exposure.

 

Section 9.

HIV Symptoms

If someone does contract HIV, they may develop AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Symptoms of HIV infection could include:

  • Constant fatigue

  • Sore throat

  • Persistent fever

  • Persistent rash of unknown origin

  • Night sweats

  • Persistent swollen glands

  • Mild to severe flu like symptoms

Just like HBV, HIV symptoms may not appear for many years after the exposure. If you think you may be at risk for HIV, contact your health care provider immediately.

 

Section 10.

Employer Responsibilities

OSHA requires that each job site in which there is a reasonable likelihood of bloodborne pathogen exposure have a written Exposure Control Plan.. .and it must be kept updated.

Reviewing the plan at least annually is an important part of knowing how to protect yourself. Your supervisor should provide a copy upon request.

OSHA requires specific documentation from your employer when an exposure occurs. Your employer must maintain certain records for three years after the exposure.

 

Section 11.

Summary

Now that you understand OSHA’s concern for your health and safety, take time to see how your employer has responded to the challenge.

You may want to read your facility’s written expo sure plan.

Always take universal precautions when there is a chance you could be exposed to Bloodborne Pathogens.

Remember these protective practices when you are facing bloodborne pathogen concerns:

  • Always wear personal protective equipment

  • Never eat, drink, smoke or apply lip balm in areas in which there is a possibility of bloodborne pathogen exposure.

  • Never manually compress trash

  • Avoid splashing or spattering when cleaning up

  • Never re-use towels or sponges

  • Use spatulas, absorbents, or tongs for cleanup when possible

  • Handle contaminated laundry cautiously

  • Use properly labeled or color-coded containers and bags when disposing of or transporting materials contaminated with bloodborne pathogens. This includes gloves, laundry and equipment.

  • Always de-contaminate surfaces and or areas with Betco Quat Stat or TB Plus, or other appropriate disinfectants.

  • Always wash your hands with hand soap such as Betco’s Winning Hands

  • Disinfect equipment and materials used for clean-up.

  • If you think you may have been exposed to a bloodborne pathogen contact your supervisor and physician immediately.

If you need more information, ask your supervisor, or check out the OSHA website at www.osha.gov.

You can also contact your regional OSHA office.

Remember, you play an important role in preventing or reducing contact with bloodborne pathogens to others as well as your self. Be proud that you and your employer have taken the time to learn more about the OSHA Bloodborne Standard and use your knowledge to make a difference in creating a safe, clean and healthy environment.

 

Section 12.

Healthcare Employees

The following section is a listing of additional guidelines for employees in a health care setting.

Employees in a healthcare setting have an even greater risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Here are some additional guidelines developed for your protection:

  • Do not bend, recap or remove contaminated needles and other contaminated sharps.

  • Put contaminated reusable sharps in designated containers until they can be properly reprocessed.

  • These containers must be:

  • Puncture resistant

  • Labeled or color coded

  • Leak proof on the sides and bottom

  • Regularly inspect and decontaminate all bins, pails, and other containers that may have come into contact with infectious waste such as needle bins or trash receptacles.

Of course follow Universal Precautions and dispose of all regulated waste according to all applicable local, state and federal regulations for infectious waste disposal.

Again, if you need more information, ask your supervisor, or check out the OSHA website at www.osha.gov.

This training is intended for housekeeping and sup port staff in institutions where occupational exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens may occur. This training is not intended to cover all issues related to bloodborne pathogen exposure for physicians, clinicians, nurses, laboratorians, emergency medical personnel, or researchers/handlers in primate research facilities. These individuals should consult their facility designated bloodborne pathogen coordinator for specific training and instructions.

 

THE END