Bloodborne Pathogens, Recordkeeping, Workplace Violence and Safety and Health Programs
How bloodborne diseases spread and are prevented, which injuries an employer must record and report, the four types of workplace violence, and the four elements of an effective safety and health program.
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9.1 Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens are disease causing micro-organisms, such as viruses, bacteria and parasites, that may be present in human blood, tissue or organs. The most important are the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis C is another serious one. They spread through contact with infected blood and other potentially infectious body fluids, in work such as first aid, handling blood samples in a laboratory or cleaning up blood spilled in a corridor.
How they enter the body
- needles and scalpels
- broken glass, or anything else that can pierce the skin
- open cuts, sores, abrasions, acne and any broken skin, such as sunburn or blisters
- the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth, for example a splash to the eye
- indirect transmission, by touching a contaminated object and then touching the mouth, eyes, nose or open skin
Unbroken skin is an effective barrier to bloodborne pathogens.
Key terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Contaminated | Blood or other potentially infectious material is, or may reasonably be expected to be, present on an item or surface. |
| Contaminated sharps | Objects that can penetrate the skin and are contaminated, such as needles, scalpels, broken glass and broken capillary tubes. |
| Decontamination | Removing, inactivating or destroying pathogens on a surface or item so that it is safe to handle, use or dispose of. |
| Engineering controls | Controls that isolate or remove the hazard, such as sharps containers and self sheathing needles. |
| Exposure control plan | The employer's overall written plan to limit the chance of an exposure incident. |
Five ways to reduce the risk
The five tactics are part of the employer's exposure control plan.
- Work practices. Do not bend, break or recap needles by hand. Wash exposed skin at once. Keep splashing and spraying to a minimum. Do not eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses where you may be exposed. Never pipette by mouth. Do not store food and drink where blood or other infectious materials are kept. Avoid petroleum based lubricants on latex gloves, which they can eat away.
- PPE. Gloves, masks, eye protection, gowns and coats.
- Engineering controls. Self sheathing needles, sharps containers, biohazard waste bags, biological safety cabinets and autoclaves.
- Housekeeping. Keep work areas clean and decontaminated.
- Hepatitis B vaccination. If your job may expose you to HBV, the employer must offer the vaccine at no cost to you. The vaccines are safe and about 85 to 97 percent effective.
A study aid, not published or endorsed by IOSH or OSHA. Laws and limits differ between countries.