Bloodborne pathogens are human pathogens that can be transmitted by blood or other bodily fluids. These diseases are known to cause serious illness and even death, with the potential of infecting anyone who comes in contact with them. Bloodborne pathogens pose a risk to you and your colleagues if not properly contained, so it's important that you know how to handle these substances correctly so as not to put yourself at risk. This article will cover what bloodborne pathogens are, why they're dangerous, and what you need to do if someone is exposed to one of these substances.
The need for bloodborne pathogens training
In the United States, bloodborne pathogens training is required for all healthcare workers who may come into contact with blood during their work. This training covers the basics of how to prevent transmission of infectious diseases from person to person and what to do if an accident does occur.
Bloodborne pathogen exposure can be minimized by following strict safety procedures, including:
- Wearing protective clothing such as gloves and masks when necessary;
- Using sharp objects that are disposable or can be disinfected after use;
- Cleaning up spills immediately with a bleach solution or another disinfectant if they contain visible blood (this should also be done after any procedure involving needles);
The risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens are a serious threat to the health of your employees. In fact, they can be deadly if not treated properly.
Bloodborne pathogens training is essential for any workplace where there is a risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). This includes hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and other healthcare facilities; manufacturers of medical devices; tattoo parlors; mortuaries or funeral homes; laboratories that handle human tissue samples from cadavers; veterinary clinics; body piercing studios; tattoo shops that use non-automated needle guns instead of ink cartridges--and many more!
If you're unsure whether your business needs this training program in order to comply with regulations regarding bloodborne pathogens protection at work sites across America today then contact us today before it's too late!
What to look out for
- Look for signs of infection. When working in a bloodborne pathogens environment, it's important to pay attention to your own health and that of your coworkers. If you start to feel sick or notice an unexplained rash or fever, contact your doctor immediately.
- Report exposure incidents as soon as possible. Even if there isn't time for treatment right away, reporting any exposure will help protect other workers from coming into contact with infected material at their workplace--and save lives in the long run!
- Take extra caution when cleaning up contaminated areas: wear protective gear (gloves) and use personal hygiene products (hand sanitizer). If possible, wash your hands thoroughly after removing gloves and before eating or drinking anything else.
Steps to take if you are exposed to a pathogen
If you are exposed to a pathogen, it's important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others.
- Clean the wound immediately with soap and water. If there is visible blood on your skin or clothing, remove these garments before washing them separately from other laundry items in hot water with detergent. Do not use bleach products on items that might come into contact with mucous membranes (e.g., eyes).
- Call your healthcare provider if symptoms such as fever develop within two weeks after exposure or if they persist beyond seven days after exposure occurs. Take medicine prescribed by your doctor if prescribed by a physician. Avoid touching open wounds on other people's bodies; use disposable gloves when handling contaminated materials; wear protective clothing (gloves, mask) when dealing directly with infected individuals or body fluids/tissues. Wash hands often throughout the day; disinfect all surfaces (countertops) where blood may have been spilled using bleach solution mixed with water
Takeaway:
- Be alert to the risk of exposure.
- Know the symptoms of exposure.
- Know what to do if you are exposed.
- Don't forget to take refresher courses when required by your employer or state law, or as often as needed based on changes in technology and procedures at work sites (e.g., annual training).
- Make sure that all workers understand their role in preventing bloodborne pathogen transmission by reviewing safety materials with them at least once a year (or more often if needed). Ask questions during training sessions so that everyone understands what they need to do in case of an emergency, such as an accidental needle stick injury or splash from contaminated liquid splashing onto their skin during procedures such as drawing blood from patients who have hepatitis B virus infection. The points this section should cover include:
Conclusion
The best way to protect yourself from exposure to bloodborne pathogens is by getting proper training. This will allow you to know what safety precautions are necessary when working with potentially infectious materials and how to properly dispose of them after use.