If you work in a hospital, lab, or other healthcare setting, it's likely that you'll be exposed to bloodborne pathogens at some point. As an employee, it's your responsibility to take steps to protect yourself and others from exposure. If an exposure occurs, there are specific procedures that must be followed in order to prevent infection.
Label the container, bag, or package for bloodborne pathogens with a sign or label with an international symbol that looks like this:
Label the container, bag, or package for bloodborne pathogens with a sign or label with an international symbol that looks like this:
- The label should be at least 3 inches high and 3 inches wide.
- The color of the label should be red.
- The symbol should be a circle with a diagonal red line through it (colored red). The symbol must be placed on the outside of the container in a prominent location so that it can easily be seen when removing contents from its packaging by others who may come into contact with them during handling or transport to disposal sites.
- Write the name of contents in capital letters on each side of your container if you don't have an appropriate sticker for labeling purposes (i.e., "Blood"). You can also use duct tape to cover up any blood or other potentially infectious material before disposal
Place this label on all containers, bags, or packages containing blood or other potentially infectious materials.
You should place this label on all containers, bags, or packages containing blood or other potentially infectious materials.
The following information should be included on the outside of all contaminated containers:
- Your name and employee number (if applicable)
- Brief description of contents (blood draw, syringe contents)
- Date and time of pick-up by courier service
Put your name, employee number, and a brief description of the contents inside the container on the outside of the container.
Put your name, employee number, and a brief description of the contents inside the container on the outside of the container. Include any other information that may be helpful to others who may come into contact with this material such as "contaminated with Hepatitis B virus" or "contaminated with HIV virus." Put signs or labels on all containers so people know what they are handling when they open them. Use a pencil or erasable pen for your log; do not use a marker because it will leave marks on items in cases where there are multiple people working on one case at once (e.g., trauma).
Consider keeping a log of all activities involving bloodborne pathogens. This will help in case of an exposure incident.
You should keep a log of all activities involving bloodborne pathogens. This will help in case of an exposure incident.
A sample log is provided below:
- Date and time: Tuesday, April 1st at 10:45 AM
- Name of employee(s) involved
- Location: Hospital Room 102 on the third floor; the patient was admitted to ER after being struck by a car while riding his bike home from work Monday night at around 10 PM; he was not wearing a helmet or reflective clothing; police report states that he had been drinking alcohol prior to riding his bike home from work but did not appear intoxicated; the driver was charged with DUI after admitting to drinking three beers before getting behind the wheel
Put waste in special containers for sharps and other infectious waste, like vomit and feces. These containers can be found at most hospitals.
- Put waste in special containers for sharps and other infectious waste, like vomit and feces. These containers can be found at most hospitals.
- Inform your supervisor or manager if you are concerned about the safety of the work environment (such as spills of blood).
- Inform your supervisor or manager if you are concerned about the safety of the work environment (such as spills of blood).
It's important that you use gloves when handling blood, since it may contain pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). If splashing is likely to occur while handling body fluids, wear a mask and eye protection
Wear protective gear when handling blood or other potentially infectious materials. This includes gloves, gowns, and eyewear such as goggles or glasses if splashing is likely to occur.
When you are working with patients who are at risk of contracting a bloodborne pathogen, it's important to protect yourself by wearing the appropriate protective gear. This includes gloves, gowns, and eyewear such as goggles or glasses if splashing is likely to occur.
First and foremost: put on your protective equipment before starting work with blood or other potentially infectious materials. It's also important that the gear fits properly so that it doesn't interfere with your movements while providing protection from exposure to pathogens such as HIV or hepatitis B virus (HBV). Make sure your gloves fit snugly but not too tightly--if they're too loose they may come off easily during use; if they're too tight then they might restrict circulation leading to swelling in the hands or fingers which could make removing them difficult later on! If anything happens (such as tearing) replace immediately because these items should only be used once before being discarded due to their potential riskiness when exposed repeatedly over time.
There are steps you can take to prevent and respond to a potential exposure incident.
- Wear protective gear.
- Label the container.
- Keep a log of all activities involving bloodborne pathogens and make sure you are following your employer's policies and procedures for handling them.
- Put waste in special containers for sharps, other infectious waste, and non-infectious medical waste (e.g., bandages). These materials should be disposed of at least once per week according to federal or state regulations depending on where you work.
If you are exposed to blood or other bodily fluids:
- Immediately wash the site with soap and water; then follow up with disinfection if needed (see below).
- Notify your supervisor so they can report it to your employer immediately.
If possible before leaving work after being exposed:
Conclusion
There are steps you can take to prevent and respond to a potential exposure incident. You should always wear protective gear when handling blood or other potentially infectious materials and label them properly with an international symbol that looks like this:
