Introduction
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that can be present in human blood and transmitted through bites, cuts, or contact with an infected person's bodily fluids. If you're exposed to these pathogens without proper protection, there's a risk of contracting an infectious disease such as HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B or C. The purpose of the bloodborne pathogen certification is to teach employees how best to protect themselves from these diseases by using the right safety equipment and following certain procedures during work activities.
What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are bacteria or viruses that can cause disease. They're transmitted through contact with blood or other body fluids, and they can be found in the workplace, the home and public places. They can be transmitted through needles, syringes and other sharp instruments.
They can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
The hepatitis B virus causes hepatitis B, which can affect the liver and cause long-term health problems. The hepatitis C virus is a major cause of chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
How Do I Know If My Job Involves Exposure To Bloodborne Pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can be transmitted to people through the blood. It is important to understand that these pathogens are not only found in the blood of humans but also in animals and insects. The most common bloodborne pathogens include:
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), also known as Mad Cow Disease Tuberculosis (TB) and West Nile virus.
What Should I Do If I'm Exposed To Bloodborne Pathogens?
- Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after contact with blood or other bodily fluids.
- Use a bleach solution to clean surfaces and objects that may have been contaminated by blood or other potentially infectious materials.
- Get tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV if you think you were exposed to those diseases.
- Get tested for tuberculosis if you think you were exposed to tuberculosis.
- Have the vaccinations for hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine series completed before starting work at an employer where there is potential for exposure to HBV through occupational exposures.
- Consider getting vaccinated against influenza annually.
- In addition to these recommended vaccines, consider other vaccines based on your risk factors such as travel plans or sexual behavior choices
The most common bloodborne pathogens are HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). These viruses can be transmitted to people through the blood.
How Do I Get Certified To Work With Bloodborne Pathogens?
In order to work with bloodborne pathogens, you must be certified. The process of getting certified can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on where you live and how busy your local health department is.
If you do not have your certification when starting your job, there will be consequences:
- Your employer may fire you because they cannot afford to risk their reputation by having an unqualified worker in a position that involves handling potentially infectious materials.
- If the company does not terminate your employment, then they will likely ask for proof of certification before allowing you access any areas where these materials might be present (including break rooms).
If you are injured on the job or suffer from an occupational illness, report it immediately to your supervisor and medical staff. You may also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
A bloodborne pathogens certification
A bloodborne pathogens certification means that you have received information on how to protect yourself from diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. This is required for any job that involves exposure to blood or bodily fluids. You can get a bloodborne pathogens certification by taking a course or watching an online video.
If you are injured on the job or develop an occupational illness, report it immediately to your supervisor and medical staff. You may also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
The most common bloodborne pathogens are HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). These viruses can be transmitted to people through the blood. If a person has been exposed to one of these viruses, he or she should get tested right away.
Conclusion
If you work with or around blood, then it's important to know how to protect yourself from diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. A bloodborne pathogens certification means that you have received information on how to protect yourself from these diseases. This certification also helps employers ensure that their employees are properly trained so they can do their jobs safely while avoiding exposure risks in the workplace.
