Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Bloodborne Pathogen Safety

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Types of Bloodborne Pathogens The two main types of bloodborne pathogens you’re most at risk for are: –Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) –Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Infectious Materials Blood Semen Vaginal secretions Cerebrospinal, synovial, pericardial, pleural, peritoneal or amniotic fluids Saliva Any body fluid contaminated with blood

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Common On-the-Job Exposures Needlestick injuries (NSIs) –Nurses sustain the most NSIs –As many as 1/3 of NSIs occur during disposal –600,000 to 800,000 (est.) NSIs occur each year Contact between infected fluids and broken or damaged skin Contact between infected fluids and mucous membranes –Eyes, nose or mouth

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications What to Do if You’re Exposed? Wash your hands –Immediately following incident –Use soft, antibacterial soap or skin disinfectant Wash your eyes –Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes Report exposure to supervisor ASAP Seek medical attention right away

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Post-exposure Vaccination If workers are exposed to infectious materials, Hepatitis B vaccinations will be made available –Within 10 days –At no cost –Under a healthcare professional’s supervision

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Post-exposure Evaluation Following an exposure incident, a medical evaluation must be done Must follow procedures specified by OSHA Must include lab tests Free to employee Diagnoses are confidential

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Follow-up Evaluation Subsequent follow-up should include: –Medical evaluation –Testing of source person –Blood test –Post-exposure prophylaxis –Counseling –Evaluation of illness

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Our Exposure Control Plan (ECP) Lists procedures and jobs that put you at risk of exposure Lists procedure for evaluating incidents Must be accessible to you Must be available to OSHA Must be reviewed and updated regularly

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Our Obligations to You We must provide hand washing facilities We must provide you with personal protective equipment –Gloves –Goggles –Face shields –Aprons –Mouthpieces –Resuscitation bags

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Hazard Information We must inform you of bloodborne pathogen hazards through: –Warning labels with orange or orange/red biohazard symbol Labels must be on –Infectious waste containers –Refrigerators and freezers holding infectious materials –Signs on restricted areas

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Medical Records of Exposure For each exposed worker, medical records must be kept for duration of employment plus 30 years Records must be confidential Must include: –HVB vaccination status –Exam results –Medical testing and follow-up records –Written opinions –Info provided to healthcare professionals

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Privacy of Medical Records Private medical records of bloodborne pathogen exposure: –Must be accessible to Infected employees Anyone with the employee’s written consent OSHA NIOSH –Aren’t accessible to us (your employer) –Must be disposed of in accordance with HIPAA privacy regulations

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Training Records Records of your training for bloodborne pathogen safety must be kept for three years The records must document: –Dates of training –Content of training –Your trainer’s name and qualifications –Names and titles of everyone who attended the training

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications Summary Contact with infectious body fluids can expose you to bloodborne pathogens. HIV and HBV are commonly transmitted via needlestick injuries, or contact between infected fluids and skin or mucous membranes. If exposed to bloodborne pathogens, you must wash your hands and eyes, report the incident, seek medical attention, be vaccinated and undergo testing. As your employer, we’re responsible for providing an exposure control plan, cleaning facilities, PPE and hazard information.