Safety Training

What is the purpose of the OSHAs bloodborne pathogens final standard? The purpose is to limit on-the-job exposure to blood and potentially infectious materials which could result in transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

What waste is considered potentially infectious? Any waste that is potentially contaminated with blood or another unrecognizable body fluid.

What body fluids are typically included as potentially infectious? Body fluids defined by OSHA’s bloodborne pathogen standard include: Blood Semen Vaginal secretions Saliva Contaminated w/blood Any body fluid contaminated w/blood Other body fluids considered potentially infectious Cerebrospinal Peritoneal Synovial Amniotic Pericardial Pleural

What if the bodily fluid is unrecognizable? If you are uncertain what a body fluid is, you should consider it as potentially infectious.

Certain precautions should be taken when handling regulated medical waste Wash your hands Each time you handle regulated medical waste Wear appropriate PPE Always wear gloves and safety shoes at a minimum When appropriate wear gowns, masks and/or safety glasses

What are the packing groups and what danger do they pose? I - Great Danger II - Medium Danger III - Minor Danger Regulated medical waste is in packing group II, so it poses a medium danger.

PPE recommendations Jobs/Tasks Safety Shoes Face Shields Safety Glasses Hearing Protection Hard Hat Respirator High Visibility Vest Gloves Arm Protection Material handlerXXXXXX Diver from transporter XXXX Equipment operator XXXXXX Spill clean up team XXXXXXXXX

Sharps require special handling A sharp is an object that is contaminated with a pathogen or that may become contaminated with a pathogen through handling or during transportation. A sharp is also capable of cutting or penetrating skin or packaging materials. Sharps can include needles, syringes, scalpels, broken glass, culture slides, culture dishes, broken capillary tubes, broken rigid plastic, and exposed ends of dental wires.

Sharps must in sharps containers and securely closed to ensure containment. Once the lid is secured, the container is put into the regulated medical waste packaging for disposal and treatment. The proper packaging of sharps ensures that those who handle the containers are protected from exposure to potential bloodborne pathogens.

Storing regulated medical waste It is important to properly contain regulated medical waste and to restrict access to the material. Regulated medical waste should be stored in areas that restrict and limit access. The storage areas should be properly marked to identify the hazard.

Loading regulated medical waste It is important to ensure no containers are leaking. Containers should be properly marked and labeled. A specific count should be taken. The waste should be stacked in a manner which ensures it can be secured for transport without falling.

Transporting regulated medical waste Shipping papers should be confirmed when picking up regulated medical waste for transport. Loads should be secured to prevent spills. Loads should be contained and secured. In between stops, waste access should be restricted and load doors secured. Drivers should stay on assigned routes.

Unloading regulated medical waste All containers should be visually inspected prior to handling to ensure proper packaging. Mechanical tools such as hand trucks should be utilized to minimize exposure. Personal protective equipment should be worn.

Summary Any waste that is potentially contaminated with blood or another unrecognizable body fluid can be considered regulated medical waste. When handling regulated medical waste, it should always be handled as potentially infectious.