1. St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES “Bloodborne Pathogens” Training
The course can be navigated by clicking on the arrows located at the bottom of the screen next to the “Slide # of #” wording or by clicking the links on the left hand navigation portion of the screen.

2. Introduction
OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard provides safeguards to protect workers against the health hazards from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials, and to reduce their risk from this exposure.
Bloodborne Pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans.
Bloodborne Pathogens that pose the greatest threat are:
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

3. HIV Infection
It is generally believed that those who contract the HIV virus will develop Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is a breakdown of the immune system, canceling out the body’s ability to fight off diseases.
HIV Symptoms include:
Weakness
Fever
Sore Throat
Nausea
Headaches
Diarrhea
Other flu-like symptoms
Many people with HIV virus will not show symptoms for years after their initial infection.

4. Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a liver disease. It usually results in an inflammation of the liver, and frequently progresses to more serious conditions such as Cirrhosis or Cancer.
Hepatitis Symptoms include:
Fatigue
Nausea
Loss of Appetite
Possible Stomach Pain
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
Darkening of the Urine
After exposure, it can take four weeks to six months for Hepatitis to develop.

5. Vaccination
There is no vaccine for HIV or Hepatitis C, but a vaccine for Hepatitis B is available.
Hepatitis B Vaccine is administered in 3 injections, given several months apart
Hepatitis B vaccines are safe. There is no possibility of infection from the vaccine.
Hepatitis B vaccines have proven to be effective in preventing the infection.
Hepatitis B vaccines shall be made available, free of charge, to all employees who are at risk. The employee may decline the vaccine but is required to sign a declination form. Despite such a declination, an employee may request and receive the vaccine at a later date.

6. Who is covered by the standard?
Employees who could be “reasonably anticipated” by their job duties to come in contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials.
Examples of employees who are at risk:
Physicians and nurses
Housekeeping personnel and laundry workers
Firefighters and Law enforcement personnel
“Good Samaritan” acts such as assisting someone with a nosebleed would not be considered occupational exposure.

7. How exposure occurs Most common: Needlesticks
Cuts from other contaminated objects (broken glass, knifes, etc.)
Contact of mucous membranes (eye, nose or mouth) or broken skin with contaminated blood

8. Exposure Control Plan
Identifies jobs and tasks where occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material may occur.
Describes how the employer will:
Use work practice controls
Ensure use of personal protective equipment
Provide training
Provide hepatitis B vaccinations
Use Signs and labels
Plan must be reviewed annually.
Plan must be accessible to employees.
A written copy of St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Exposure Control Plan is available at the Central Office.

9. Reduce Exposure Standard Precautions Engineering Controls
There are various ways that you and your employer can work together to reduce exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens.
These include the following:
Standard Precautions
Engineering Controls
Work Practice Controls
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Good Housekeeping Practices

10. Standard Precautions
Standard Precautions: is an infection control approach used to protect employees from exposure to human blood and other infectious materials.
Treat all blood and body fluids as if they are infectious
Standard precautions must be observed in all situations where there is a potential for contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.

11. Engineering Controls
Engineering Controls: refers to equipment or machinery that can minimize exposure.
The following are examples of Engineering Controls:
Dustpans and Brooms – to sweep up contamination
Tongs – to pick up contaminated articles

12. Work Practice Controls
Work Practice Controls: reduce the likelihood of exposure by focusing on the safest way to perform a task.
Examples of Work Practice Controls:
Hand Washing – OSHA requires that you wash your hands immediately after an exposure situation
Wipe off the sink spigot with a disposable towel to avoid recontamination
Do not bend or break sharps (needles)

13. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): is specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against infectious materials.
Examples are:
Gloves
Gowns
Face shields
Eye protection

14. Good Housekeeping Practices
Good Housekeeping Practices: is a cleaning schedule that specifies methods of decontamination and must be maintained to keep all areas clean and sanitary.
Example of Good Housekeeping Practices:
Work surfaces decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant:
After completion of procedures
When surfaces are contaminated
At the end of the work shift

15. If Exposure Occurs Wash exposed area with soap and water
Flush splashes to nose, mouth, or skin with water
Irrigate eyes with water or saline
Report the exposure
See a healthcare professional

16. Bloodborne Pathogens Quiz
Test your knowledge
Click on the following link to open up a small test on “Bloodborne Pathogens”.
Bloodborne Pathogens Quiz