1. Bloodborne Pathogens

2. What is it?
A Bloodborne pathogen is a microorganism present in human blood or other infectious body fluid, i.e., vaginal secretions, semen, amniotic fluid, etc.
Pathogens are spread through blood to blood or other bodily fluid contact
Some will die as soon as they are in open air, others can live up to a week outside of the body

3. Why Important?
Each year, approximately 75,000 people infected with HBV (Hepatitis B)
27% of people with HIV don’t know they have it
OSHA says approximately 8,700 workers infected with HBV each year
Contracting a Bloodborne pathogen could change your life forever

4. Areas of Most Concern HBV – Hepatitis B HCV – Hepatitis C
HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Also of concern
Malaria
Syphilis
Relapsing Fever

5. HBV – Hepatitis B Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver
HBV attacks liver and can lead to cirrhosis and death
Most common serious liver infection in world
Only 10% of adults develop chronic infections, but 90% of children will
Virus can live up to a week outside of body
Symptoms:
Fever, fatigue, muscle pain
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting (severe flu symptoms)
However, you may feel no symptoms at all but can still infect others

6. HCV – Hepatitis C Also works by attacking and destroying the liver
Most common chronic Bloodborne infection in US (3.9 million infected)
80% of people will have no symptoms at first
70% of people develop chronic liver disease
Symptoms:
Jaundice, fatigue, dark urine
Abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea

7. HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Works by weakening the immune system over time
Makes you more susceptible to normal infections
HIV is not AIDS, it can slowly develop into AIDS over times
Time between HIV infection and AIDS symptoms can be 8-11 years
Virus dies quickly outside of body unless kept in lab conditions

8. Myths of Transmission Can not contract a Bloodborne pathogen from:
Water fountain
Bathroom
Sharing food
Does not spread through air from:
Sneezing
Coughing
Can’t get from mosquitoes

9. Methods of Transmission
Bloodborne Pathogens can only spread when infected blood or body fluid enters body through cut or mucous membranes
Most common method is through sharing needles
Unprotected sexual activity 2nd leading method
Occupational contraction is 2nd lowest method
Indirect transmission – touching contaminated object or surface and then touching eyes, nose, mouth

10. How to Reduce Your Risk
Assume ALL blood or body fluids are contaminated
Always dispose of any kind of sharp into sharps container
Do not handle broken glass with bare hands, use a broom if at all possible
Wear gloves when working around any material that may have sharp edges, i.e. metal

11. How to Reduce Your Risk
Thoroughly wash hands with non abrasive soap and water after contact with any potentially contaminated material
Also wash anytime you take off latex gloves
Bandage any cuts or sores
Never eat, smoke, or drink in areas where contamination could occur

12. Hepatitis B Vaccine
We shall make available the hepatitis B vaccine to all employees who have occupational exposure, and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up to all employees who have had an exposure incident.
Employees may decline the vaccine.
Other employees may voluntarily pay for the vaccine.

13. Personal Protective Equipment - PPE
Always wear sturdy gloves when handling any sharp or material with sharp edges
Wear latex or sturdy work gloves when dealing with any kind of blood or bodily fluid
May also be necessary to wear safety glasses or goggles, mask, and apron

14. Personal Protective Equipment - PPE
PPE must be appropriate for task you’re performing
Don’t use latex gloves to carry sheet metal
PPE needs to be free of physical flaws
Cuts, tears, etc.
All equipment needs to fit properly
All PPE should be thrown out or thoroughly washed if contaminated

15. If Co-worker Hurt and Bleeding
Never put yourself at unnecessary risk
Try to help but only if you can be safe doing so
Wear proper PPE before attempting to help victim to prevent infection
Even if “best friend” you never know who may be infected, they might now know either
Good Samaritan could be a carrier

16. Giving First Aid If trained to give first aid:
Never make mouth to mouth contact when giving CPR
Carry or have closely available a pocket mask for CPR
Wear latex gloves any time there is blood or body fluids present
Properly dispose of all contaminated PPE after incident

17. Clean Up If at all possible, have injured person perform clean up
Solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water effective for decontaminating services
Dispose of all contaminated materials into red biohazard bags
Place bags into securable plastic containers that are labeled for biohazard

18. If Contact Occurs If puncture, force wound to bleed
Then immediately wash affected area with nonabrasive soap and water
If splashed in eyes, nose, or mouth, thoroughly flush with water
Report exposure immediately
Seek medical help

19. Key Points Bloodborne Pathogens are spread through fluid contact
Three main areas of concern are HBV, HCV, and HIV
Can not contract virus through air, water fountain, or sharing food
Always wear proper PPE when around any blood or body fluids
Always assume all blood and body fluids are contaminated (Universal Precautions)