Blood Borne Pathogens

What ? Workplace exposure to blood that potentially carries infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B. Why ? You need to know how you can minimize your chances of workplace exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Details The following pages include information regarding the following bloodborne pathogens topics:

Topics How You May Be Exposed to Bloodborne Pathogens Signs to Alert You of Possible Hazards Protecting Yourself from Possible Hazards Protecting Yourself During an Accident or Spill Cleanup What to Do if There Is An Injury Incident What to Do If You Think You May Have Been Exposed

How You May Be Exposed to Bloodborn Pathogens BBP can be found in:  Blood  Vomit  Nose and mouth fluids  Mucous membranes  Skin secretions from cuts, scrapes, burns, rashes, etc.  Other body fluids Occupational exposure can occur during:  CPR  Removal of foreign bodies from eyes or skin.  Treating cuts and abrasions  Changing contaminated bandages  Disposal of contaminated sharps  Biohazard spill clean up Bloodborne pathogens are micro-organisms present in the blood.

Routes of Entry Absorption: Absorption: Absorbed into the blood stream through the skin or eyes Inhalation: Inhalation: Absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs Ingestion: Ingestion: Absorbed into the blood stream through the gastro-intestinal tract from eating, drinking, or smoking Injection: Injection: Absorbed directly into the bloodstream via broken glass, spray guns, needles, compressed air, knifes, etc.

Signs to Alert You to Possible Hazards International Symbol for Biohazard Warning to prevent exposure through Distance (staying away) Barriers (PPE and tools) BIOHAZARD To alert you to possible hazards:  Signs must be posted at the entrance to work areas having potentially infectious material.  Sign should describe:  Name of the infectious agent  Special requirements for entry  Name, telephone number of responsible person

Warning Signs and Labels Look for the following warnings and labels on biohazard waste: Warning labels on packaging Warning labels on packaging Red bags or labels Red bags or labels Warning labels must be: Warning labels must be: –Fluorescent orange or red-orange –Properly affixed to waste containers Decontaminated waste does not require labeling Decontaminated waste does not require labeling If you see a container with a biohazard label, DO NOT open it.

Protecting Yourself from Possible Hazards Know how to interpret biohazard warnings and labels Know how to interpret biohazard warnings and labels Follow local job procedures Follow local job procedures Understand what you are dealing with Understand what you are dealing with Know the type of PPE required for the job and wear it Know the type of PPE required for the job and wear it If you additional PPE is required, request it If you additional PPE is required, request it Remove PPE prior to leaving the work area Remove PPE prior to leaving the work area Place used PPE in designated containers Place used PPE in designated containers Discard disposable PPE; do not attempt to clean it Discard disposable PPE; do not attempt to clean it

Protecting Yourself Wash your hands and remove your PPE before you: Wash your hands and remove your PPE before you: –Eat –Drink –Smoke –Handle contact lenses –Apply cosmetics or lip balm

Protecting Yourself During an Accident or Spill Cleanup  Put on a leak-proof apron  Use eye protection to prevent exposure  Wear two pairs of gloves to prevent exposure  Restrict access to the contaminated area  Use disposable towels to soak up fluids or blood  Use scoop or scraper to pick up solids  Place all waste in a labeled container  Wash hands after cleanup, using antimicrobial handwipes or soap  Use germicidal disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces  Disinfect mops and other cleanup equipment after use Safety Checklist

An Injury? What Do I Do? In the event of an accident that has injuries, it is important to follow the advice listed below for both responding to the accident and for clean up. In case of an injury accident: Follow facility guidelines for responding to an incident Know what to do before an incident occurs Get help Shut off machinery, if appropriate Do NOT risks Take unnecessary risks blood or body Touch blood or body fluids unprotected Give unprotected mouth- to-mouth resuscitation name Add your name to a list of injured

Decontamination Methods Soap and water Soap and water 10% bleach solution 10% bleach solution Germicidal towelettes Germicidal towelettes Approved disinfectants Approved disinfectants Separate laundering of soiled clothing or linens Separate laundering of soiled clothing or linens

What to Do If You Think You May Have Been Exposed Decontaminate any exposed skin surface Decontaminate any exposed skin surface Report to your supervisor Report to your supervisor Determine the source of the exposure Determine the source of the exposure Try to obtain a sample for analysis Try to obtain a sample for analysis Ask about vaccination, follow-up Ask about vaccination, follow-up #1 Rule Do NOT Panic

Documenting the Exposure Fill out form IIPP-08 (Accident form) Fill out form IIPP-08 (Accident form) –Fill it out as completely as possible –Supervisor should fill out the form from information given by the injured/exposed employee Describe what body fluids you were exposed to Describe what body fluids you were exposed to Describe possible routes of exposure Describe possible routes of exposure –Absorption, inhalation, ingestion, injection –Any open wounds or sore you may have had Indicate if PPE failed. If so, explain how. Indicate if PPE failed. If so, explain how.

1.Inhalation is a possible route of exposure for a bloodborne pathogen? 2.Blood is the only substance that can carry bloodborne pathogens? 3.Decontaminated waste does not need to be labeled? 4.During a spill cleanup throw away all waste in the trash? 5.During a spill cleanup you should use a 3% bleach solution? 6.When responding to an accident with injuries, you should not give unprotected mouth-to-mouth resuscitation? 7.If you have been exposed to a bloodborne pathogen, washing your hands can minimize the spread of the pathogen? True False False False False True True