This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration. The information contained in this product was created by a grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. All references to non-governmental companies or organizations, their services, products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use only.

Bloodborne Pathogens are disease-causing organisms carried in human blood and certain other body fluids. HIV and Hepatitis B & Hepatitis C are the most serious bloodborne pathogens. What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Viruses are extremely small, simple infectious organisms that can grow and duplicate only while inside a living cell. Unlike bacteria, viruses are not considered to be independent living organisms. More than 500 viruses can fit on the point of a pin and most are too small to be seen with an ordinary microscope. Viruses

You cannot see the pathogens that cause disease so all blood and bodily fluids should be treated as if it were infected (Universal Precautions). If blood or bodily fluids come into contact with skin, eyes, or mouth, wash the area with soap and water or flush eyes with water as soon as possible. Viruses

Hepatitis Hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver”. After exposure to Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, it may take several months for symptoms to appear. Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C are potentially life-threatening bloodborne pathogens.

Hepatitis B The symptoms of Hepatitis B include severe flu-like symptoms and jaundice. Those infected with Hepatitis B may have no symptoms for several weeks but may spread the disease to others through contact with blood, saliva or other bodily fluids. Some are chronic carriers and pass on the disease but show no symptoms themselves. Hepatitis B (HBV) may lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and death. Vaccination is the best prevention for HBV.

Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus. You may be at risk for Hepatitis C and should contact your medical care provider for a blood test if you: were notified that you received blood from a donor who later tested positive for Hepatitis C; ever injected illegal drugs, even if you experimented a few times many years ago; received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July, 1992; received a blood product for clotting problems produced before 1987; have ever been on long- term kidney dialysis; have evidence of liver disease (e.g., persistently abnormal ALT levels).  There is no vaccine currently available for Hepatitis C

HIV The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus which causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). HIV destroys the cells of the immune system so the body cannot defend itself from illnesses. HIV is transmitted primarily through sexual contact or through direct contact of infected bodily fluids with the blood of an uninfected person. HIV is not spread through contact with saliva. This virus is very fragile and dies quickly outside the body. HIV is not transmitted by touching or working around people who carry the disease.

HIV HIV may live in the body for years and can be spread to other people even before any symptoms appear. There is no vaccine for HIV Needlestick injuries account for 80% of reported occupational HIV exposures

Universal Precautions You cannot see the pathogens that cause disease so all blood and bodily fluids should be treated as if it [they] were infected!

Even a small opening in the skin can provide entry for bloodborne pathogens, therefore treat all body fluids as if they were contaminated. Do not touch any blood or bodily fluids unless personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn. Wash hands immediately after removing PPE and wipe the faucet handles with a towel to prevent recontamination. Never eat, drink or smoke in areas where contact with infectious material is possible. The Spread of Viruses

Gloves Gloves must be worn if contact with potentially infectious materials is possible. Bandage all cuts before putting on gloves Remove rings before putting on gloves Replace disposable gloves as soon as possible if they become contaminated, torn, punctured or damaged Never wash, decontaminate or reuse disposable gloves Heavy utility gloves can be reused if properly disinfected with 10% bleach solution Remove gloves before leaving the work area Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves

How Can You Be Infected? Cleaning up blood Contact with contaminated linens Touching contaminated trash While working with live research blood products, in clinics or laboratories While performing F[f]irst-aid

Exposure Control Plan Explains how you can be infected Reinforces regular hand washing to keep from transferring contamination from hands to other areas Encourages that personnel wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) Explains the hazards of handling contaminated linens and the importance of proper housekeeping Provide proper containment for all contaminated waste

Good Housekeeping Label all biohazards Never touch broken glass Carefully clean spilled blood Wear PPE (gloves); respirator (mask) and eye protection if splashing is possible Use disposable towels soaked in an approved disinfectant or a 10% bleach & water solution

Biohazardous Waste Waste that has contacted body fluids must be disposed of in containers that are properly labeled, closable, leak- proof and identified by the color red or by the biohazard symbol. Biohazardous waste includes: *Contaminated protective clothing *Contaminated laundry *Used sharps such as needles, razors, blades, broken glass or other objects that can pierce the skin *All potentially infectious material NEVER reach into a trash container