Protecting Yourself Against Blood Pathogens

Pathogens are viral or bacterial microorganisms. They travel the blood or body fluid of an infected individual, and can cause disease in humans. Due to the nature of their occupation, healthcare workers are particularly prone to infections since they handle patients, blood, and other potentially infectious body fluids while at work. The two most common pathogens healthcare workers need to protect themselves against are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).

To better protect healthcare workers from occupational exposure to pathogens, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard in 1991. This Standard gives special attention to workers handling potentially infectious body fluids, and encourages infection prevention by following universal precaution methods. Under universal precautions, all blood and body fluids are handled as if they are infected by pathogens.

Preventative Measures

To help protect their workforce, healthcare employers must implement safety training and prevention control for workers who handle blood and body fluids. Workers who come into contact with infectious materials through the mucous membranes of the eye, mouth, or nose, or through a break in skin are at risk. Additionally, improper handling of occupational tools, such as razors, scalpels, or needles also puts a worker at risk. Preventative measures for workers to avoid exposure to infectious pathogens include, but are not limited to the following:

1. All workers should wash their hands with medical-grade soap before and after seeing each patient, and before and after removing gloves. As needed, other protective equipment should also be worn, including eyewear, gowns, shields, and facemasks.
   
2. Implement and enforce universal precaution methods in training: Handle all human blood and body fluids with the assumption that they contain infectious pathogens.
   
3. All potentially infectious materials should be handled with gloves and disposed of in a bag marked with a biohazard label. In general, a biohazard label is usually a red label.
   
4. Dispose of sharp tools such as needles and scalpels immediately after use. Make sure you have the proper disposal containers nearby each applicable work area.
   
5. As a preventative measure, all workers should be vaccinated for HBV.
   
6. If a spill occurs or glass container breaks, never clean up with your hands. Use some type of tool, such as tongs, or a broom and dustpan.
   
7. Do not take meal or smoke breaks in your work area so the oral transfer of germs is eliminated.
   
8. When performing first aid or CPR on a patient, utilize a mask equipped with a one-way valve to prevent the transmission of infection.
   
9. Enforce procedures for proper cleaning and decontamination of potentially infected areas on a daily basis. This includes utilizing the proper cleaning agents. If a spill occurs, contain the spill immediately and then clean up the potentially affected area.
   
10. Place the Bloodborne Pathogens Poster to outline safety standards in prominent workplace location so all workers understand how to protect themselves.
    

Although many preventative steps can be taken to decrease the likelihood of HIV or HBV infection, there are no guarantees. To make matters worse, the HIV virus does not yet have an available vaccination, making the risks of transmission fatal. When working with potentially infected patients or fluids, employers and their workers cannot take any chances. They must work in tandem to enforce strict preventative methods, so the life and vitality of their facility is not placed in jeopardy.

This article is designed to be an informative guideline for healthcare employers who need to establish preventative protocol against bloodborne pathogens. For more detail information on individual circumstances, visit osha.gov, or seek the appropriate legal counsel.

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