Summary of "Bloodborne Pathogens Video"

Key Wellness and Safety Strategies from the Bloodborne Pathogens Video

Understanding Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP):
- BBPs are microorganisms in human blood that can cause diseases such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV.
- Transmission occurs through contact with infected blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) via mucous membranes, broken skin, needle sticks, or cuts.
Standard/Universal Precautions:
- Treat all human blood and certain body fluids as potentially infectious.
- Follow employer’s Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan which includes training, work practice controls, engineering controls, and PPE use.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Includes gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and CPR shields.
- Always use PPE when there is potential contact with blood or OPIM.
- Employers must provide PPE and train employees on its proper use.
Work Practice and Engineering Controls:
- Avoid recapping needles or use one-handed recapping if necessary.
- Use safer medical devices (needleless systems, engineered sharps).
- Dispose of sharps in puncture-resistant, labeled containers.
- Do not compress trash by hand; carry bags away from the body.
Proper Cleanup and Decontamination:
- Use a 1:10 Bleach Solution or EPA-registered disinfectants effective against HIV and HBV.
- Wear PPE during cleanup.
- Remove visible material with absorbent towels.
- Use tongs or dustpan for sharps; never bare hands.
- Dispose of contaminated materials in labeled biohazard containers or red bags.
Hand Hygiene:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after any exposure or glove removal.
- Alcohol-based sanitizers are insufficient for bloodborne pathogen exposure.
- Proper handwashing technique includes scrubbing all surfaces for at least 20 seconds.
Handling Exposure Incidents:
- Immediately wash affected skin with soap and water.
- Flush mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes) with water or saline for 20 minutes.
- Report exposure to a supervisor and seek medical evaluation promptly.
- Complete incident reports but prioritize medical treatment.
Hepatitis B Vaccination:
- Employers must offer the HBV vaccine free to employees at risk of occupational exposure.
- Vaccine is given in three doses over six months.
- Employees can decline vaccination but must sign a declination form.
- Vaccination must still be offered if exposure risk continues.
Risk Awareness:
- BBPs are not spread by casual contact such as handshakes, hugging, or sharing food.
- Common fluids that transmit BBPs include blood, semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, and others contaminated with blood.
- Recognize symptoms of infections but note that many infected individuals may be asymptomatic for years.