KU EHS February Safety Tip: Bloodborne Pathogens

You may be thinking, “This isn’t a health care facility, why should I care?” The fact of the matter is, you should care because exposure to bloodborne pathogens can happen at any time with potentially devastating consequences. 

1. What are bloodborne pathogens?

• Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans.
• These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

2. What are some ways you could be exposed to bloodborne pathogens on the job?

• Helping a co-worker who has been injured
• Cleaning up floors and bathrooms
• Coming in contact with a needle
• Taking out the trash
• Handling soiled clothing
• Assisting a co-worker who has a bloody nose

3. One important way we can prevent the spread of infectious diseases is by keeping in mind the concept of universal precautions. Does anyone know what this means?

• Universal precautions is an approach to infection control.
• According to the concept of universal precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens

4. What steps can we take here to protect ourselves from exposure to bloodborne pathogens?

• Follow universal precautions when you are dealing with blood or body fluids.
• Report any on-the-job exposure to blood or other body fluids.
• If you are accidentally exposed to blood or body fluids, wash the area immediately and thoroughly with soap and water.
• Before helping someone with a bleeding wound, put on gloves.
• Don’t clean up broken glass by hand. Use a brush and pan, tongs or some other device.
• Avoid touching items that could be contaminated.
• Lift and carry all trash away from your body and do not use your hands to compress the trash when emptying trash containers.

Remember: prevention is protection.