Small micro organisms that are found in blood and which have the potential to cause various infectious diseases are known as bloodborne pathogens. When you come into contact with an infected person’s blood or other body fluids, you are at risk of getting infected.
There are various precautions that you need to take while handling blood. You will be able to learn about the proper use of controls, safety equipment, sanitization and disposal methods in the training program that is provided to all employees who work in health care organizations and other industries with exposure to blood.
Bloodborne pathogens are dangerous and highly contagious diseases can be transmitted easily if proper safeguards are not followed. It is always advisable to use caution while handling blood. There are many people who get infected each year due to lack of awareness and adequate training. This can be easily prevented by following all the safeguards that are stipulated by Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act (OSHA).
Top 6 Safeguards Against Bloodborne Pathogens
- It is important to identify the various activities that will bring you in contact with blood and other body fluids. Apart from identifying the activities, you will also need to be aware of the places where you will be performing these activities. This will help you take adequate safeguards against bloodborne pathogens.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, hair or other body parts that are not covered by protective clothing. Even if there is an accidental spillage of blood, you will need to wash it immediately. This will help prevent infection.
- Personal protective clothing should be worn at all times when you are handling blood and other body fluids. This will help prevent the blood spilling directly on the skin and eyes. Gloves, aprons, goggles and other protective equipment should be worn depending on the activity you perform.
- The guidelines for removing the protective equipment after use should be followed. All protective equipment that is used should be disposed of in a proper way by following all the safety standards.
- You will need to wash and sanitize your hands both before and after performing the various activities of handling blood.
- Special containers should be used to dispose of needles, scalpel blades and other sharp objects. They should be specifically marked with different signs and symbols that will help in easy identification.
There are various sources of transmission of bloodborne pathogens and it is advisable to be aware about them to help prevent infection. The risk of contamination is pretty high while performing various activities with blood and following all the safety precautions will ensure your safety and that of others.
All employees of health care organizations and other industries with exposure to blood should learn about the dangers of exposure and how it will affect them and others. There should be a proper plan to safeguard all employees who are exposed to blood and other body fluids due to their work. The exposure to these potentially dangerous materials should always be kept at the minimum.
For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogen website.
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