Bloodborne Pathogens Video

Summary

This presentation, adapted from OSHA standards, covers blood-borne pathogens and safety measures for exposure. It explains key pathogens like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV, their modes of transmission, and prevention methods. The session emphasizes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper cleanup of potentially infectious materials, and safe disposal of contaminated sharps. Additionally, it outlines the importance of workplace controls, universal precautions, and steps to follow after exposure incidents, such as immediate decontamination, medical treatment, and reporting.

Takeaways

• 🩸 Blood-borne pathogens (BBP) are pathogenic microorganisms present in human blood that can cause diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
• 🦠 Standard precautions assume all human blood and certain body fluids are infectious for blood-borne pathogens, and appropriate measures should always be taken.
• 👩‍⚕️ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection must be used when there is potential contact with bodily fluids.
• 🧴 Proper handwashing, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, is essential after any potential exposure, even if gloves were worn.
• 🧪 Blood-borne pathogens are primarily transmitted through direct contact, such as sexual contact, sharps injuries, or contact with mucous membranes.
• 🛑 Regulated waste, including contaminated sharps and materials containing bodily fluids, should be disposed of in properly labeled biohazard containers.
• 💉 Hepatitis B is preventable through a series of three vaccines offered for free to employees at occupational risk, per OSHA standards.
• 🧼 In case of spills, use disinfectants such as bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and follow proper cleanup procedures, including wearing PPE and disposing of contaminated materials correctly.
• 📑 In case of exposure, immediately decontaminate the affected area, report the incident to a supervisor, and seek medical treatment.
• 🧬 Blood-borne pathogens like HIV, HBV, and HCV can survive outside the body for varying durations, requiring rigorous safety measures in workplaces with exposure risks.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of this blood-borne pathogens presentation?

The primary purpose of the presentation is to educate participants on blood-borne pathogens, including how they are transmitted, standard precautions, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper procedures in the event of an exposure incident.

Which regulatory or certifying agency is affiliated with the Johnson County Health Department for this training?

The Johnson County Health Department is not affiliated with any regulatory or certifying licensing agency for OSHA blood-borne pathogens training.

What are blood-borne pathogens (BBP) and name three examples?

Blood-borne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease. Three examples are Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

How are blood-borne pathogens transmitted?

Blood-borne pathogens are transmitted through contact with infected blood or other potentially infectious materials, such as semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, and synovial fluid. Transmission can occur through direct contact with an open wound or mucous membrane, or indirectly through contact with contaminated sharps or other objects.

What is the definition of 'contaminated sharps'?

Contaminated sharps are objects like needles, scalpels, broken glass, and dental wires that have been contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials and can penetrate the skin.

What is the significance of universal or standard precautions in the workplace?

Universal or standard precautions involve treating all human blood and body fluids as if they are known to be infectious, and using appropriate infection control practices such as PPE, to minimize the risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

What should an employee do immediately after potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens?

After potential exposure, the employee should decontaminate the affected area, report the incident to their supervisor, seek medical attention, and complete any necessary incident reports.

How long can the Hepatitis B virus survive outside the human body?

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can survive outside the human body for seven or more days.

What are some symptoms of Hepatitis C infection?

Symptoms of Hepatitis C infection may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, clay-colored stool, and abdominal pain.

What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used when there is potential contact with blood or body fluids?

PPE that should be used includes gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and CPR shields to minimize the risk of contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.