Safety Update

Safety Update: Bloodborne Pathogens

Workers in many different occupations are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are defined as pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and that can cause disease in humans. Occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, including any bodily fluids, place workers at risk for infection with bloodborne pathogens.

Occupational exposure to these biological hazards can occur through a number of pathways to include:

• An accidental puncture by a sharp object contaminated with the pathogen. "Sharps" include objects such as:
  • needles
  • scalpels
  • broken glass
  • razor blades
• Open cuts or skin abrasions coming in contact with contaminated blood or body fluids.

There are also many ways that these diseases are not transmitted. For instance, bloodborne pathogens are not transmitted by touching an infected person, through coughing or sneezing or by using the same equipment, materials, toilets, water fountains or showers as an infected person. It is important that employees understand which ways are viable means of transmission, and which are not.

So, how do we prevent and control exposure? There are minimum standards of work performance to lessen and ultimately prevent pathway exposure. This includes education, using personal protective equipment such as gloves, hand washing and employing safe work practices. It is also important to be aware of all biological hazards you may be working around and identify them in your hazard assessment and control standards prior to work.

As the old adage goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

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