It is extremely important for employees and staff to know and understand the importance of Bloodborne pathogens. Knowing how to use universal precautions by assuming all bloodborne pathogens are infected by performing protective practices, keeps employees and staff safe. All staff and employees benefit from knowing the proper procedures to clean and disinfect the contaminated area. Having the the proper training and knowledge of who to contact when exposed to bloodborne pathogens could be the difference between life and death.

Diseases that can be found in bloodborne pathogens, include, but are not limited to: Hepatitis B (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV).  These pathogenic microorganism can be exposed to the human body through, mucous membrane. This is why universal precautions should always be used when handling bloodborne pathogens, assuming it is contaminated to avoid possible spread and exposure of any possible diseases. 

Protective practices like wearing PPE, having and using color coded labeling of bags and bins, and disinfecting any tools used to disinfect the area, helps to avoid any careless acts of spreading the bloodborne pathogens outside of the contained area. After removing gloves, hands should be washed immediately. Employees and staff all should be aware that if they believe they have been exposed, immediately contact their supervisor and physician.  

Having the training and knowledge of how to properly handle bloodborne pathogens is a very important part of cleaning and should always be handled properly by cleaning staff and employees.  We come in contact with these situations more often than most. Not knowing how to handle bloodborne pathogens could be detrimental to the employee and staff’s health.