Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms inside of human blood that can spread diseases, such as Hepatitis B and HIV that can cause serious illness and potentially death. OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standards were developed to reduce the risk of individuals’ exposure to bloodborne pathogens. OSHA’s guidelines were originally developed for medical and other health care professionals. However, bloodborne pathogens training has since been extended to include individuals who may encounter blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., vomit, saliva) while performing job-related tasks, including cleaning professionals. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens typically occurs through contact with an individuals’ mucus membrane (e.g., nose or mouth), although exposure can also occur through breaks in the skin resulting from bites, cuts, or needle sticks.

Given cleaning professionals’ potential exposure to blood and other bodily fluids, a thorough understanding of OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard and adhere to the universal precautions is essential. One essential precaution that cleaning professionals can take to reduce their risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens is to always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety goggles and gloves, when cleaning or encountering potentially hazardous bodily fluids. In addition to wearing proper PPE, cleaning professionals must also understand how to properly expose of this equipment using hazardous waste bags or properly labeled containers, and how to follow the correct procedures for disinfecting any equipment (e.g., buckets) used during for cleaning. Understanding proper hand-washing techniques following cleaning of potentially infectious materials is also another precaution cleaning professionals can take to reduce their risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Facilities that employ cleaning professionals (e.g., healthcare facilities, schools) must establish effective procedures for addressing exposure to potentially infectious bodily fluids. If exposure to potential blood borne pathogens while performing job-related tasks, cleaning professionals should inform their supervisor and seek medical attention immediately. Obtaining proper medical attention is essential, as symptoms of diseases such as Hepatitis B and HIV may not appear for months of years following exposure.