Every personal in the cleaning industry should be aware of Bloodborne pathogens. Educating yourself about potential hazardous you can be exposed in the workplace area is greatly needed. Employees can avoid a life-threatening disease by understanding what bloodborne pathogens are and following OSHA safety guidelines.  Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can be cause disease in humans. Employees must practice utilizing personal protective equipment and read any safety labels on any chemicals used.  Cleaning employee’s might be responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids such as blood and have to be aware of the safety precautions one must make to avoid hazardous diseases and cross contamination. Cleaning Employee’s, play an important role in preventing or reducing contact with Bloodborne pathogens to others as well as themselves. They are held responsible for proving a safe, clean, and healthy environment.

Employees responsible for throwing out trash, cleaning up body fluid, handling laundry are exposed to potential disease that can be life threatening. Some of the disease that employees are exposed to is Hepatitis B virus and HIV/AIDS. Employees can be exposed to infectious materials when the blood borne pathogens comes in contact with an employee’s mucus membrane such as the mouth, nose, and open cuts. Employees should follow universal precautions such as wearing mask, gloves, and handling any body fluids as potentially infectious to minimize the risk of being exposed to any Bloodborne pathogens. Employee’s must be aware that they must not smoke, eat, drink, or apply lip balm in areas in which there are possible Bloodborne Pathogens to avoid exposure.  

It is very important that Employee’s are educated on how to properly decontaminate an area by using the appropriate disincentive cleaner and how to properly label items that might be harmful to themselves and others. If an employee is exposed to any Bloodborne pathogen they must immediately notify a supervisor and their health care provider. Business owners should train and educate their employees on following OSHA blood borne pathogen safety precautions and provide a written OSHA exposure control plan.