Bloodborne pathogens are spread through contact and can have lifelong negative affects on the lives of the staff exposed to these pathogens. When working with medical cleaning, it is important that all staff be familiar with bloodborne pathogens and the universal precautions that are in place to protect them against any potential infection - such as the use of gloves, eye gear, proper disposal of sharps, etc.

Bloodborne pathogens can transmit a number of diseases which include but are not limited to, HBV and HIV. These viruses are extremely serious and should not be taken lightly by any janitorial staff or management. HBV for example, is a type of liver disease that can lead to serious liver damage or cancer and workers may not see symptoms for years. Other symptoms of HBV include fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. HIV is similar in its impact and can also lead to AIDS.

All janitorial staff undergo bloodborne pathogen training to minimize the risk of acquiring these diseases at the workplace. For an effective training on bloodborne pathogens workers must understand some essential information:

1. Failing to follow proper cleaning procedure can increase the risk of exposure to infectious diseases that are transmitted through bodily fluids.
2. They must also know what kind of personal protective equipment they need for each job.
3. How to effectively clean and disinfect surfaces.
4. How to properly dispose of biohazardous waste.

The responsibility of cleaning staff is tremendous, as they play a crucial role in protecting all facility workers. Training for staff in charge of cleaning biohazardous fluids or waste must be thorough, comprehensive, and taken seriously.