Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that are transmitted by way of blood. HIV and HBV, or Hepatitis B, are considered to be the most widely known or serious bloodborne pathogens that we face today. They present significant long-term health risks such liver failure, cancer, and even death. These small organisms are transmitted in a variety of ways to include bites, entry through cuts, nasal passages, and even the smallest needle stick. There are a variety of bloodborne pathogens to be aware of while cleaning numerous environments. Whether you are removing garbage from a facility that may contain used syringes, handling laundry soiled with blood, or even cleaning up after a sick child, it is important to follow safe practices when dealing with bodily fluids as they could contain infectious pathogens. 

Examples of this would be if you are disposing of trash that contains used needles, you may come in contact with a variety of bloodborne pathogens. Any time you come in contact with blood or bodily fluids, you are put at a higher risk of contracting or spreading bloodborne pathogens.

OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has developed a bloodborne pathogen standard which breaks down the proper way to approach cleaning up bloodborne pathogens. From proper PPE, personal protective equipment, to disposal, OSHA has a standard to keep everything simple and outlined to avoid miscommunication. If you are cleaning up any type of bodily fluids, you should always wear proper PPE including eye protection, gloves, and a face mask.  Contaminated waste must be disposed into colored waste bags (red or orange) and labeled and disposed of separately of regular trash. Always make sure to thoroughly wash your hands after any exposure to bodily fluids and/or shower to avoid contamination. If you feel you may have been exposed to any bloodborne pathogens, make sure to notify your employer immediately as well as your physician to receive the proper next steps on your health.

Proper training on bloodborne pathogens is essential for all cleaning services to maintain a safe and clean environment. All employees within a cleaning company should have bloodborne pathogen training as it is needed to perform cleaning in many areas.  Janitorial service workers should specifically receive this training free of charge either during their work hours or be paid to take this course as they are at a much higher risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The CDC reported that 5.6 million healthcare and janitorial workers are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Many of these workers clean and dispose of bodily fluids on a daily basis meaning they are very likely to contract or spread it.