It is of utmost importance that every cleaning staff member understand and be aware of the hazards of bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans such as HBV or HIV. By following OSHA standards, infection by exposure can be avoided.

Universal precautions help to negate the possibility of infections. When we assume that all fluids or blood are contaminated, we are much more likely to avoid contaminating ourselves when cleaning. Practices such as labeling laundry and proper use of PPE will help us to contain contamination. Washing hands is always the best stop gap to personal contamination, but disinfecting surfaces and containers used to clean contaminated areas are also helpful.

Written exposure control plans are mandated by OSHA to be made available to all cleaning staff. Guidelines such as never eating, drinking or smoking in contaminated areas will reduce contamination possibilities. another important practice is to never compress trash which may sometimes come as a natural reaction to a full waste basket. Exercising extra precautions such as these will aid in a safe and healthy workplace for all janitorial staff.