Training staff to be aware of blood born pathogen hazards , standards, precautions , and how to deal with exposure is an important part of work safety. Learning about Blood born pathogens , steps to create a safer working environment , and following guidelines can reduce or eliminate exposure , serious illness and even death. All staff coming in contact with human blood, vomit , body fluids , and any materials contaminated with these infectious substances need to know the hazards and precautions involved. Learning what a blood born pathogen is , what the blood born pathogen standard is , universal precautions , and developing an exposure plan is key to work safety in any facility dealing with blood and or body fluids.

Blood born pathogens are microorganisms found in human blood that can cause disease. These pathogens can be found in human blood, vomit , saliva , or any body fluid. These pathogens can contaminate any material it comes in contact with. Hepatitis B Virus ( HBV) is a serious liver infection that can cause inflammation , Liver damage , and even cancer.  Human Immunodeficiency  Virus ( HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) attack the bodies immune system causing serious health risks. These diseases can be transmitted by exposure to infected blood and body fluids. The Blood Born Pathogen Standard is an OSHA set guideline that applies to anyone coming in contact with blood/ body fluids and associated infectious materials. This includes cleaning staff responsible for cleanup and sanitation of blood , vomit /body fluids, infected laundry, trash, and needles. Infection can occur a pathogen comes in contact with our mucous membrane , inhalation through the nose and mouth or infection through a break in our skin such as a cut or abrasion. Universal precautions can be used to prevent exposure to infectious pathogens. Using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and face , using proper disinfectants , proper hand washing, and disposing of contaminated materials in properly labeled containers are examples of Universal Precautions. Laundry that is contaminated must be stored in red or orange bags if laundry company does not use Universal Precautions. These practices should be applied as guidelines in a facilities Exposure Control Plan . OSHA requires any job site with an exposure hazard to have a written exposure control plan available.

Knowing precautions and following guidelines to handle and work with hazardous materials will create a safer work space for all staff. Exposure can still occur and if it does staff will contact supervisor who in turn will follow exposure protocol for testing and contact a physician , monitoring health for symptoms over time may also be necessary . A Hepatitis B vaccine must be offered for free by employers after training and within 10 days of an assignment with occupational exposure. Understanding what a Blood Born Pathogen is, learning about the Blood Born Pathogen standard , Universal Precautions , having an Exposure Control Plan , proper training on PPE and possible risks of infection are all great steps and guidelines to reducing exposure to blood born pathogens.