Professional cleaners and staff will be working in environments where bloodborne pathogens are potentially present. Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms in human blood that can infect other humans, thus causing disease. Therefore, it is important for cleaning professionals to be aware of these microorganisms and the dangers they pose, because not being aware would mean putting themselves and others in danger.

When cleaning professionals are aware of bloodborne pathogens such as Hepatitis B, C or HIV, they can prepare themselves to work in environments where these pathogens are present. Methods of preparation include reading OSHA’s bloodborne pathogen standard and their job sites OSHA exposure control plan. Professionals utilizing these educational sources will equip themselves with the knowledge to greatly reduce or eliminate the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Knowing procedures to reduce pathogen exposure, such as proper blood spill cleaning, use of OSHA-compliant sharps containers for contaminated needle disposal, or wearing the appropriate PPE, are all invaluable when it comes to protecting people’s health and safety. Professional cleaners and staff need to be aware of bloodborne pathogens, and their dangers, if they are to protect themselves and others from them.