Mod. 6 vocabulary

biohazard waste

Materials that present a potential or actual risk to the health of humans, animals, or the environment.

communicable diseases

An illness that is spread from one person to another or from an animal to a person or from a surface or food.

disinfection

The process of destroying pathogens or rendering them inactive on a surface or instruments.

engineering controls

Devices used to isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogen hazard from the workplace. 

medical asepsis

Clean technique that includes frequent hand hygiene, proper use of gloves, cleaning and sterilizing medical equipment, and sanitizing surfaces.

micro-organism

An organism that can only been seen through a microscope, including bacteria, protozoa, algae, and fungi.

Needle Safety and Prevention Act

Signed into law in November 2000, which requires the institution of safety measures in workplaces where there is an occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infections materials.

nonpathogens

Harmless and do not cause disease.

normal flora

Micro-organisms that live on or within the body without causing disease.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Agency that creates regulations that employers must follow for employees to remain safe while working.

pathogenic

causes disease.

PPE

Gear worn when there is a chance of coming in contact with blood or body fluids. In the health care setting, this includes gloves, gowns/aprons, shoe covers, lab coats, masks and respirators, protective eyewear, and face shields.

quality control (QC)

Performed to ensure the reliability of test results through detecting and eliminating error.

Safety Data Sheets

Sheet that contains properties of a chemical; physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety guidelines.

sanitization

The cleaning process that reduces the number of micro-organisms to a safe level.

standard precautions

Minimum infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care, regardless of known infection status.

universal precautions

Precautions that apply when it is possible that one might come into contact with human blood, tissue, body fluids or secretions, regardless of the patients' infection status.

workplace controls

Practices in the workplace that reduce the chances of exposure by changing or mandating the way a task is performed.