Blood Borne Pathogen Training Notes

Occupational Exposure

• Definition: Occupational exposure refers to reasonably anticipated contact with human blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) that can happen during the normal course of an employee's duties.
  • This includes contact with skin, eyes, mucous membranes, or via needle sticks.
  • An employee having no history of blood exposure does not exempt them from guidelines and coverage.

Exposure Control Plans

• Requirement: Employers must develop a written exposure control plan to minimize employee exposure to blood borne pathogens.
  • Key aspects include where to find the plan, communication of hazards, and management of incidents.
• Importance of Training: It's crucial for employees, especially managers, to know the exposure control plans and procedures to follow in case of an incident.

Preventing Exposures

• Universal Precautions: Treat all human blood and OPIM as if they are infectious, regardless of the visible health of the individual.
• Prevention Strategy: The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” stresses the importance of preventing exposures before they occur.

Communication of Hazards

• Effective Labeling: Proper communication through labeling is vital.
  • Containers holding blood or OPIM must have labels that are fluorescent orange/red with contrasting biohazard symbols.
  • All regulated waste, refrigerators, and freezers must be labeled to indicate potential hazards.

Housekeeping Practices

• Importance: Proper housekeeping practices are essential to prevent exposure from sharps and contaminated items.
• Sanitation: Worksites must be maintained clean and sanitary, with appropriate cleaning methodologies tailored to the type of surface and contamination present.

Engineering Controls & Work Practices

• Design: Engineering controls aim to isolate or remove hazards (e.g., sharps disposal containers).
• Examples of Good Practices: Using tools (like dustpans) to handle sharp objects, proper folding of sheets in housekeeping to avoid sharp hazards.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Definition: PPE includes a range of specialized clothing that protects employees against exposure to hazards.
  • Employers are required to provide PPE at no cost, ensuring it is appropriate for tasks being performed.
• Types of PPE: Eye protection, face shields, gloves, and protective clothing (scrubs, gowns).
• Considerations in Use: If PPE becomes contaminated, it must be removed immediately to prevent exposure.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

• Vaccination Requirement: Employers must offer the hepatitis B vaccination to employees who are exposed to blood borne pathogens at no cost.
  • Must be provided post-training or when job duties change to include potential exposure.
• Exemptions: Employees who have completed the vaccination series or are immune are exempt; employees may decline but must sign a refusal statement.

Incident Reporting

• Quick Action: Prompt reporting of exposures is critical; incidents should be documented, and medical evaluations arranged quickly.
• Trainer Qualifications: Trainers must be knowledgeable about the content and relevant to the employees' specific risks.

Key Takeaways

• Communication: Clearly communicate hazards to ensure workplace safety.

• Work Culture: Foster a culture where employees feel safe reporting incidents without fear of repercussions.

  • Quick reporting and medical intervention can significantly reduce the risk of infections.

• Plan Implementation: Having a plan is not enough; it must be actively used and employees should be engaged in its development.