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.