Always treat blood and other bodily fluids as if they might be contaminated
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The goal of the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard is to establish guidelines for organizations to develop a program providing information, training and equipment to protect individuals from occupational exposures to blood or other potentially infectious materials. Site MenuSidebar Menu Occupational Safety
CONTACT Office Location: Facilities Building - 37 Lee Street Phone: 508-831-5216 [email protected]What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?Pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms. Bloodborne pathogens are viruses or bacteria present in human blood and body fluids which can infect and cause disease in humans. The two most notable of these are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, and the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). How Do Bloodborne Pathogens Spread in the Workplace?The most common ways bloodborne pathogens spread are through sexual transmission or IV drug use. However, any contact with infected blood or body fluids carries the risk of potential infection. With the correct information, irrational fears about workplace exposure to HIV and HBV can be prevented. On the other hand, treating HIV to lightly may lead you to ignore appropriate protective measures. How to Protect YourselfIt is important to understand what the hazards of bloodborne pathogens are, and what preventative measures you can take to protect yourself from exposure. The three main areas of protection include Attitude, Personal Protective Equipment and Housekeeping. AttitudeYour attitude is a vital part of protecting yourself. The right attitude means taking Universal Precautions. This means that you treat all human blood and body fluids as infectious. Personal Protective EquipmentPersonal Protective Equipment includes clothing and equipment worn by an individual during activities which may result in exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Personal protective equipment always starts with gloves but may also include gowns, face shields, eye protection and pocket masks.
HousekeepingHousekeeping refers to methods for cleaning and decontaminating infected surfaces and the disposal of blood and body fluids. All decontamination must include the use of an appropriate disinfecting solution, such as one part bleach to ten parts water. Work Practices to Prevent InfectionIf your assignments require you to perform CPR, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, administer first aid, or clean up after an accident, protective measures need to be taken to prevent an exposure to infectious materials. Protect yourself by following these steps:
Campus Police- 35 Dean Street Protect Yourself First. Treat Victim Second.What To Do If You Are ExposedDespite your best efforts, there is a possibility you may be exposed to blood or body fluids during an emergency response. An exposure incident is defined as a specific eye, mouth, nose or skin contact with potentially infectious materials. All reports will be treated by WPI in the strictest confidence. If you have an exposure, follow these steps:
VaccinesHBVThere is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent the HBV infection. The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard required that organizations with individuals at risk must offer the HBV vaccine free of charge. Those individuals who choose not to accept the vaccine will be asked to sign a statement indicating their decision. However, if in the future the person decides to get the vaccine, and is still at risk, the person may get the vaccine free of charge.The vaccine is a series of three injections, which will be administered at the WPI Health Services Infirmary, located in Stoddard C. Should all blood and body fluids should be treated as infectious?Items contaminated with blood or any body fluids stained with blood should be disinfected promptly and then the affected area cleaned (see table below) to reduce the risk of infection to other people. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn and standard infection control precautions followed.
What are blood contaminated body fluids?Bloodborne pathogens such as HBV and HIV can be transmitted through contact with infected human blood and other potentially infectious body fluids such as: semen. vaginal secretions. cerebrospinal fluid.
What are standard precautions for blood and body fluids?Wear protective clothing that covers skin and personal clothing during procedures or activities where contact with blood, saliva, or OPIM is anticipated. Wear mouth, nose, and eye protection during procedures that are likely to generate splashes or spattering of blood or other body fluids.
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