Bloodborne pathogens is a 1910 standard but since we render first aid and CPR on the job it is important that we inform you of the hazards associated with blood and other bodily fluids that could be encountered on the job This standard requires a written exposure control plan which includes engineering and work practice controls Written cleaning and decontamination schedules Make free hepatitis B vaccinations available to employees likely to be exposed to the virus
There are several types of Hepatitis from A to E Hepatitis A is fecal/oral with an incubation of 15 to 50 days also by shellfish, fruits, vegetables, and contaminated water. Responsible for 50% of the reported cases in the US Hepatitis B is Parenteral, sexual, perinatal with an incubation period of 40 to 180 days transmitted through blood or bodily fluids, sexual contact and contaminated needles Hepatitis C is transmitted by blood with an incubation period of 35 to 75 days Traditionally associated with blood transfusions and accounts for 20% to 40% of acute viral hepatitis in the U.S. 4 million people. People at risk are those who have body piercing, tattoos or injected drugs, shared needles, shared personal items such as razors, toothbrushes or undergone kidney dialysis Hepatitis D is parenteral, sexual, and perinatal with an incubation period of 21 to 49 days. May cause infection only in the presence of HBV infection Hepatitis E is fecal/oral with an incubation period of 28 to 42 days. First identified through waterborne epidemics in developing countries. Sporadic cases also occur but neither a carrier state nor chronic liver disease has been reported
Vaccine must be taken in 3 shots. 1 st given then 2 nd given one month later then 3 rd after 6 months. These vaccines are now made through yeast based cultures and are 95 to 98% effective in preventing the disease. Pay particular attention to the video when it talks about how many viral particles Hepatitis B are in a teaspoon of blood compared to HIV The employee must be offered the vaccine within 10 days of an assignment that warrants first aid or CPR functions. An employee may decline to take the vaccine but will be required to sign a declination form. The employee can change their mind at any time and take the vaccine.
Training should occur every year, for new employees, and when the job changes
There are two types of records required by the bloodborne pathogen standard: Medical and Training Medical records must be preserved and maintained for each employee with occupational exposure. This record is confidential and separate from other personnel records. Medical records must be maintained for at least the duration of employment plus 30 years Training records document each training session and are to be kept for 3 years. An employee’s medical records can only be obtained by the employee or anyone having the employee’s written consent.