This document summarizes OSHA regulations and best practices for handling bloodborne pathogens. It outlines the two most common bloodborne pathogens, hepatitis B and HIV, and notes that a vaccine exists to prevent hepatitis B. The standard requires employers to create an exposure control plan, provide personal protective equipment like gloves and masks, and maintain training and medical records. Following universal precautions like good hand hygiene and properly disposing of contaminated waste is essential to preventing the spread of bloodborne diseases.

1. Bloodborne Pathogens Subpart 1910.1030 General Industry Standard

2. What is a Bloodborne Pathogen? Any microorganisms, present in human blood and bodily fluids, that can cause disease (pathogenic) Two most prevalent are: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)  Liver Disease Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)  Aids

3. Hepatitis B - Facts Hepatitis B is a liver disease, resulting initially in inflammation of the liver. Frequently leads to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Approximately 300,000 new cases of Hepatitis B are diagnosed each year in the U.S.

4. Hepatitis B - Facts There is no cure for Hepatitis B. Enters through breaks in the skin Needle sticks Bites Existing cuts or abrasions 2-6 months for HBV to develop.

5. Hepatitis B - Facts A vaccine exists that can prevent infection. Employees who render first aid and cpr must be offered this vaccine Within 10 days following start of that position Provided by employer at no cost to the employee 3 shots over a 7 month period

6. HIV (AIDS) - Facts Newest major bloodborne disease Currently 9 million active cases of AIDS and 7 million AIDS deaths Currently 23 million people are HIV Positive Majority of infected persons live in underdeveloped countries 15 million – Africa 5 million SE Asia

7. HIV (AIDS) - Facts Over 1 million U.S. citizens are infected. HIV/AIDS is on the increase among women, Blacks, Hispanics, adolescents, IV drug users, homosexuals and their partners, and people living in the rural Midwest and South. The HIV virus is never inactive-it replicates rapidly and attacks the immune system from the onset.

8. HIV (AIDS) - Facts Many people have no apparent symptoms for years after infection. There is no cure for AIDS, but people are surviving longer due to new anti-retroviral drugs

9. Definitions Occupational Exposure Routes – Unprotected contact with organic waste (sewage), non-sterile needles, skin lesions, eye fluids, saliva, mucous, blood or materials that have been in contact with body fluids. Non-Occupational Exposure Routes - Sexual transmission

10. Definitions Parenteral – Piercing of mucous membranes or the outer skin with needles, bites, cuts, or abrasions Universal Precautions – Treat all blood and other body fluids as if they are infected – wear latex gloves, masks, and wash hands

11. Definitions Body Fluids and Specific Exposures – Fluids around the heart and lungs(pleural, pericardial) Fluids around unborn babies(amniotic and peritoneal) Saliva (specifically in dental procedures) Brain/Spinal fluids (cerebrospinal) Any body fluid that contains blood Vaginal Secretions Semen

12. Exposure Control Plan In writing, employers must identify all tasks where occupational exposures to body fluids may occur Compliance – Mandates universal precautions Emphasizes engineering and work practice controls Mandates employer provision of all Personal Protective Equipment as required Requires a written procedure for clean-up and decontamination

13. Personal Protective Equipment Items to be added to First Aid Kits Two sets of rescue breathers with one-way valve Four pair of disposable latex gloves Ten separately-packaged alcohol prep pads

14. Personal Protective Equipment Bloodborne Pathogens Clean up kit One full length impervious apron One fluid shield mask Two pair latex gloves One antimicrobial wipe One biohazard waste bag scoop Bleach ½ gallon of bleach to a gallon of water for decontamination Each mixture must be used within 24 hours Absorbent Good source is cat litter

15. Most important!!! Wash hands immediately and thoroughly after any exposure or potential exposure

16. Clean Up Always wear protective equipment Always use a bag with a bio-hazard label for disposal of waste Always wash hands after exposure Biohazard Symbol

17. Recordkeeping OSHA requires all medical records for employees with occupational exposure to be kept for duration of employment plus 30 years Must be kept confidential Retrain employees each year and keep training records for 3 years

18. REMEMBER! Always treat blood and body fluids as infectious Always report incidents of possible (unprotected) contact to management Always wash hands immediately and thoroughly with non abrasive soap and water Be trained and prepared to act BEFORE an emergency occurs

19. Summary Protecting yourself from bloodborne diseases requires: knowing the facts practicing good hygiene taking sensible precautions These are measures that you can control These measures are critical - take them seriously - and live to tell others about it!