Bloodborne pathogens are infectious, disease-causing microorganisms in blood and bodily fluids. Workers in many occupations, including construction, are at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. In fact, any person that is administering first aid has the opportunity to be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Follow this process in order to avoid illness from bloodborne pathogen exposure.
1. Know the most common bloodborne pathogens
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
2. Follow these basic safety principles
- Treat all blood and certain body fluids as if they were known to be infectious with bloodborne pathogens.
- Avoid direct or indirect contact with anyone else’s blood and body fluids.
- Always wear disposable gloves when providing first aid care.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth during or after providing first aid care.
- Dispose of sharps in designated sharps containers immediately after use. Sharps are usually used needles but could include any contaminated broken glass, razors, or utility knives.
- Remove disposable gloves without contacting the soiled part of the gloves and dispose of them immediately in a proper container.
- Thoroughly wash your hands (and any other areas) immediately after providing care.
- All equipment, tools, PPE, working surfaces and floors must be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated after exposure to blood or bodily fluids.
- If you think you may have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens, seek immediate follow up care.
3. Understand how bloodborne pathogens are transmitted
Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted by ingestion, through blood and certain bodily fluids. In the workplace, bloodborne pathogens may be transmitted from an infected person via needle sticks, human bites, cuts, abrasions, or through mucous membranes (eyes and nose).
