What should you do if you experience an exposure to a potentially infectious material?
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When you have large numbers of children in a school setting the potential exists for cuts, and scrapes and illnesses that expose employees to bodily fluids that can possibly cause illness. What are bloodborne pathogens and why did OSHA create a formal standard to deal with the hazards? Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria that are carried in blood and can cause disease in people. Among the bloodborne pathogens are malaria, syphilis, and Brucellosis, but Hepatitis B (HBV) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are the two diseases specifically addressed by the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. In response to the growing concern over HIV/AIDS in 1991 OSHA created the bloodborne pathogens standard. The standard, if adhered to correctly, provides for reasonable protection against illnesses including Hepatitis B & C, AIDS and other bloodborne illnesses. What is OSHA’s bloodborne pathogen standard?OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard 29 CFR Part 1910.1030, addresses the blood hazards in the workplace. This standard covers all employees who it can "reasonably be anticipated" to have contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials. Schoolteachers, administrators, athletic coaches, cafeteria workers and janitorial staff fall under this category and are therefore covered under the Bloodborne pathogens standard. Bloodborne pathogen standard mandated requirements for schools:
Controls include:Universal precautions:Universal precautions” is short-hand for an approach to infection control that requires people to treat all human blood and certain human body fluids as if they were infected with HIV, HBV and other bloodborne pathogens, The Standard says employees must follow universal precautions to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Some common and effective universal precautions are:
Engineering controls:Engineering controls include containers with hazard labels, antibacterial soaps or chemicals and places to wash after an exposure including an eye wash station. Schools are likely limited to soaps and disposal containers. Administrative controls:Administrative controls include workplace rules such as procedures to clean up broken glass that may have blood or other body fluid on it. For higher hazard businesses administrative controls would include rules on working with needles etc. Rules to follow:Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in exposure situations.
Hands should be washed immediately (or as soon as feasible) after removal of gloves or other PPE. Because hand washing is so important, you should note the location of the hand washing facilities (with soap) nearest to you. If you are working in an area without access to such facilities, you may use an antiseptic cleanser in conjunction with clean cloth/paper towels or antiseptic wipes. If these alternative methods are used, wash hands with soap and running water as soon as possible. If you are cleaning up blood that has spilled or splattered, you should carefully cover the spill with paper towels or rags, then gently pour the 10% solution of bleach over the towels or rags, and leave it for at least 10 minutes. This will help ensure that any bloodborne pathogens are killed before you actually begin cleaning or wiping the material up. By covering the spill with paper towels or rags, you decrease the chances of splashing when you pour the bleach on it. Broken glassware should never be picked up directly with the hands. Sweep or brush the material into a dustpan. Uncontaminated broken glassware may be disposed of in a closable, puncture resistant container such as a cardboard box or coffee can. If you are exposed, however, you should:
This document is intended for general information purposes only, and should not be construed as advice or opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. The content of this document is made available on an “as is” basis, without warranty of any kind. This document can’t be assumed to contain every acceptable safety and compliance procedures or that additional procedures might not be appropriate under the circumstances. Markel does not guarantee that this information is or can be relied on for compliance with any law or regulation, assurance against preventable losses, or freedom from legal liability. This publication is not intended to be legal, underwriting, or any other type of professional advice. Persons requiring advice should consult an independent adviser. Markel does not guarantee any particular outcome and makes no commitment to update any information herein, or remove any items that are no longer accurate or complete. Furthermore, Markel does not assume any liability to any person or organization for loss or damage caused by or resulting from any reliance placed on that content. *Markel Specialty is a business division of Markel
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What should you do if you are exposed to potentially infectious materials?What should you do if you're exposed?. Wash needlesticks and cuts with soap and water.. Flush splashes to nose, mouth, or skin with water.. Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile wash.. Report all exposures promptly to ensure that you receive appropriate followup care.. Where is the first place you should report to if exposed to infectious materials?Immediately report the incident to emergency medical services. If the incident occurred at work, immediately report the incident to your supervisor. (You are protected by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. This document can help you understand your rights).
What is the first step after an exposure incident?If you are exposed, take the following steps immediately: Clean the contaminated area thoroughly with soap and water. Wash needlestick injuries, cuts, and exposed skin with soap and water. Flush out any splashes of blood and OPIM to the mouth and nose with water.
What should you do if you have been potentially exposed to bloodborne pathogens OSHA?OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires employers to make immediate confidential medical evaluation and follow-up available for workers who have an exposure incident, such as a needlestick.
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