BloodbornePathogens In

The Workplace

This training is designed to provide a basic understanding of bloodborne pathogens, common routes of entry, methods of prevention, and other pertinent information.

AGENDA

• What Are Bloodborne Pathogens• Where Are They Found• What is Hepatitis• A Closer Look At Hepatitis and HIV• Routes Of Entry• Protecting Yourself• Should I Help An Injured Worker• What If I Am Exposed• Misconceptions• Response Kits

What Are BloodbornePathogens?

Microorganisms in the bloodstream that can causedisease. Bloodborne Pathogens primarily attack the

liver; however, they may attribute to many other diseases such as malaria and syphilis.

Where Are They Found?

Blood and Potentially Infectious Materials:

In blood and blood products to include:

SemenVaginal Secretions

Breast MilkCerebrospinal Fluid

Synovial FluidAmniotic Fluid

and other body fluids

A Closer Look at Hepatitis and HIV

Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and HIV

Hepatitis A (HAV) - 47% of Hepatitis casesHepatitis B (HBV) - 34% of Hepatitis cases Hepatitis C (HCV) - 16% of Hepatitis casesHepatitis D (HDV) - 4% of Hepatitis HBV cases (co-infection)Hepatitis E (HEV) - Rarely reported in the United StatesHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) - 0.4% chance of

contracting HIV in a workplace environment.

Source - CDC, Acute Viral Hepatitis, by Type, United States, 1982-1993

What Is Hepatitis?

An inflammation of the liver, usually due to acute viral infection, primarily of the liver,

occurring in three or more forms.

For example: Symptoms of Hepatitis B (HBV)-Yellow Eyes & Skin (Jaundice)-Abdominal pain-Fever and Vomiting-Dark Urine-Fatigue

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Transmitted via contaminated food or waterwhich contains fecal matter. There is a vaccine

to prevent HAV.

Two types HAV - • Infectious (transmitted person to person by the

fecal-oral route) or • Serum (transmitted by transfusion of blood

products)

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Transmitted by injections transporting avirus-bearing serum, most often during blood transfusions and by contaminated

needles and syringes.

• Hepatitis B is transmitted primarily through "blood to blood" contact.

• Hepatitis B virus is very durable, and it can survive in dried blood for up to seven days. This virus is the primary concern for housekeepers, custodians, laundry personnel and other employees who may come in contact with blood or potentially infectious materials in a non first-aid or medical care situation.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Transmitted in blood or body fluids. No vaccination exists for HCV.

Chronic liver disease develops in about 70% of persons who become infected with HCV and

nearly all (85%-100%) persons with acute HCV infection become persistently infected; these

persons are at risk for developing cirrhosis and liver cancer

Hepatitis D (HDV)

One of the newer types. Transmittedprimarily through injected drug use and sexual contact.

Prevention: Education to reduce risk behaviors

for those with chronic HBV infection

Hepatitis E (HEV)

Transmitted in contaminated drinking water. Most cases in U.S. are from persons returning

from areas with high exposure.Currently no treatment for HEV.

Symptoms of acute hepatitis E are similar to those of other types of viral hepatitis and include abdominal

pain, anorexia, dark urine, fever, hepatomegaly, jaundice, malaise, nausea, and vomiting.

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

The virus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks theimmune system, making the body less able to

fight off infections. No vaccine exist, and most

cases prove fatal.It is primarily of concern to employees providing first

aid or medical care in situations involving fresh blood or other potentially infectious materials. It is estimated that the chances of contracting HIV in a

workplace environment are only 0.4%.

Because it is such a devastating disease, all precautions must be taken to avoid exposure.

How Can A BloodborneDisease Be Transmitted In the

Workplace?

Bloodborne pathogens such as HBV and HIV can be transmitted through contact with infected human blood

and other potentially infectious body fluids ….

People infected with these pathogens may appear healthy and not even know they’re infected. They can still infect others. Although HBV, HCV and HIV are mainly transmitted through sexual contact and sharing needles, any situation in which blood is present in the work environment is an area of concern.

Routes Of Entry

• Unprotected opening in the skin• Unprotected mucus membrane openings• Penetration of the skin

Blood or other infectious material could enteryour system through these routes of entry:

Mishaps in the workplace can spread bloodbornepathogens. Depending on the mishap, an injuredworker’s blood could contaminate broken glass, a

work surface, tools or clothing. If you have contactwith a contaminated object, you could become

infected.

Accidental puncture from contaminated needles and other sharps can result in transmission of bloodborne

pathogens.

Protecting YourselfWear GlovesIf contact with blood, other body fluids or contaminated object is likely alwayswear gloves. Remember, gloves may not protect you when picking up sharpitems such as needles or broken glass. Pick up broken glass with tongs, or usea broom and dustpan.

Wash Your HandsAfter removing gloves, ensure you wash thoroughly.

Protect Your FaceWear a mask and eye protection, or a full face shield if fluids could splash orspray into your eyes, nose or mouth.

Protect Your BodyWear an apron or gown if fluids could splash or drip onto your clothing. If fluidpenetrates the apron or gown, change it as soon as possible.

Protect Your MouthUse a resuscitation device or pocketresuscitation mask when providingrescue breathing

Cleaning SpillsWipe up spilled blood or other body fluidswith disposable towels soaked in anapproved disinfectant or bleach and watersolution (wear gloves).

Should I Help An Injured Worker?

“Universal Precautions”Can Help You LIVE!!!

“Universal precautions” mean always treatingeveryone’s blood and other body fluids asinfectious. This precaution is governed by

the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard1910.1030 applies to any worker potentially exposed to BBP.

Bloodborne PathogenResponse Kits

Response kits are located _____. They contain all protective items

needed to clean up area where blood or body fluids are present. Know the location of the

response kits for your work center.

NOTE: The kits are identified with the wording“Bloodborne Pathogen Response Kit”.

What If I’m Exposed?

If you are inadvertently exposed to blood or other bodily fluids:

1. Wash the exposed area immediately with soapand running water for 20 minutes.2. If cut by an item which has blood on it, try to save the item for contamination testing.3. Promptly report the incident to your supervisor.4. Seek medical attention during normal duty hours at ________________. During non-duty hours, seek medical attention at the

emergency room at __________________.

Misconceptions

The increasing incidence of AIDS hascaused fears that have developedinto misconceptions. HIV cannot be passed on by casual contact. There-fore, you cannot get HIV by:

- Sharing food, drinking glasses or towels- From sinks or toilets- Sharing PPE such as goggles or respirators- Insect bites such as mosquitoes

Proper hygiene practices, such as disinfecting a respirator after use should be a standard work practice.

There is no documented evidence showing HIV having been transmitted through dried blood; however, HBV can be.

Presentation created by: TSgt White, 633 AMSS Safety, USAFRevised for U.S. Army, March 1999 by: Dennis Keplinger, CSP, USASC, Tng DivkeplingD@safety-emh1.army.mil