safety training. what is the purpose of the oshas bloodborne pathogens final standard? the purpose...
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Safety Training
What is the purpose of the OSHAs bloodborne pathogens final standard?
The purpose is to limit on-the-
job exposure to blood and
potentially infectious materials
which could result in
transmission of bloodborne
pathogens.
What waste is considered potentially infectious?
Any waste that is potentially
contaminated with blood or
another unrecognizable
body fluid.
What body fluids are typically included as potentially
infectious?Body fluids defined by OSHA’s bloodborne pathogen standard include:
• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal secretions
• Saliva
Contaminated w/blood
Any body fluid contaminated w/blood
Other body fluids considered potentially infectious
• Cerebrospinal
• Peritoneal
• Synovial
• Amniotic
• Pericardial
• Pleural
What if the bodily fluid is unrecognizable?
If you are uncertain
what a body fluid is,
you should consider it
as potentially
infectious.
Certain precautions should be taken when handling regulated medical waste
Wash your hands
• Each time you handle regulated medical waste
Wear appropriate PPE
• Always wear gloves and safety shoes at a minimum
• When appropriate wear gowns, masks and/or safety glasses
What are the packing groups and what danger do they pose?
• I - Great Danger
• II - Medium Danger
• III - Minor Danger
Regulated medical waste is in packing group II, so it poses a medium danger.
PPE recommendations
Jobs/Tasks Safety Shoes
Face Shields
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Hard Hat Respirator
High Visibility
VestGloves Arm
Protection
Material handler X X X X X X
Diver from transporter X X X X
Equipment operator X X X X X X
Spill clean up team X X X X X X X X X
Sharps require special handling
A sharp is an object that is contaminated with a pathogen or that may become contaminated with a pathogen through handling or during transportation. A sharp is also capable of cutting or penetrating skin or packaging materials. Sharps can include needles, syringes, scalpels, broken glass, culture slides, culture dishes, broken capillary tubes, broken rigid plastic, and exposed ends of dental wires.
Sharps must in sharps containers and securely closed to ensure containment.
• Once the lid is secured, the container is put into the regulated medical waste packaging for disposal and treatment.
• The proper packaging of sharps ensures that those who handle the containers are protected from exposure to potential bloodborne pathogens.
Storing regulated medical waste
• It is important to properly contain regulated
medical waste and to restrict access to the
material.
• Regulated medical waste should be stored in areas
that restrict and limit access.
• The storage areas should be properly marked to
identify the hazard.
Loading regulated medical waste
• It is important to ensure no containers are leaking.
• Containers should be properly marked and
labeled.
• A specific count should be taken.
• The waste should be stacked in a manner which
ensures it can be secured for transport without
falling.
Transporting regulated medical waste
• Shipping papers should be confirmed when
picking up regulated medical waste for
transport.
• Loads should be secured to prevent spills.
• Loads should be contained and secured.
• In between stops, waste access should be
restricted and load doors secured.
• Drivers should stay on assigned routes.
Unloading regulated medical waste
• All containers should be visually inspected prior to
handling to ensure proper packaging.
• Mechanical tools such as hand trucks should be
utilized to minimize exposure.
• Personal protective equipment should be worn.
Summary
Any waste that is potentially contaminated with
blood or another unrecognizable body fluid can be
considered regulated medical waste.
When handling regulated medical waste, it should
always be handled as potentially infectious.