What are Bloodborne Pathogens?
So, what are bloodborne pathogens? They’re microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease. The most common include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.
Exposure usually happens when infected blood enters your body through cuts, scrapes, or other openings in the skin. Some pathogens can also live in other body fluids like saliva or vomit. OSHA calls these Other Potentially Infectious Materials, or OPIM.
OSHA defines an exposure incident as contact with blood or OPIM through your eyes, mouth, nose, broken skin, or by a puncture, like a needle stick. If you’ve been exposed, it doesn’t mean that you’re infected, but you should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
It’s impossible to tell who carries a bloodborne pathogen just by looking at them. Anyone can be a carrier. That’s why you should treat every situation as if there’s a risk. According to the CDC, about 5.6 million workers are at risk each year, so taking precautions matter.
Universal Precautions
Universal Precautions mean treating all blood and body fluids as if they’re infectious. According to OSHA, there are three main ways to protect yourself while on the job.
1. Engineering Controls
These are the tools and equipment that help keep you out of direct contact. Things like sealed tanks, hoses, proper fittings, and properly marked biohazard containers. They’re designed to reduce contact, so always use them the way they’re intended.
2. Work Practice Controls
This is how you do the job day to day. Always avoid splashing when pumping. Take your time when opening units. Don’t reach into areas you can’t see. These small habits make a big difference in keeping you safe.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
This is your last line of defense. Gloves, safety glasses, whatever the job calls for. Always make sure your gear is in good shape, use it every time, and don’t cut corners. Furthermore, wash and/or sanitize your hands often and always remove gloves before entering or operating a truck. Also, never eat, drink, smoke, or touch your face until your hands are clean. These may seem like common sense, but they’re easy to forget in the moment.
If Exposure Happens
If you believe you’ve had an exposure incident, wash the area immediately, Flush eyes or mucous membranes if needed, and always report it to dispatch right away. From there, you’ll receive a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up, as required by OSHA.
Needles & Sharps
Sharps like needles are a serious hazard. Never attempt to pick up sharp objects by hand. Never attempt to recap needles and always check before reaching into trash cans. If you find a needle in the field, notify dispatch. Do not remove or pump the unit. In the yard, only trained employees should handle sharps using proper tools and dispose of them in biohazard containers. Never use your hands, even with gloves.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is one of the most common workplace risks. It affects the liver and can lead to serious health issues. It can survive outside the body for up to a week and spread through contact with infected fluids. Some people don’t show symptoms right away, which makes it even more dangerous. The good news? A vaccine is available and it’s offered at no cost to Service Sanitation employees. If you’re interested, talk to your manager.
Wrap-Up
At the end of the day, it comes down to this: Always assume risk, use protection, and follow proper procedures every time. That’s how you protect yourself, and everyone around you.