Universal Precautions for Bloodborne Pathogens

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration offers guidelines for the use of universal precautions. This approach to infection control considers all human blood and body fluids as though they were infectious. In some situations, blood and body fluids might be indistinguishable, so the entire scenario is considered biohazard and certain universal or standard precautions should be observed.

Containment at Work

• Work practices are used to eliminate or minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens. These controls must be regularly examined and maintained to remain effective.

  Hand-washing facilities must be available. If not, antiseptic hand cleanser with clean cloth or paper towels, or antiseptic towelettes, must be provided until hands can be washed as son as possible with soap and clean running water.

  Employees must wash hands and any exposed other skin after removal of protective wear. After contact with infectious material, soap and running water must be used, or mucous membranes must be flushed with water.

  Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm and handling contact lenses is prohibited in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of occupational exposure.

  Consumables may not be kept in refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets or counter and benchtops where blood or body fluids are present.

  It is the responsibility of the employer to provide, free, the right type of personal protective equipment so that blood and body fluids cannot reach the employee or their clothing. The employer also has to make sure the employee uses the equipment, unless the employer can show that the employee refuses to use it.
  It is also the employer's responsibility to maintain and replace equipment as needed.

OSHA Exposure Control Plan

• A copy of the OSHA Exposure Control Plan must be accessible to anyone who might be exposed to infectious material for work practice controls. These standard precautions apply to blood, all body fluids, secretions and excretions except sweat, whether or not blood can be seen in the fluids. These standard or universal precautions are meant to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious microorganisms.

  Hand washing and protective gear such as gowns, latex gloves and masks must be used when exposure to fluids is expected.

  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, on the Centers for Disease Control website, says that following universal precautions prevents or halts contact with blood and other infectious materials. To be effective, the precautions must be followed.