Simple Training on Bloodborne Pathogens

Anyone working in a laboratory which tests blood samples is at risk for bloodborne pathogen infection. Health-care workers, emergency response teams, lifeguards and employees in many other fields need basic training in the identification, risks, prevention and exposure of bloodborne pathogens as detailed in Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines.

Types

• Bloodborne pathogen training must first identify the types of diseases which are transmitted through exposure to virus or bacteria-infected blood. These include malaria, syphilis, brucellosis, Hepatitis B (HBV) and HIV/AIDS. Often a training program focuses on HBV and HIV/AIDS.

Function

• Bloodborne pathogens enter the body though wounds in the skin.

  The pathogens causing such diseases as HIV/AIDS and HBV can be present in other bodily fluids as well as blood. Training must include how these pathogens enter the body--through sexual contact, needle sharing, childbirth and breaks in the skin, among others.

Prevention

• Sterile gloves are part of your PPE kit for bloodborne pathogen protection.

  Prevention training is a key part of bloodborne pathogen education. An overview of personal protective equipment (PPE) should include the correct use and disposal of gloves, goggles and other protective gear. Cover the procedures for disinfection, biohazard disposal and good hygiene.

Solution

• Offer instruction on the procedures for dealing with bloodborne pathogen exposure. Go over employer guidelines for reporting a possible exposure, documenting it, and options for testing and counseling follow-up.

Warning

• Make sure your workers are adequately trained and innoculated against bloodborne pathogens.

  Be sure to follow OSHA's guidelines for training workers about bloodborne pathogens (see Reference 2). If exposure to the Hepatitis B pathogen is a possibility in the workplace, the best prevention is the HBV vaccination series.