OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen Training

The spread of infection occurs easily through infectious pathogens that can be found in blood and body fluids. These infectious agents, or bloodborne pathogens, transmit diseases from one person to another. To prevent the transmission of these infectious pathogens, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has developed specific bloodborne pathogen training standards.

Identification

• As explained by OSHA.gov, “bloodborne pathogens are infectious materials in blood that can cause disease in humans.” The three most serious bloodborne pathogens include hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A variety of other less common diseases can also be caused by bloodborne pathogens.

Exposure

• Bloodborne pathogens are most commonly carried in blood, including both the plasma and serum. However, they can also be carried in a variety of body fluids. The Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory identifies the following body fluids as potentially infected with pathogens: saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, fluid from the lungs, joints and body cavities, amniotic fluid, vaginal secretions, semen and any other fluids visibly contaminated with blood. On the other hand, the following body fluids are not considered “infected” unless they visibly contain blood: vomit, tears, urine, feces, sweat, sputum and secretions from the nose.

Transmission

• Simply being in the presence of infectious fluids will not contaminate you. However, if these pathogens are transmitted to you and enter your body, you may also become infected by the virus. Oklahoma State University acknowledges that bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted through multiple methods. These methods of transmission include sharing hypodermic needle or accidentally puncturing the skin with a contaminated sharp object (needle, broken glass). Close person-to-person contact might also contribute to the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. If infected body fluids are introduced to broken skin, damaged skin or mucous membranes, these pathogens can easily be transmitted to the new person. Pregnant mothers can also transmit pathogens to their baby before or at the time of birth.

Prevention

• To prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens, OSHA developed a “universal precautions” theory. Oklahoma State University explains this theory as “a prevention strategy in which all blood and potentially infectious materials are treated as if they are, in fact, infectious, regardless of the perceived status of the source individual.” In other words, you should always treat all blood and body fluids as if they are contaminated. Since health care professionals are confronted with potentially infectious materials every day, they are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This equipment includes gloves, goggles, face shields and aprons, Other prevention strategies include thorough hand washing immediately after exposure, the sterilization of all contaminated surfaces and equipment, proper disposal of needles and broken glass, and the keeping of all foods and beverages away from potentially infectious materials.

Treatment

• Any person who becomes exposed to potentially infectious materials should immediately report the incident to their employer. Most facilities, such as health care facilities and laboratories, follow a strict set of rules regarding contamination. Once the incident is reported, the person should visit a physician, who will determine if medical treatment is required. In some cases, vaccinations or aggressive medication therapy may be needed to prevent an infection.