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bloodborne Pathogens

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Toolbox Talk: Bloodborne Pathogens

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to educate employees about bloodborne pathogens, their transmission, and the safety measures in place to prevent exposure in the workplace. By the end of this talk, participants should be able to identify potential sources of exposure, understand the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE), and know the proper procedures for handling potentially infectious materials and responding to exposure incidents.

Introduction

Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans [1]. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) [1]. Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens can occur in various workplace settings, particularly in healthcare, laboratories, and emergency response. It's crucial to understand the risks and implement preventive measures to protect ourselves and our colleagues.

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to the topic.

Key Points

  • Understanding Bloodborne Pathogens: Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease [1].
  • Modes of Transmission: Bloodborne pathogens are typically transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or other potentially infectious materials [1].
  • Importance of Universal Precautions: Treat all human blood and body fluids as if they are infectious [2].
  • Engineering and Work Practice Controls: Use sharps disposal containers, self-sheathing needles, and other safety devices to minimize exposure [3].
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, to create a barrier against exposure [4].

Hazard Identification

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens can occur through various routes, including:

  • Needlestick Injuries: Accidental punctures from contaminated needles or other sharps can directly introduce pathogens into the bloodstream. Consequences can include infection with HBV, HIV, or other bloodborne diseases [1].
  • Splashes to Mucous Membranes: Blood or other potentially infectious materials splashing into the eyes, nose, or mouth can lead to infection. Consequences can include contracting a bloodborne illness [4].
  • Contact with Non-Intact Skin: Exposure of blood or other potentially infectious materials to open wounds, cuts, or abrasions can result in pathogen transmission. Consequences can include skin infections or systemic illness [4].

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

To minimize the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, implement the following control measures:

  • Elimination: Where possible, eliminate the use of sharps by using needleless systems for medication administration or blood collection [3].
  • Engineering Controls: Use sharps containers for disposal of contaminated needles and other sharps [3]. Ensure self-sheathing needles and other safety-engineered devices are available [3].
  • Work Practice Controls: Avoid recapping needles; use a one-handed scoop technique if recapping is unavoidable [2]. Wash hands thoroughly and immediately after removing gloves or after any contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials [3].
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear gloves when handling blood or other potentially infectious materials [4]. Use masks, eye protection, or face shields when splashes, sprays, or droplets of blood or other potentially infectious materials may be generated [4]. Wear gowns, aprons, or other protective clothing when there is a risk of clothing contamination [4].

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Handle all blood and body fluids as if they are infectious [2].
  2. Use appropriate PPE (gloves, masks, eye protection) when there is a potential for exposure [4].
  3. Dispose of sharps immediately in designated sharps containers [3].
  4. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces and equipment promptly [4].
  5. Report any exposure incidents (needlesticks, splashes) to your supervisor immediately [5].

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Gloves: Must be worn when handling blood or other potentially infectious materials [4]. Change gloves between patients or tasks and after contact with contaminated surfaces [4].
  • Masks and Eye Protection: Use masks in combination with eye protection devices, such as goggles or glasses with solid side shields, or chin-length face shields, shall be worn whenever splashes, spray, spatter, or droplets of blood or other potentially infectious materials may be generated and eye, nose, or mouth contamination can be reasonably anticipated [4].
  • Protective Clothing: Appropriate protective clothing such as, but not limited to, gowns, aprons, lab coats, clinic jackets, or similar outer garments shall be worn in occupational exposure situations [4]. The type and characteristics will depend upon the task and degree of exposure anticipated [4].

Emphasize the importance of proper PPE use and maintenance.

Real-World Example or Case Study

[Provide a detailed description of a relevant real-world scenario or case study]

[Discuss what went wrong or right, and the lessons learned]

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are some situations in our workplace where exposure to bloodborne pathogens is possible?
  2. How can we improve our adherence to universal precautions?
  3. What should you do if you experience a needlestick injury or other exposure incident?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an exposure incident:

  1. Immediately wash the affected area with soap and water (for skin exposures) or flush with water (for eye, nose, or mouth exposures) [3].
  2. Report the incident to your supervisor immediately [5].
  3. Seek immediate medical attention as per company protocol [5].
  4. Follow up with necessary testing and treatment as recommended by healthcare professionals [5].

Questions and Answers

Encourage participants to ask questions.

Provide answers to common questions related to the topic.

  • Q: What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

A: Cleaning removes visible dirt and debris, while disinfecting uses chemicals to kill or inactivate pathogens [3].

  • Q: Where can I find more information about bloodborne pathogens?

A: Review the Exposure Control Plan, safety data sheets (SDS), and consult with your supervisor or safety officer [2].

  • Q: What do I do if I have an allergic reaction to the gloves provided?

A: Notify your supervisor, and alternative glove options will be provided [4].

Summary

Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk.

  • Bloodborne pathogens are a serious workplace hazard [1].
  • Universal precautions and safe work practices are essential for prevention [2].
  • Proper use of PPE is critical in minimizing exposure risks [4].
  • Prompt reporting and medical follow-up are necessary in the event of an exposure incident [5].

Action Items

List specific actions participants should take following this toolbox talk.

  1. Review the company's Exposure Control Plan [2].
  2. Ensure you have the appropriate PPE available and know how to use it correctly [4].
  3. Familiarize yourself with the location of sharps containers and handwashing facilities [3].

Remember: Prevention is the best protection! Treat every situation as potentially infectious.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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5 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 2837

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules AO 3-2019 Division 2 - (G) Special care shall be taken to avoid skin contact with other potentially infectious materials. Gloves shall be worn when handling infected animals and when making hand contact with other potentially infectious materials is unavoidable. - (H) Before disposal all waste from work areas and from animal rooms shall either be incinerated or decontaminated by a method such as autoclaving known to effectively destroy bloodborne pathogens. - (I) Vacuum lines shall be protected with liquid disinfectant traps and highefficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or filters of equivalent or superior efficiency and which are checked routinely and maintained or replaced as necessary. - (J) Hypodermic needles and syringes shall be used only for parenteral injection and aspiration of fluids from laboratory animals and diaphragm bottles. Only needle-locking syringes or disposable syringe-needle units (i.e., the needle is integral to the syringe) shall be used for the injection or aspiration of other potentially infectious materials. Extreme caution shall be used when handling needles and syringes. A needle shall not be bent, sheared, replaced in the sheath or guard, or removed from the syringe following use. The needle and syringe shall be promptly placed in a puncture-resistant container and autoclaved or decontaminated before reuse or disposal. - (K) All spills shall be immediately contained and cleaned up by appropriate professional staff or others properly trained and equipped to work with potentially concentrated infectious materials. - (L) A spill or accident that results in an exposure incident shall be immediately reported to the laboratory director or other responsible person. - (M) A biosafety manual shall be prepared or adopted and periodically reviewed and updated at least annually or more often if necessary. Personnel shall be advised of potential hazards, shall be requ…

[2] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 2832

Open source document

Source excerpt

Division 2 AO 3-2019 Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division - (i) When the employee has cuts, scratches, or other breaks in his or her skin; - (ii) When the employee judges that hand contamination with blood may occur, for example, when performing phlebotomy on an uncooperative source individual; and - (iii) When the employee is receiving training in phlebotomy. - (x) Masks, Eye Protection, and Face Shields. Masks in combination with eye protection devices, such as goggles or glasses with solid side shields, or chin-length face shields, shall be worn whenever splashes, spray, spatter, or droplets of blood or other potentially infectious materials may be generated and eye, nose, or mouth contamination can be reasonably anticipated. - (xi) Gowns, Aprons, and Other Protective Body Clothing. Appropriate protective clothing such as, but not limited to, gowns, aprons, lab coats, clinic jackets, or similar outer garments shall be worn in occupational exposure situations. The type and characteristics will depend upon the task and degree of exposure anticipated. - (xii) Surgical caps or hoods and/or shoe covers or boots shall be worn in instances when gross contamination can reasonably be anticipated (e.g., autopsies, orthopaedic surgery). ## (4) Housekeeping. - (i) General. Employers shall ensure that the worksite is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. The employer shall determine and implement an appropriate written schedule for cleaning and method of decontamination based upon the location within the facility, type of surface to be cleaned, type of soil present, and tasks or procedures being performed in the area. - (ii) All equipment and environmental and working surfaces shall be cleaned and decontaminated after contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. - (A) Contaminated work surfaces shall be decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant after completion of procedures; immediately or as soon as …

[3] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 2822

Open source document

Source excerpt

Division 2 AO 3-2019 Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division OR-OSHA Admin. Order 8-1997, f. 11/14/97, ef. 11/14/97 (Methylene Chloride). OR-OSHA Admin. Order 5-2009, f. 5/29/09, ef. 5/29/09. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 1-1998, f. 2/13/98, ef. 2/13/98 (Methylene Chloride). OR-OSHA Admin. Order 3-1998, f. 7/7/98, ef. 7/7/98. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 1-1999, f. 3/22/99, ef. 3/22/99. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 2-1999, f. 4/30/99, ef. 4/30/99. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 4-1999, f. 4/30/99, ef. 4/30/99. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 6-2001, f. 5/15/01, ef. 5/15/01 (Cotton Dust). OR-OSHA Admin. Order 10-2001, f. 9/14/01, ef. 10/18/01 (Bloodborne Pathogens). OR-OSHA Admin. Order 12-2001, f. 10/26/01, ef. 10/26/01 (Methylene Chloride). OR-OSHA Admin. Order 1-2005, f. 4/12/05, ef. 4/12/05. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 4-2006, f. 7/24/06, ef. 7/24/06 (Technical Amendments). OR-OSHA Admin. Order 6-2006, f. 8/30/06, ef. 8/30/06 (Hexavalent Chromium). OR-OSHA Admin. Order 5-2009, f. 5/29/09, ef. 5/29/09. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 4-2011, f. 12/8/11, ef. 12/8/11. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 5-2011, f. 12/8/11, ef. 7/1/12. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 1-2012, f. 4/10/12, ef. 4/10/12. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 5-2012, f. 9/25/12, ef. 9/25/12. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 3-2013, f. 7/18/13, ef. 7/18/13. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 4-2013, f. 7/19/13, ef. 7/19/13. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 3-2019, f. 10/29/19, ef. 10/29/19. ## 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens - (a) Scope and Application. This section applies to all occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials as defined by paragraph (b) of this section. - (b) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following shall apply: Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, or designated representative. Blood means human blood, human blood components, and products made from human blood. Bloodborne Pathogens means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can c…

[4] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 2825

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules AO 3-2019 Division 2 Source Individual means any individual, living or dead, whose blood or other potentially infectious materials may be a source of occupational exposure to the employee. Examples include, but are not limited to, hospital and clinic patients; clients in institutions for the developmentally disabled; trauma victims; clients of drug and alcohol treatment facilities; residents of hospices and nursing homes; human remains; and individuals who donate or sell blood or blood components. Sterilize means the use of a physical or chemical procedure to destroy all microbial life including highly resistant bacterial endospores. Universal Precautions is an approach to infection control. According to the concept of Universal Precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens. Work Practice Controls means controls that reduce the likelihood of exposure by altering the manner in which a task is performed (e.g., prohibiting recapping of needles by a two-handed technique). ## (c) Exposure Control. - (1) Exposure Control Plan. - (i) Each employer having an employee(s) with occupational exposure as defined by paragraph (b) of this section shall establish a written Exposure Control Plan designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. - (ii) The Exposure Control Plan shall contain at least the following elements: - (A) The exposure determination required by paragraph (c)(2), - (B) The schedule and method of implementation for paragraphs (d) Methods of Compliance, (e) HIV and HBV Research Laboratories and Production Facilities, (f) Hepatitis B Vaccination and Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up, (g) Communication of Hazards to Employees, and (h) Recordkeeping, of this standard, and - (C) The procedure for the evaluation of circumstances surrounding exposure incidents as required by paragr…

[5] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 2823

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules AO 3-2019 Division 2 Decontamination means the use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item to the point where they are no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use, or disposal. Director means the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or designated representative. Engineering Controls means controls (e.g., sharps disposal containers, selfsheathing needles, safer medical devices, such as sharps with engineered sharps injury protections and needleless systems) that isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace. Exposure Incident means a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, nonintact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance of an employee's duties. Handwashing Facilities means a facility providing an adequate supply of running potable water, soap, and single use towels or air-drying machines. Licensed Healthcare Professional is a person whose legally permitted scope of practice allows him or her to independently perform the activities required by paragraph (f) Hepatitis B Vaccination and Post-exposure Evaluation and Followup. HBV means hepatitis B virus. HIV means human immunodeficiency virus. Needleless systems means a device that does not use needles for: - (1) The collection of bodily fluids or withdrawal of body fluids after initial venous or arterial access is established; - (2) The administration of medication or fluids; or - (3) Any other procedure involving the potential for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens due to percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps. Occupational Exposur e means reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parent…

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