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Blood borne 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 participants on the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens in the workplace and to provide guidance on how to minimize exposure and ensure safety.

Introduction

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in blood that can cause diseases in humans. These include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) [1]. Understanding how to handle materials that may be contaminated is crucial for maintaining a safe work environment.

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

Key Points

  • Definition and Scope: Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease. This applies to all occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials [1].
  • Potential Risks: Exposure can occur through needlesticks, cuts, or contact with mucous membranes [2].
  • Importance of Universal Precautions: Treat all human blood and certain body fluids as if they are infectious [3].
  • Engineering Controls: Use devices like sharps disposal containers and needleless systems to reduce risk [2].
  • Training and Awareness: Regular training is essential to ensure all employees understand the risks and safety procedures [4].

Hazard Identification

Common hazards related to bloodborne pathogens include:

  • Needlestick Injuries: Can lead to direct exposure to infectious materials.
  • Cuts and Abrasions: Open wounds can be entry points for pathogens.
  • Splashing of Infectious Materials: Can occur during procedures involving blood or body fluids.

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

Control Measures

Discuss the hierarchy of controls:

  • Engineering Controls: Use sharps disposal containers and needleless systems [2].
  • Administrative Controls: Implement exposure control plans and regular training [3].
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use gloves, masks, and gowns to protect against exposure [5].

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Always use PPE when handling blood or potentially infectious materials.
  2. Dispose of sharps immediately in designated containers.
  3. Decontaminate surfaces and equipment after use.
  4. Report any exposure incidents immediately.
  5. Follow the exposure control plan and update it regularly [3].

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

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Gloves: Wear when there is a risk of hand contamination.
  • Masks and Eye Protection: Use when splashes or sprays are anticipated.
  • Gowns: Wear when there is a risk of clothing contamination [5].

Real-World Example or Case Study

Discuss a scenario where improper handling of sharps led to an exposure incident. Highlight the importance of following proper disposal procedures and using PPE.

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

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are some common tasks that might expose you to bloodborne pathogens?
  2. How can we improve our current safety practices?
  3. What should you do if you experience an exposure incident?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

Outline the steps to take in case of an emergency related to bloodborne pathogens:

  1. Wash the exposed area immediately with soap and water.
  2. Report the incident to your supervisor.
  3. Seek medical evaluation and follow-up.
  4. Document the exposure incident as per the exposure control plan.

Questions and Answers

Encourage participants to ask questions and provide answers to common questions related to the topic.

  • Q: What should you do if you find a used needle?

A: Do not touch it. Report it to your supervisor for proper disposal.

  • Q: How often should training on bloodborne pathogens be conducted?

A: At least annually and whenever new procedures are introduced [4].

Summary

Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk:

  • Understand what bloodborne pathogens are and the risks they pose.
  • Follow universal precautions to prevent exposure.
  • Use engineering controls and PPE to minimize risk.
  • Report and document any exposure incidents immediately.

Action Items

List specific actions participants should take following this toolbox talk:

  1. Review and understand the exposure control plan.
  2. Ensure all PPE is available and in good condition.
  3. Participate in regular training sessions.

Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. Always follow procedures and report any hazards.

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 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

[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 2844

Open source document

Source excerpt

Division 2 Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division - (i) The employer shall train each employee with occupational exposure in accordance with the requirements of this section. Such training must be provided at no cost to the employee and during working hours. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program. - (ii) Training shall be provided as follows: - (A) At the time of initial assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may take place; - (B) At least annually thereafter. - (iii) Reserved. - (iv) Annual training for all employees shall be provided within one year of their previous training. - (v) Employers shall provide additional training when changes such as modification of tasks or procedures or institution of new tasks or procedures affect the employee's occupational exposure. The additional training may be limited to addressing the new exposures created. - (vi) Material appropriate in content and vocabulary to educational level, literacy, and language of employees shall be used. - (vii) The training program shall contain at a minimum the following elements: - (A) An accessible copy of the regulatory text of this standard and an explanation of its contents; - (B) A general explanation of the epidemiology and symptoms of bloodborne diseases; - (C) An explanation of the modes of transmission of bloodborne pathogens; - (D) An explanation of the employer's exposure control plan and the means by which the employee can obtain a copy of the written plan; - (E) An explanation of the appropriate methods for recognizing tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials; - (F) An explanation of the use and limitations of methods that will prevent or reduce exposure including appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment;

[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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