Bloodborne Pathogens

According to OSHA, bloodborne pathogens are considered to be infectious microorganisms found in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Any worker who is dealing with needles or other sharp objects have the ability to be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Workers in the field of first responders, housekeeping personnel, nurses and any other healthcare personnel, are all at risk and could be exposed to bloodborne pathogens.

(http://www.accuform.com/Motivation-product/Safety-Poster-Bloodborne-Pathogens-Universal-Precautions-For-Those-Exposed-To-Blood-Or-Other-Potentially-Infectious-Materials-In-Their-Occupation--PST158)

Bloodborne pathogen explanation

In order to reduce the exposure to bloodborne pathogens, an employer must implement an exposure control plan for the worksite with emphasis on employee protection measures. It also involves engineering controls, work practice controls, personal protective equipment, employee training, medical surveillance, hepatitis B vaccinations, and other provisions that the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard contains. Engineering controls are especially important for eliminating and minimizing employee exposure and include the use of safer medical devices, such as needleless devices, shield needle devices, and plastic capillary devices. 

Hazard Recognition:

OSHA states that the CDC estimates that 5.6 million workers in the healthcare industry and related occupations are at risk to occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. OSHA defines blood as a means of human blood, human blood components, and products made from human blood. Other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) means that the following human body fluid that is visibly contaminated with semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid that has been contaminated with blood, and all and any body fluids that cannot be differentiated. Also, any unfixed tissue or organ intact with the skin, and HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and HIV- or HBV- containing culture medium and other solutions are also considered OPIM's.

Evaluating and Controlling Exposure:

Studies show that about 1/3rd of all sharp injuries occur during disposal. Nurses are particularly at risk because they sustain the most needlestick injuries. The CDC estimates that 62 - 88 percent of sharp injuries can be prevented by simply using safer medical devices. 

(http://www.hpnonline.com/inside/2011-07/1107-IP-Sharps.html)

An example of a sharp safety practice that disposes of needles

Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act:

The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act was created in 2000 and prescribes safeguards to protect workers against the health hazards caused by bloodborne pathogens. Its requirements address the employers ability to identify, evaluate, and implement safer medical devices such as needleless systems and sharps protection. This Act also has mandated additional requirements for maintaining a sharps injury log for the involvement of non-managerial healthcare workers in identifying, evaluating, and choosing effective engineering and work practice controls. These are workers who are responsible for direct patient care and for those who could potentially be exposed to injuries from contaminated sharps. This Act was implemented into OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard in 2001. OSHA does not approve or endorse products that could be safer and potentially reduce the risk of obtaining a bloodborne pathogen, it is up to the employer to identify and implement the appropriate, commercial, and effective safer medical device.