Accidents, bloody noses, sport injuries and playground scrapes may expose you to blood borne pathogens. These are harmful microorganisms that cause disease when they come into contact with your bloodstream. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) are the most harmful blood borne pathogens. The risk of exposure to these pathogens increases at times when you administer first aid, feed a child, handle human blood or other bodily fluid like saliva or urine or while during your job at a healthcare facility. You may inadvertently come into contact with sneeze droplets, semen or blood. You must therefore learn how to stay safe and protect yourself.

How to stay safe when you come in contact with blood or other bodily fluids

– If your job requires you to be exposed to blood and other bodily fluids, you must learn how to use personal protective clothing and equipment like goggles, gloves and face shield. Latex gloves help protect your skin and hands while handling blood. Face shield and goggles help prevent blood from entering the mucous membranes through your mouth, eyes or nose.

– Hand washing is the most effective technique to prevent exposure to blood borne pathogens. If you come across human blood or potentially infectious bodily fluids, you should wash your hands and mucous membrane with water thoroughly. You can use a mild soap to wash hands.

– If you handle any injection material like needle, you should not shear or break the contaminated needles. Instead, dispose them carefully.

– If you need to administer first aid to a bleeding victim immediately but you do not have protective gloves, cover your hands with paper towels before contacting blood or body fluids. Then wash the exposed area with soap and water.

– You must remove protective equipment if it becomes contaminated.

– Replace gloves if they are contaminated, torn or punctured.

– It is highly recommended not to wash or decontaminate disposable gloves to reuse them.

– Remove protective clothing as soon as possible if they become saturated with blood.

– Removing contaminated scrubs before leaving the area can help prevent the risk of infection.

– Wastages and dressing that contain blood should be placed properly in labeled or red bags to prevent leakage.

– It is important to assume that all blood and body fluids are infectious and take precautionary measures.

– While providing first aid or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), protect yourself first and then treat the victim.

– Always use a pocket mask while performing CPR. This prevents contact with potentially infectious body fluids.

– You should remove broken glass and other sharp objects with forceps or tongs.

– Do not eat, smoke or drink in the area exposed to blood borne pathogens.

– Use the right disinfectant solution to clean contaminated surfaces.

You can protect yourself from disease causing microorganisms by taking blood borne pathogens training. Having sufficient knowledge about microorganisms and techniques to prevent them can greatly relieve you from fear of exposure to HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Learn more and take better care of yourself and your family and friends.

For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website.

For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website http://www.bbpexams.com/

Author Bio: For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website.

Category: Advice
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