Blood borne pathogens are the microorganisms in blood that cause diseases in humans. Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) are some of the examples of blood borne pathogens.

If you handle human blood products, sharp instruments like knives, needles and scissors used by others who work with human blood, are exposed to blood borne pathogens or wish to gain knowledge on administering first aid to victims in accidents, it is important for you to complete blood borne pathogens training. This will give you knowledge on how to prevent yourself and others from being infected with blood borne diseases.

Tips On How To Stay Safe During Contact With Human Blood Or Infectious Bodily Fluids

– Human blood and other bodily fluids like semen, saliva, vaginal secretions, tears and urine can contain blood borne pathogens. When you are exposed to blood or bodily fluids, you must assume that they are all infectious and take necessary protective measures.

– If you give first aid to a victim who is bleeding or to a sick coworker/student, you are exposed to blood and potentially infectious bodily fluids. Hence, you must take certain precautionary steps such as wearing protective gloves, goggles and face shield.

– If your gloves are stained with blood or bodily fluid, dispose them off safely. You can put them in a biohazard waste bag or a plastic bag and seal it before disposing. You should wash your hands with antiseptic soap and water after removing and disposing the gloves.

– You must clean up blood or bodily fluid thoroughly and quickly with soap and water. This limits the chance of exposing other people to blood borne pathogens.

– Hands are the most important areas that are exposed to blood. Washing your hands with soap and water after contact with blood reduces your chance of getting infected or spreading germs to others significantly.

– If you find that you have come into contact with another person’s blood or bodily fluids, you must act quickly. Wash the area with soap and hot water for up to a minute and rinse thoroughly. If your eyes are contaminated, use clean water to flush the contaminants out. You can also use saline to clean your eyes.

– After administering first aid, clean the area contaminated with human blood or bodily fluids. Wear protective equipment while cleaning with a mixture of Clorox and water.

– Place all soiled materials including soiled clothing of the victim and soiled cleaning material in a plastic bag and dispose them safely.

– If you use an injection device like a needle during the first aid procedure, dispose it carefully.

– If you need to perform Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, it is recommended to use resuscitation devices.

Blood borne pathogens may be transmitted when blood or other potentially infectious bodily fluids come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth and non intact skin. Touching and handling contaminated materials or surfaces can also increase the risk of infection. Getting blood borne pathogen training and following safety measures can help prevent this risk.

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