Environmental Health & Safety
Blood borne Pathogen Training
WHO DOES THIS APPLY TO?
This standard applies in cases where employees are exposed to blood and body fluids as a course of their normal employment.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR EXPOSURE?
- Custodial Staff
- Nursing & Health Professionals
- Athletic Trainers
- Health Physical Education Center Employees
- University Police Officers
- First Responders
- Environmental Health Employees
- Occupational Safety Employees
DEFINITIONS
WHAT ARE BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS?
Blood borne Pathogens are microorganisms that are carried
in blood and body fluids and cause diseases such as Hepatitis and the HIV
virus.
HOW CAN I BE EXPOSED?
Occupational Exposure means the anticipated skin, eye,
or mucous membrane contact with blood or other body fluids while an employee
is performing his or her job.
ExamplesROUTES OF EXPOSURE
- Blood Products
- Semen
- Vaginal Secretions
- Fluid in the uterus of a pregnant woman
- Fluid around the heart
- Fluid surrounding the brain
- Other body fluids with visible blood.
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF?
Universal Precautions means that you treat everyone's
blood and body fluids as infectious.
Since you cannot look at a person and tell whether or not they are
infected, you assume that the person's blood/body fluids is infected and
protect yourself accordingly.
Remember, it only takes just one exposure to become infected. THINK BEFORE YOU ACT.
USE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE
HEPATITIS B
Symptoms of Hepatitis B include: Fatigue, Nausea, Loss of Appetite, Stomach Pain, Jaundice, Darkened Urine.
HIV
Symptoms of HIV include: Weakness, Fever, Sore Throat, Nausea, Headaches, Diarrhea
WHAT IF I AM EXPOSED?
Contact your supervisor and Environmental Health &
Safety (2862) immediately. Initial treatment within the first
24 hours is crucial.
For
More information about AIDS
For more information about blood borne pathogens or to receive training about blood borne pathogens, call Environmental Health & Safety at 972-2862.