Written by Shashank Joshi
Blood borne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms present in human blood that cause diseases. These pathogens are transmitted when the infected person’s blood or body fluids enter a non-
infected body via human bites, cuts, abrasions, needle sticks and through mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth. For example, pathogens can spread by providing first aid to a student or friend, handling blood samples in the laboratory, or cleaning up blood from the corridor.
Apart from blood, other potentially infectious body fluids include semen, cerebrospinal fluids, peritoneal fluid, saliva, amniotic fluid, vaginal secretions, pleural fluid and any body fluid that is contaminated with blood. There are several diseases that can be contracted through blood borne pathogens such as AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C and more.
Preventative Program
Potential exposure to blood borne pathogens comprises of occupational exposure to human-derived blood and other bodily substances. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, employers should have a control program, an outline for employers that takes the protective measures to eliminate or reduce employees’ exposure. Thus, a blood borne pathogen preventative program is ideal for employees prolonged to blood or blood products in the work place. The precautions for protecting yourself against blood borne pathogens are included in the blood borne pathogen program, as listed below:
- Universal precautions: Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent skin or mucus membranes infecting bodily fluids. PPE includes gloves, gowns, lab coats, masks, mouthpieces, mechanical respiratory devices, and eye protection. If there are any damages to the PPE use is not recommended. Bodily fluids should be considered infectious if not sure.
- Engineering controls: Companies provide certain equipments to protect their employees by providing hand washing facilities, alternate hand washing devices, needle safety devices, Sharps containers, bio safety cabinets, splash guards and resuscitation masks.
- Work practice controls: These are the steps every employee must follow to guarantee their protection against blood borne diseases like washing your hands with water and antiseptic every time after touching PPE and bodily fluids. Eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas that are potential occupational exposures is not recommended. Also, decontaminating the contaminated equipment and area may be required.
- Housekeeping: All work places need to be maintained and sanitary constantly. A cleaning schedule should be applied and written for the housekeeping department to follow.
I have a question: are water and antiseptic enough for keeping our hands clean and protected against such pathogens? I mean, how many times should one wash to make sure?
According to the CDC: “Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. If clean, running water is not accessible, as is common in many parts of the world, use soap and available water. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean hands.”
I don’t think we can put a specific number on how many times we should wash our hands but I wash mine as often as possible!
My wife works in a hospital and I am always worried about her knowing how many dangers lurk there. She is a very careful person by nature, but who knows? It’s very hard being the husband of a doctor, that’s for sure! But, she loves her work and wouldn’t have it otherwise so I do my best to support her.
She is lucky to have such a supporting husband for sure!
Respecting the cleaning schedule is one of the more important precautions for this. If the cleaning crew does a good job and does it on time, following the schedule, many problems are instantly eliminated. Unfortunately, in some hospitals, the cleaning crew doesn’t do its best and people suffer because of it. I think managers should keep a close eye on what this department does and make sure they aren’t slacking or overlooking certain areas.
I believe everyone plays a large role in this – employees should make due effort to be clean and clean after themselves as well. It is an easier job for the cleaning crew if everyone is conscientious after themselves!