Toolbox Talk – Bloodborne Pathogens – WE 07-23-2022

What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms 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). Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens, as well as something as simple as caring for an injured employee.

Our exposure control plan is how you will protect yourself and others from coming in contact with bloodborne pathogens. The exposure control plan consists of 5 sections.

Training and Medical Services

• Foreman & supervision will be trained in First Aid. This training addresses the issue of bloodborne pathogens as it relates to administering First-Aid.
• Bloodborne pathogen training will be yearly provided after the initial first aid CPR training
• A copy of Gribbins bloodborne pathogen program is available in the Safety Manual.
• The hepatitis B vaccine, post-exposure evaluation and follow-up visits are available to all employees, at no cost to the employee, if he/she has had a potential occupational exposure.

Protective Equipment

• First aid kits shall contain latex or nitrile gloves, that are required to be worn if administering first aid to any person.
• Gauze pads are supplied to act as barriers when rendering first aid as well as plastic mouthpieces to be used if administering CPR

Hygiene Practices

• After First-Aid is provided to any injured person, the person rendering First-Aid shall wash his/her hands with soap and water as soon as possible. If hand washing facilities are not available, utilize antiseptic hand cleaner in conjunction with clean cloth/paper towels. (When hand cleaners are used, hands must still be washed with soap and water as soon as feasible.)

Medical Records

• A record will be kept on any employee with an occupational exposure in accordance with CFR 1910.1020. These medical records will be kept for the duration of employment plus 30 years
• Records will be available to the employee upon request.
• Transfer of records will only be done with the written consent of the employee.

Housekeeping

• All equipment or environmental surfaces shall be cleaned and decontaminated after contact with blood or other infectious materials and be sealed in the bio-hazard bag.

It is important to remember that if you are not trained in first aid and blood-borne pathogens then you should not render aid to another person because you may be putting yourself at risk as well. If at any point you get another individual’s blood on you, you should report it to the safety department immediately.