What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Did you know that blood cleanup presents a number of risks, including the possibility of exposure to bloodborne pathogens? This is why it’s important to leave blood cleanup in Orlando to the experts who are thoroughly trained and properly equipped. To learn more about bloodborne pathogens, how to control exposure to them, and how they should be properly cleaned, read this article.

Definition of Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can infect other humans who come into contact with it. Some of the most common pathogens found in human blood include hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). An injury as minor as being stuck by a needle or poked by a sharp object may expose an individual to bloodborne pathogens.

Controlling Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens at Work

First aid team members, housekeeping personnel, nurses, and healthcare personnel are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. To reduce or eliminate exposure to bloodborne pathogens, OSHA asks employers to have an exposure control plan for the worksite that details employee protection measures. The plan needs to describe how the employer will use engineering and work practice controls, and ensure the use of protective clothing and proper equipment. The plan must detail the training, medical surveillance, signs and labels, vaccinations, and provisions that the employer will take. Using equipment such as using safer medical devices, including shielded needle devices, plastic capillary tubes, and needleless devices is the primary means of minimizing employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Cleaning Bloodborne Pathogens at Home

If there was a major spill of blood at home because of a trauma or accident of some sort, call a biohazard waste cleanup company right away. There are biohazard cleanup teams available 24/7 that can remove the blood and ensure that bloodborne pathogens do not pose a risk to anybody.