It's difficult to communicate the importance of safety precautions surrounding bodily fluids, but reinforcing bloodborne pathogen rules is an essential training requirement.

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the work place should be taken seriously. Go to www.osha.gov for detailed guidance, talk to your insurance carrier and if available use your distributor to make regular presentations on how to deal with this issue. You should always assume that any bodily fluids are potentially contagious even though there may not be any obvious signs to the contrary.

The minimum PPE’s (personal protective equipment) are "legal" disposable gloves and eye protection. When I mention "legal" gloves I am thinking of the flimsy food prep gloves workers use in sandwich shops. These are not appropriate for handling contaminants and are primarily designed to protect the food from the worker's hands. A face shield to protect the mouth and nose may be appropriate as well as an apron in certain circumstances. In some situations you may need to wear gloves to protect you from needle sticks since many people will dispose of them in the trash rather than using the approve puncture proof box.

Before putting on gloves, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Be sure to wash and/or replace the gloves based on a schedule or training. Do not eat, drink, put on cosmetics, lip stick, lip balm or smoke while wearing the gloves. When changing gloves, thoroughly wash and dry hands when through or between glove changes. Remember to dispose of all “red bag” contaminants as directed. Handle with extra care since people have been infected by brushing against the bag and got a needle or glass puncture. If you think you have been infected, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and report it to your supervisor for follow up procedures.

The goal is always safety.

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.


posted on 9/7/2015