Gwynedd Mercy University Bloodborne Pathogen Safety and Awareness Training
Education is the KEY Here are Gwynedd Mercy University, we recognize the importance of providing a safe working environment for our main priority Our Employees Education is the KEY to achieving this goal
Why is this training necessary? OSHA requires safety training for all personnel whose job requirements expose them to bloodborne pathogens. (Public Safety, Resident Life, Hobbit House, Physical Plant, Athletics, Health Services, and Natural Sciences) Ensure awareness and education about : the hazards of bloodborne pathogens protective measures to avoid exposure
OSHA BBP Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030 a written plan for exposure control identification of at-risk employees use of personal protective equipment initial and annual training appropriate decontamination procedures specific disposal methods biohazard labeling and signage
What is a Bloodborne Pathogen? Microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria Have the potential to cause disease in humans Transmitted by blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
Other Potentially Infections Materials BODY FLUIDS including semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid and saliva and urine (that contain blood). ANY UNFIXED TISSUE OR ORGAN (other than intact skin) from a human (living or dead) SPECIFIC VIRAL INFECTED (HIV, HBV, HCV) cell, tissue or organ cultures and the associated culture medium
Common Bloodborne Pathogen Diseases Hepatitis B (HBV) Hepatitis C (HCV) Human Immunodeficiency (HIV)
General Information about Hepatitis Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver (cirrhosis and liver cancer may result) Caused by viruses that infect the liver (six main types: A, B, C, D, E & G)
Hepatitis B (HBV) Facts and Figures According to the CDC: About 73,000 people are infected annually Thousands include occupational exposures (mostly from needlesticks) - 200 DEATHS In the U.S. there are an estimated 1.25 million chronically infected individuals, of which 15-25% die from the disease
Hepatitis B (HBV) Transmission Transmitted primarily through blood to blood contact HBV can survive for at least one week in dried blood Primary concern to employees such as laundry personnel, housekeepers, custodians or other employees who come into contact with blood.
Hepatitis B (HBV) Symptoms Onset of symptoms may take one to nine months Initially similar to those of a mild flu: fatigue, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting With progression: jaundice and dark urine
Hepatitis B Vaccination Provided to all at risk employees at no cost Safe and effective Series of three inoculations over 6 months Optional, but signing a declination form required if you choose not to be vaccinated.
Hepatitis C (HCV) Facts and Figures Viral infection that causes liver disease (cirrhosis and liver cancer may result) Most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States About 3.9 million people infected in the U.S., 2.9 million are chronically infected Chronic infection with HCV is the most common cause of liver transplants
Hepatitis C (HCV) Transmission Transmitted primarily through blood to blood contact HCV can survive for at least one week on environmental surfaces Currently no vaccine for the prevention of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV) Symptoms Similar to those of HBV Include flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain and jaundice 80% of infected persons are asymptomatic for decades
HIV Facts and Figures Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) HIV weakens the immune system rendering patients vulnerable to potentially deadly diseases
HIV Facts and Figures CDC reported in 2003 an estimated one million persons in U.S. infected with HIV virus. About 35,000 to 45,000 persons become infected annually in U.S. There is currently no vaccine or cure for AIDS.
HIV Transmission The HIV virus is very fragile Primary concern where there is contact with fresh blood or body fluids Employees providing first aid are in a higher risk group. The risk of becoming infected from a workplace exposure is very low - only about 0.4%.
HIV Symptoms Initial symptoms are flu-like: fever, weakness, sore throat, nausea, headache and diarrhea. Long term symptoms: swollen lymph glands, weakened immune system and susceptibility to infections.
How Could Infected Fluid Enter My Body? **Anytime there is blood-to blood contact with infected blood or body fluids, there is a slight potential for transmission of a bloodborne disease.**
In Laboratory Settings Transmission is most likely to occur by: (1) Accidental puncture from contaminated needles, broken glass or other sharps (2) Contact between broken skin and infected body fluids (3) Contact between mucous membranes and infected body fluids
Pathways to Infection Unbroken skin forms an impervious barrier against BBPs. BBPs can enter your body through any break in the skin; open sores, cuts, abrasions, acne, sunburn or blisters. BBPs can also enter through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth.
Types of Potentially Infectious Situations Providing First Aid to a student in the classroom Janitorial or maintenance work Handling of infected waste products or laboratory materials
Universal Precautions Describes a prevention strategy to treat all blood and bodily fluids as if they are infectious Applies to all contexts where the possibility of exposure exists Proper engineering controls, work practices and Personal Protective Equipment must always be used!
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Always wear PPE when there is the potential for exposure! Single most effective precaution! Protection of eyes (goggles, face shield) and body (lab coat/apron, gloves) CREATE A BARRIER!
PPE Rules to Remember Remove and replace PPE that is torn, punctured or otherwise compromised. Remove PPE before leaving the work area. Dispose of PPE in a proper bio-hazardous waste receptacle.
Work Practices and Engineering Controls Hand Washing One of the simplest and most effective practices to prevent transmission of BBPs! Should be done: Immediately after any exposure! After removing gloves Before leaving the work area
Other Personal Precautions Strictly avoid these activities in the laboratory: eating drinking smoking applying cosmetics handling contact lenses Do not store food or drink in refrigerators, freezers, counter tops or cabinets where blood or OPIM are present.
Other Personal Precautions Post freezers and refrigerators used for storage of infectious materials with Biohazard labels. Minimize splashing, spraying, splattering, or generation of droplets during experimental work.
Other Work Safety Practices Contaminated Needles and Sharps Needle sticks are the most common way for infections with BBPs to occur on the job! Use special caution when handling all sharps, including needles and syringes, scalpels, pipettes and any glass implements.
Other Work Safety Practices To prevent injury with needles and other sharps: never bend, clip, break or recap needles avoid leaving needles unattended pick up broken glassware using mechanical means (forceps, tongs, dustpan and broom)
Other Work Safety Practices Disposal of Needles and Other Sharps Use a designated Sharps container only Containers must be: closeable puncture resistant leak-proof not overfilled labeled with biohazard symbol
Cleanup and Decontamination of Blood and OPIM Wear appropriate PPE! At a minimum this must include gloves and eye protection. Cover the spill with paper towels. Gently spray or pour disinfectant solution onto the towels from the outside in. 10% bleach Lysol
Cleanup and Decontamination of Blood and OPIM Allow disinfectant to remain in place for 20 minutes Dispose of soaked towels in orange biohazard bag Reapply disinfectant to spill area, let sit 20 minutes, and wipe with clean paper towels Discard and/or disinfect any other materials contaminated in the cleanup
Disposal of Contaminated Materials All regulated waste must be disposed in properly labeled containers or red biohazard bags Labels must display the universal biohazard symbol.
Disposal of Contaminated Materials Regulated waste includes: any blood or OPIM items caked with blood or OPIM contaminated sharps contaminated items that could release blood or OPIM
Disposal of Contaminated Materials Filled Sharps containers must also be disposed of in medical waste boxes. The Central Storage Area (CSA) for Biohazard Waste is in Keiss Hall 216.
Exposure Incident Wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. Use non-abrasive antibacterial soap if possible. If blood is splashed in the eye or any mucous membrane, flush the affected area with running water for at least 15 minutes. Report all accidents involving blood or bodily fluids immediately to your supervisor and to the Environmental Safety Officer (ESO)
Post-exposure Evaluation Document the route of exposure and the circumstances of the exposure incident Identify and document the source individual if possible Test the source individual s blood for HBV, HCV and HIV as soon as consent is obtained
Post-exposure Evaluation Collect the injured person s blood (with consent) as soon as possible and test it. Administer post exposure prophylaxes, when medically indicated, as recommended by the US Public Health Service Provide counseling Evaluate reported illnesses
Recordkeeping Medical records include: Hepatitis B vaccination status Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up results Training records include: Training dates Contents of the training Signature of trainer and trainee Reports remain in your file for the length of employment plus 30 years
In Summary BBPs are microorganisms present in blood or OPIMs that can cause diseases, including AIDS and Hepatitis.
In Summary To protect yourself from exposure to these disease agents: obtain the free Hepatitis B vaccination series from your employer follow Universal Precautions treat all human blood, tissue and body fluids as infected
In Summary If you experience a needle stick, sharps injury or any other exposure to blood or OPIM: immediately stop what you are doing wash contaminated skin with soap and water flush contaminated eyes for 15 minutes report exposure to your supervisor seek medical treatment and follow-up
Education is the KEY For questions, concerns, or PPE requests, please contact the Environmental Safety Officer Gwynedd Mercy University, x21489