Download Facts about HIV and HBV - Montgomery County Public Schools

Bloodborne Pathogens
For
OSHA Update
What are bloodborne pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are small organisms that may be present in human
blood and can cause disease. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, are the two bloodborne
diseases that occur most frequently.
How are bloodborne diseases transmitted?
These diseases are transmitted when infected blood or other body fluids or
tissues enter your bloodstream through mucous membranes, eyes, or nonintact skin (cuts, nicks, or abrasions). Even minute quantities of material can
transmit HIV or HBV. Objects soiled with blood or body fluids are one source
of infection.
Why must their spread be prevented?
There is a serious risk of worker exposure to bloodborne diseases in
occupations involving contact with human blood and other potentially
infectious materials. Millions of workers in industry, health care, public safety,
and other occupations could potentially be exposed to HIV and HBV.
How is exposure prevented?
Exposure to bloodborne diseases is prevented at work through the practice of universal precautions. This means treating
all human blood and certain body fluids as though known to be infectious for HIV,HBV,and other bloodborne pathogens.
What practices prevent exposure?
The principal types of exposure controls are: *safe work practices *the use of personal protective equipment *certain
housekeeping practices, and *communications.
Can an exposed person be protected from infection?
Quick action is effective if a person has been exposed to potentially infectious materials. Early response can prevent
infection, help track potential sources of infection, and prevent transmission of disease to others.
Facts about HIV and HBV
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus which causes AIDS. This disease affects the body’s immune
system, making the person more susceptible to many other diseases. AIDS is the progressive form of HIV and
is usually fatal. About 1.5 million Americans have been infected with HIV. HIV can be prevented through safe
practices.
HBV (hepatitis B virus) causes viral hepatitis, a serious disease of the liver. People with this disease are more
likely to develop cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, or liver cancer. Some may become chronic carriers. About
280,000 cases of HBV infection occur in the U.S. each year.
While the HIV virus dies soon after it leaves the body, the HBV virus can survive for at least a week on the
outer layer of skin and on such surfaces as counter tops and file cabinets. This makes HBV highly infectious.
Effective vaccines against hepatitis are available. Consult your doctor about immunization if you travel to highrisk areas for hepatitisB, or if you are in contact with hepatitis B patients or carriers.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
Handwashing
Wash your hands with soap and water after removing gloves and after contact with potentially infectious materials. Lather
your hands, rub all surfaces vigorously for at least ten seconds and rinse under a stream of water. Wash other skin areas if
they are splashed with blood.
Handling contaminated sharps
Minimize contact with sharp objects which may be contaminated. Follow instructions for handling needles (do not recap, bend,
or break). Dispose of sharps in prescribed containers. Never handle broken glass with your hands, even if you are wearing
gloves.
Handling contaminated materials
Observe safe practices when handling any objects which may be contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious body
fluids. Follow standard sterilization and disinfection procedures of patient-care equipment.
Food, drink and make-up
Never eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or apply lip balm or make-up when you are working in an enviroment where exposure to
potentially infectious materials is possible. Do not store food or drink in refrigerators or other containers where blood or other
potentially infectious materials are kept.
Personal protective equipement (PPE)
Proper use of PPE (gloves, masks, lab coats, etc.) significantly reduces infection exposure risk. Wear the PPE prescribed for
your job and/or specific task. Remove PPE and dispose in designated container’s before you leave the work area. Replace
PPE if it becomes damaged or is penetrated by infectious materials.
Workplace decontamination
Clean and decontaminate all equipment and surfaces that have been contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious
materials. Clean up spills of such materials promptly with appropriate disinfectants.
Handling laundry
Handle contaminated laundry as little as possible and only while wearing appropriate PPE. Bag wet laundry in leak-proof and
labeled or color-coded containers before transporting. NEVER sort or rinse laundry in area of use.
Waste Management
Place contaminated waste in labled and color-coded containers prescribed for this purpose. Discard according to instructions.
Never manually open, empty, or clean disposal containers used for contaminated sharps.
Labels and Signs
The color red or the biohazard symbol marks containers of contamined wastes and potentially infectious materials. Ask your
supervisor if you are unsure about the labeling, color-coding, or contents of containers in your work area. Pay attention to
signs indicting the presence of contaminated materials.
In Case of Exposure
An exposure incident occurs when your eyes, mouth, mucous membrane or broken skin comes into contact with blood or
other potentially infectious materials. If you believe you may have been exposed to bloodborne disease pathogens at work,
report immediately to your supervisor for the best chance of avoiding infection.
Revised 2016 sb