What are bloodborne pathogens?
Pathogens are microorganisms that cause diseases. Bloodborne pathogens, then, refer to viruses or bacteria found in human blood as well as body fluids that infect other humans. Most famous among these is the dreaded Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)—the virus that results in AIDS. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HBC) are also other examples of a bloodborne pathogen, says the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.
How Do You Protect Yourself?
Preventive measures can include the following practices at work:
- If anyone has spilled blood or body fluids at work, treat those biomaterials as though they were infectious. Better safe than sorry, after all.
- Washing one’s hands properly with soap is one of the best preventive measures at any workplace. With clean hands, you keep bacteria and germs from spreading everywhere.
- Keep gloves handy. If you have to handle any bio waste or biomaterials, it’s best to have the proper gear in order to keep yourself safe from possible infection. Don’t forget to use masks, gowns, as well as protective eye cover and shoe covers to make sure you keep the infection from spreading.
- Be careful with what you touch. Germs live in contamination objects or surfaces so makes you clean your surroundings regularly.
- Cook and store food carefully. Germs can usually live on food and untreated water. So be careful how you prepare or keep fruits or a particular dish. Otherwise, you could end up consuming contaminated food.
- Use a face mask. If people are sick, make sure you’re protected with a mask in case they sneeze or cough, spreading pathogens right in the air.
- Be careful with bites. If you’ve been bitten, make sure the animal doesn’t carry any infectious diseases. Keep your distance so you won’t be bitten in the first place.
Conclusion
So follow these tips if you want a workplace that’s safe from bloodborne pathogens. Given the risks they carry, it’s only right that you take every precaution possible.
