Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols can protect you from bloodborne diseases such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV.
Always wear gloves when coming into contact with blood or bodily fluids to prevent infection. Even minor skin issues, such as cuts, chapping, or hangnails, can provide entry points for viruses.
Gowns: Shield skin and clothing.
Masks: Protect the mouth and nose.
Goggles: Guard the eyes from splashes.
Face Shields: Provide full-face protection, including eyes, nose, and mouth.
Important: Dispose of gloves and other PPE properly after use, and always wash your hands thoroughly.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Blood or Bodily Fluids
Wear Gloves and PPE: Protect your hands and other exposed areas before cleaning.
Absorb Fluids: Use disposable paper towels to soak up blood or fluids.
Disinfect Surfaces: Apply a disinfecting solution—1 part bleach to 10 parts water—to clean affected areas.
Clean Equipment: Disinfect mops and cleaning tools after use.
Dispose of Contaminated Waste: Place contaminated materials in sealed, color-coded, or labeled leak-proof containers. Double-bag contaminated waste before disposal.
Remove PPE Properly: Discard gloves and other equipment immediately after use.
Wash Hands Thoroughly: Use soap and water after cleanup.
What to Do If Exposed to Blood or Body Fluids
Skin Exposure: Wash the area with non-abrasive soap and water.
Eye Exposure: Flush eyes with running water for at least 5 minutes.
Needle Stick or Puncture Wounds: Wash the area with soap and water or apply hydrogen peroxide. Seek medical attention immediately.
Follow Workplace Guidelines: Know your employer’s procedures for reporting exposures.
Contact the Designated Person: Report the incident immediately for proper evaluation and documentation.
Seek Medical Evaluation: Follow up on any required testing, treatment, or vaccinations.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Vaccination
Employers may provide the HBV vaccination free of charge based on job responsibilities.
The vaccine protects against HBV and is administered in a series of three shots:
By following these guidelines, using PPE effectively, and adhering to standard safety practices, you can create a safer work environment and minimize the risk of infection.
Always wear gloves when coming into contact with blood or bodily fluids to prevent infection. Even minor skin issues, such as cuts, chapping, or hangnails, can provide entry points for viruses.
Gowns: Shield skin and clothing.
Masks: Protect the mouth and nose.
Goggles: Guard the eyes from splashes.
Face Shields: Provide full-face protection, including eyes, nose, and mouth.
Important: Dispose of gloves and other PPE properly after use, and always wash your hands thoroughly.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Blood or Bodily Fluids
Wear Gloves and PPE: Protect your hands and other exposed areas before cleaning.
Absorb Fluids: Use disposable paper towels to soak up blood or fluids.
Disinfect Surfaces: Apply a disinfecting solution—1 part bleach to 10 parts water—to clean affected areas.
Clean Equipment: Disinfect mops and cleaning tools after use.
Dispose of Contaminated Waste: Place contaminated materials in sealed, color-coded, or labeled leak-proof containers. Double-bag contaminated waste before disposal.
Remove PPE Properly: Discard gloves and other equipment immediately after use.
Wash Hands Thoroughly: Use soap and water after cleanup.
What to Do If Exposed to Blood or Body Fluids
Skin Exposure: Wash the area with non-abrasive soap and water.
Eye Exposure: Flush eyes with running water for at least 5 minutes.
Needle Stick or Puncture Wounds: Wash the area with soap and water or apply hydrogen peroxide. Seek medical attention immediately.
Open Wounds or Bites: Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water or hydrogen peroxide. Seek medical care right away.
If you experience an unprotected exposure:
If you experience an unprotected exposure:
Follow Workplace Guidelines: Know your employer’s procedures for reporting exposures.
Contact the Designated Person: Report the incident immediately for proper evaluation and documentation.
Seek Medical Evaluation: Follow up on any required testing, treatment, or vaccinations.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Vaccination
Employers may provide the HBV vaccination free of charge based on job responsibilities.
The vaccine protects against HBV and is administered in a series of three shots:
- First dose.
- Second dose after one month.
- Final dose after six months.
By following these guidelines, using PPE effectively, and adhering to standard safety practices, you can create a safer work environment and minimize the risk of infection.
