While the risk of exposure to bloodborne diseases in the workplace is low, it is still important to take precautions.
Bloodborne diseases, such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), have influenced safety practices for long-term care (LTC) workers.
Protecting yourself starts with understanding how these diseases spread and following safety guidelines.
Bloodborne Disease: Illness caused by germs spread through contact with blood or bodily fluids (e.g., urine, feces, vomit, semen, vaginal secretions).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Protective items such as gloves, gowns, and masks designed to prevent injury or illness.
Standard Precautions: Practices used to prevent infections from bloodborne diseases by minimizing exposure risks.
Contaminated: Something that has been exposed to blood or bodily fluids and is considered dirty.
Immune System: The body’s defense against infections.
Standard Precautions
Standard Precautions are essential practices to protect you and clients from exposure to bloodborne diseases.
How Germs Enter the Body:
Steps for Protection
Wash Your Hands Frequently: Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use disposable gloves when handling blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated items.
Wear gowns or aprons for added protection during cleanups.
Use masks and goggles to protect the eyes, nose, and mouth when splashes are possible.
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces and Equipment: Regularly disinfect areas that may have been exposed to blood or bodily fluids.
Handle Laundry Safely: Wash contaminated clothing or linens separately and at high temperatures.
Dispose of Contaminated Waste Properly: Use biohazard containers for sharp objects, needles, and contaminated materials.
Treat All Blood and Body Fluids as Infectious: Always assume fluids may carry harmful germs, regardless of the situation.
By consistently following Standard Precautions, you can protect yourself and your clients from infections and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
Bloodborne Disease: Illness caused by germs spread through contact with blood or bodily fluids (e.g., urine, feces, vomit, semen, vaginal secretions).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Protective items such as gloves, gowns, and masks designed to prevent injury or illness.
Standard Precautions: Practices used to prevent infections from bloodborne diseases by minimizing exposure risks.
Contaminated: Something that has been exposed to blood or bodily fluids and is considered dirty.
Immune System: The body’s defense against infections.
Standard Precautions
Standard Precautions are essential practices to protect you and clients from exposure to bloodborne diseases.
How Germs Enter the Body:
- Through open sores, cuts, or abrasions on the skin.
- Contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
Steps for Protection
Wash Your Hands Frequently: Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use disposable gloves when handling blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated items.
Wear gowns or aprons for added protection during cleanups.
Use masks and goggles to protect the eyes, nose, and mouth when splashes are possible.
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces and Equipment: Regularly disinfect areas that may have been exposed to blood or bodily fluids.
Handle Laundry Safely: Wash contaminated clothing or linens separately and at high temperatures.
Dispose of Contaminated Waste Properly: Use biohazard containers for sharp objects, needles, and contaminated materials.
Treat All Blood and Body Fluids as Infectious: Always assume fluids may carry harmful germs, regardless of the situation.
By consistently following Standard Precautions, you can protect yourself and your clients from infections and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
