Bloodborne Pathogens can affect all of us. Everyone in a commercial facility should be made aware of the dangers associated with bloodborne pathogens and how to react when they come in contact with them.
Exposure to some pathogens in the blood can cause you to become seriously ill or even die. Hundreds of medical facilities employ health care workers that could be exposed to these disease causing component in human blood on a daily basis. Being employed at any facility that employs a lot of people could also be risky. Taking the necessary and common sense precautions can prevent illness and death due to bloodborne pathogens in commercial facilities.
Many people do not know that bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that are in infected blood. There are a few deadly infections that can be caused form exposure to these microorganisms. You can get them in your blood stream through mucous membranes. Serious diseases can be transmitted through an open cut you have on your body.
If you work around a lot of human blood, your chances are obviously higher for contracting one of many of the disease caused from these pathogens. HIV, Human Immunodeficiency virus is one and can lead to AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency virus. Hepatitis B is another one while hepatitis c is as well. These are all diseases that carry no cure and only hepatitis B has a prevention measure in the form of a vaccine.
Following the rules and regulations in a medical facility is vital in remaining healthy and those around as well. You should make sure to always wear gloves. Doubled gloves might be a good idea if you have an injury on your hands that could allow for an infection to get in. If you work directly around blood, follow the OSHA guidelines to the letter to remain safe.
A lot of people like to donate plasma and blood. While there are preliminary tests that check for these kinds of viruses, you can never tell when someone might get through on a mistake in test results or paperwork. It is always best to wear the face shields required by OSHA when you are placing a butterfly needle apparatus into someones arm. Squirting blood is very possible with these and that blood will most likely towards the direction of your face.
Being safe at other commercial facilities is important as well. Be careful when you use restrooms, especially the women. Bloodborne pathogens from used menstrual products can cause you to be infected. Placing a paper towel over the faucet when turning on and off is a good habit to get into. Always make sure no droplets of blood are on the seats of the toilets also.
Those that work at washing the laundry of other people should take precautions against these microorganisms also. Many people will have mucous, blood, and other bodily fluids left behind on their dirty clothing. All it takes is a little contact in the right place and you are going to be infected. Check with your local health department about acquiring the OSHA guidelines for laundry workers.
Prevention is the best way to stay healthy. The prevention of diseases from bloodborne pathogens in a commercial facilities is done through following the rules set into place by OSHA and using your common sense about hygiene and cleanliness.
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