Bloodborne Pathogens Lesson 3 Flashcards

Exposure Reduction Strategies

• Four main strategies: engineering controls, work practice controls, personal protective equipment, universal precautions.

Engineering Controls

• Definition: Devices that isolate or remove bloodborne pathogens from the workplace.
• Examples: Needle-less IVs, self-sheathing needles, eye wash stations, hand-washing facilities, sharps containers, biohazard labels.

Sharps

• Definition: Any device that may accidentally penetrate the skin.
• Most threatening item: Hollow bore needles.
• Safety measures: Needle-less systems, shields, retractable needles, sharps disposal containers.
• Common examples: Needles, syringes, scissors, scalpels, disposable razors.

Warning Labels

• Required display locations:
  • Waste containers for contaminated materials.
  • Containers for transporting, shipping, or storing blood or OPIM.
  • Contaminated equipment and laundry bags for contaminated clothing.
  • Refrigerators/freezers for blood or OPIM.
  • Entrances of areas containing infectious materials.

Work Practice Controls

• Definition: Controls that reduce the risk of exposure by changing how tasks are performed.
• Key practices: Hand hygiene, decontamination, safe handling of sharps, waste handling/disposal, laundry protocols, and work area restrictions.

Hand-Washing Guidelines

• Wash exposed skin with antibacterial soap, treat scabs/sores gently, and cover all surfaces.
• Wash hands immediately after removing gloves and PPE.

Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs

• Recommended for healthcare settings due to ease of use.
• More effective at reducing bacterial counts compared to soap and water alone.

Decontamination

• Definition: Use physical or chemical means to eliminate or inactivate bloodborne pathogens on surfaces or items.

Sterilization

• Definition: Chemical or physical process to destroy all microbial life.

Decontamination and Sterilization Guidelines

• Sterilize all reusable sharps and decontaminate work surfaces.
• Disinfect personal items like jewelry and nail brushes.
• Use tools like tongs or dustpans for cleanup of broken materials.

Sharps Handling Guidelines

• Dispose of sharps in designated containers without recapping or bending needles.
• Entire needle system must be discarded properly.

Contaminated Laundry Protocol

• Remove contaminated clothing and place it in a designated bag for approved laundry facilities.

Regulated Waste Definition

• Includes blood or OPIM in semi-liquid form, items that might release blood if compressed, dried blood items, contaminated sharps, and lab specimens.

Work Area Restrictions

• No smoking or eating in work areas handling blood/OPIM.
• Avoid handling personal items like cosmetics or food/drinks in such areas.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Definition: Barriers to protect from blood and OPIM.
• Examples: Gloves, aprons/jumpsuits, goggles, face masks, caps, booties.

Glove Guidelines

• Ensure gloves are intact and not used with petroleum-based lotions.
• Carefully remove and properly dispose of contaminated gloves.

Improvising PPE

• In emergencies, use plastic bags, sheets, or towels to handle potentially contaminated materials.

Universal Precautions

• A principle that treats all blood and OPIM as if they are contaminated.

Body Substance Isolation

• An approach setting all body fluids and substances as infectious.

Standard Precautions

• Guidelines for handling blood and OPIM applicable to all patients, regardless of infection status.

Emergency Procedures for Exposure

• Actions include flushing eyes for 20 minutes, washing exposed skin, reporting the incident, and seeking medical care.

Employer Responsibilities Post-Exposure Report

• Identify/document the source, obtain testing consent from the source, inform employees of test results, arrange necessary testing, counseling, and medical care.

Exposure Control Plan

• OSHA requires this plan to prevent bloodborne pathogen exposure.
• Must include training positions, engineering/work practice controls, PPE specifications, universal precautions, and vaccination opportunities.

Reporting Exposure Incidents

• Required details: date/time, job title, location, activity performed, related training, engineering controls, preventative practices, and PPE used.

Access to Exposure Control Plan

• Employees have continuous access to the Exposure Control Plan.

Test your knowledge of bloodborne and airborne pathogens with these flashcards from Lesson 3. This quiz covers crucial strategies to reduce exposure and examples of engineering controls. Perfect for students and professionals in health-related fields.