Bloodborne Pathogens Overview and Control Measures

Questions and Answers

What are bloodborne pathogens primarily described as?

Infectious microorganisms found in human blood. (correct)

Bacteria that are always harmless to humans.

Only viruses that can cause disease in animals.

Microorganisms that originate outside the body.

Which of the following is NOT considered a bloodborne pathogen?

Influenza virus (IV) (correct)

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)

What is the primary purpose of an exposure control plan?

To provide medical treatments for employees.

To outline employee protection measures against bloodborne pathogens. (correct)

To describe workplace hazards unrelated to bloodborne pathogens.

To establish the minimum salary for healthcare workers.

Which of the following methods is NOT considered an engineering control?

Implementation of standard operating procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is the greatest concern regarding bloodborne pathogens for healthcare workers?

Exposure to pathogens most likely present in body fluids. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT typically a part of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?

Ebola treatment protocols Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is at the greatest risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens?

Healthcare workers in direct contact with patients. Signup and view all the answers

Why are engineering controls considered the primary means of exposure reduction?

They actively eliminate or minimize exposure risks. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bloodborne Pathogens Overview

Infectious microorganisms in human blood that can lead to diseases.
Common bloodborne pathogens include:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Risk of Exposure

Workers may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens through needlesticks and sharps-related injuries.
Occupations at risk include:
- First responders
- Healthcare personnel (nurses, doctors)
- Housekeeping staff in specific industries

Control Measures for Exposure

Employers must implement an exposure control plan to mitigate risks in the workplace.
Key components of the exposure control plan include:
- Engineering controls (e.g., safer medical devices)
- Work practice controls
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Employee training
- Medical surveillance and hepatitis B vaccinations

Engineering Controls

Primary means to minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Examples include:
- Needleless devices
- Shielded needle devices
- Plastic capillary tubes

Standard Precautions

Essential for protecting healthcare workers from exposure.
All blood and body fluids are treated as potentially infectious.
Standard precautions apply to:
- Blood
- Body fluids (excluding sweat)
- Secretions and excretions
- Non-intact skin
- Mucous membranes

Ebola Virus Precautions

Healthcare workers face greater risk of exposure to the Ebola virus compared to other professions.
OSHA provides specific guidelines for protecting workers against Ebola exposure.

Components of OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Exposure Control Plan
Preventive measures, including Hepatitis B vaccination and adherence to standard precautions.
Methods of control encompass:
- Engineering and work practice controls
- Utilization of personal protective equipment
- Proper housekeeping protocols
- Effective labeling of hazardous materials

Incident Response

Clear protocols are established for actions if exposure to bloodborne pathogens occurs.

Description

This quiz provides an overview of bloodborne pathogens, including infectious microorganisms found in human blood like HBV, HCV, and HIV. It highlights the risks of exposure for certain occupations and emphasizes the importance of an exposure control plan. Learn about essential control measures, including engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE).