A standard referred to as the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard (BBP) requires that any employee handling situations with blood exposure and potential pathogenic materials, also known as other potentially infectious materials(OPIM), undergo training and certification.
This applies to first aid providers, employees, and health experts that are tasked with the duty of handling injuries in the workplace.
BBP training should be taken at least once a year; or when there is a change in responsibility that exposes an employee to blood or OPIMs.
OSHA has made it a requirement that the training for BBP be presented to trainees according to their level of education, and the language they understand. The person conducting the training should also be a trained professional.
It is a requirement by OSHA
The Osha Bloodborne Pathogens Training Online understanding and have the capability to explain the concept to anyone.
The BBP standard comprises training on handling blood and OPIMs and is grouped into various sections namely: exposure control, definitions, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus, compliance techniques, Hepatitis B virus laboratories and research facilities, post-exposure assessment and follow-up, hepatitis B vaccination, and informing employees of the hazard.
Everything Your Bloodborne Pathogen Should Training Should Entail
So what should a complete bloodborne pathogen course entail? Let’s take an in-depth look:
Identification of blood-related diseases and pathogens
The human body can act as a host to a wide variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Examples of such pathogens include HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B, and C.
Training on BBP helps diagnose such dangerous pathogens by conducting blood testing experiments. It is important to undergo training since these are highly infectious pathogens that require extra care while handling them.
Understanding the transmission of bloodborne pathogens
Pathogens in the blood can be transmitted from one host to another in a wide variety of ways.
For instance, if an infected person bleeds and a non-infected individual comes into contact with the blood without using protection, he/she is at a high risk of infection.
Sharing sharp objects with the infected and exposure to the mucous membrane could also put the non-infected at a high risk of infection.
BBP training equips trainees with the knowledge about the different infection routes and pathogen exposure at the workplace.
Integrating an Office Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan
Having an exposure control plan for employees is vital for any workplace. The procedure entails information such as:
A list of the tasks and duties that could potentially expose employees to pathogens or blood.
Methods of giving vaccinations for hepatitis, post-exposure analysis and follow up
A manual of how various personal protective equipment work and informative description of precautions in the workplace and different housekeeping processes.
The vital skill set for HIV and HBV research
Methods of communication of hazards to employees.
An exposure handling plan for the workplace.
Knowledge of occupational exposure and exposure incident.
As previously stated, the BBP standard is for workers that could be potentially exposed to BBPs or OPIMs while working, meaning that the employees’ duties could entail handling the blood or pathogenic material.
This is what occupational exposure means.
An exposure incident is different from occupational exposure in that it means that an employee has been exposed to the OPIM or BBP while working on unrelated material.
For instance, an employee gets a blood sputter on the skin from an external source.
Training equips one with the skills to handle such scenarios calmly.
List your exposure control practices
You can curb the problem of exposure by incorporating simple procedures such as:
Universal precautions
Immunizations
Cleaning and disinfecting tools and equipment
Wearing PPE
Personal hygiene and Handwashing
Labeling containers
Proper disposal of waste
Use needle-less tools, puncture-resistant vessels, and other safety devices to maintain an appropriate practice of healthcare
Educate employees on Emergency Response practices
In case of an emergency in the workplace that involves exposure to OPIMs, blood or BBP, every employee should have a protocol of how to seek assistance and how to respond to the situation at hand in a calm way.
Explain how to use PPE properly
Personal Protective equipment includes eye protection, gloves, masks, gowns, lab coats, resuscitation, etc.
PPE should be compatible with the job or task that you are performing. It is important to match the correct PPE with the potential areas of exposure.
Proper PPEs should fit the individual wearing it. Training provides you with the skills on how to properly remove the PPE and explains decontamination procedures.
