Online Bloodborne Pathogens Class | Workplace Exposures

Learning Goals:

In this section, you will learn what bloodborne pathogens are and how they can enter the body. It is important to know this to prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens and minimize the risk of becoming sick for yourself and others.

Why do you need to know about Bloodborne Pathogens?

In your field of work, you may come across blood or materials that contain blood, such as vomit, saliva, or sneeze droplets. Blood may also be found on non-living objects such as needles or other medical equipment. In this course, you will learn how to prevent exposure, and how to minimize the risks of becoming sick in the event of exposure.

Your workplace has a more specific exposure control plan. Ask your employer or supervisor about the exposure control plan for your workplace. The plan should include the following information:

• ● List of all job classifications that have a high chance for exposure to blood.
• ● List of all procedures in which occupational exposure may occur and that are performed by employees in specific job classifications.
• ● Rules to protect employees.
• ● Rules for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B research labs and production facilities.
• ● Vaccination, post-exposure evaluation and follow-up for Hepatitis B.
• ● Hazards for employees
• ● Recordkeeping
• ● Procedure for reviewing what happened during exposure incidents

It's important to know what to do in case of an accidental exposure. If your workplace does not have an exposure control plan, you can simply follow the guidelines in this class as much as possible. It's also important to document all workplace exposures. You can use these guidelines for an exposure outside of the workplace as well.