Bloodborne Pathogens Overview
Bloodborne pathogens (BBP) are microorganisms in blood or body fluids that can cause disease. The primary pathogens of concern are HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV). Construction workers may encounter blood at accident scenes or in first aid scenarios. All blood must be treated as potentially infectious.
Universal Precautions
Universal precautions means treating ALL blood and certain body fluids as infectious, regardless of the person's health status. At a minimum, wear: nitrile gloves, eye protection if splash risk, and face mask if respiratory splash risk. Never reach into a space where sharps may be present without eye protection.
First Aid Response
If you must provide first aid: don gloves first, use barrier devices for CPR, avoid direct contact with blood. After exposure: wash area with soap and water for 15 minutes, flush eyes with clean water for 15 minutes, report immediately to supervisor, seek medical attention within 2 hours (source testing and prophylaxis are time-sensitive).
Post-Exposure Procedure
Immediately report any exposure to your supervisor. LEO's exposure control plan provides for: source individual testing (with consent), medical evaluation, post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (within 72 hours), and Hepatitis B vaccination follow-up. All exposures are documented. Vaccination records are kept on file.
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