Environmental Health and Safety

Bloodborne Pathogen General Precautions

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From OSHA Publication Number 3127

• Wear appropriate protective body coverings (such as gowns, show covers, gloves, masks and goggles) when occupational exposure to potentially infectious material is anticipated.
  
  
• Take extreme caution to avoid accidental wounds from sharp instruments contaminated with potentially infectious materials (PIM). Place used sharp instrument in a liquid-proof, puncture-resistant container.
  
  
• Always use mechanical means such as tongs, forceps or a brush and dust pan to pick up contaminated broken glassware; never pick up with hands even if gloves are worn.
  
  
• Wear gloves when handling blood specimens, blood-soiled items, body fluids, excretions and secretions, as well as surfaces, materials and objects exposed to them. Replace gloves if torn, punctures, contaminated or their ability to function as a barrier is compromised.
  
  
• Wear appropriate eye protection when splashes, sprays, spatter or droplets of blood or PIM pose a hazard to the eyes.
  
  
• Wash hands after removing gown and gloves and before leaving the room of a contaminated site. Hands should also be washed thoroughly and immediately if they become contaminated with potentially infectious materials. Use an antiseptic hand cleanser or towelette when soap and water are not immediately available. Wash hands with soap and water as soon as feasible.
  
  
• Promptly clean up spills of blood and other PIM. The type and characteristics of the appropriate cleaning solution will depend upon the task and degree of exposure anticipated.
  
  
• Clean and decontaminate all equipment and work surfaces that have been contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
  
  
• Place articles soiled with blood and/or body fluids in the provided disposal bag.
  
  
• An accident or spill that results in an exposure should be immediately reported to a supervisor.

Suggested Content for Spill Kit
for Protection Against Bloodborne Pathogens

• Red biohazard bags
  
  
• Generator labels
  
  
• Biohazard stickers
  
  
• Bleach (diluted to 10‰)
  
  
• Gloves (latex, nitrile, or rubber, all sizes)
  
  
• Protective clothing (gown or coat, booties)
  
  
• Eye protection (mask, face shield, goggles)
  
  
• Brush and dustpan, tongs, forceps
  
  
• Hand sanitizing gel and antimicrobial towelettes
  
  
• Germicidal disposable wipes (for small spills)
  
  
• Absorbent blankets, pads or rags
  
  
• Liquid-proof, puncture-resistant container for sharps
  
  
• Blood coagulant (powder form for easier clean-up of large spills)
  
  
• Exposure Report Form

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