Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: BLOODBORNE

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational safety and Health Act of 1970: the employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that health care workers such as cleaning service personnel, conducting janitorial service in the medical lab and dental care areas are exposed to the hazard of being infected by the HBV through possible direct contact with blood or other body fluids because a training and instruction program had not been implemented. One feasible and useful abatement method for reducing this hazard is to provide training and instruction in the following: a) Transmittal information, risk factors for employees, Universal Orecaution concepts, and other related information on contamination and protection. b) The proper use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, uniform, etc. Changing gloves when torn and replacing clothing if they become soiled. Washing the skin surface thoroughly immediately after contact with fluids. Gloves must be of appropriate material such as latex or intact vinyl, etc.; general purpose utility (rubber) gloves may be decontaminated and reused. c) The proper handling and disposal procedure of trash bags. For example, materials within these bags must be treated with the Universal Precautions concept. Training and instruction can be best accomplished through an IC (Infections Control) program which is usually provided by the medical facility but it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure protection of their employees through training and instruction. Monitoring of areas such as proper work practices, updating training procedures, documentation and other related methods are necessary.