Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 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 employees were exposed to Increased risk of contracting Hepatitis B or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or other blood borne diseases: a) Funeral Directors/Morticians working in the Prep Room on or about 12/29/88 were exposed to the hazard of being infected by Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and/or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) through possible direct contact with unsterilized and infected cannulars, tubes and needles which were in direct contact with blood or other body fluids. Such exposure could result in the onset of clinical symptoms of acute Hepatitis B, annorexia, abdominal pain, jaundice, and the potential for becoming a chronic carrier of the Hepatitis B and or Human Immunodeficiency Virus. One feasible and useful abatement method for reducing this hazard, among others is: 1) Standard sterilization and disinfection procedures for embalming equipment contaminated with blood or other body fluids, as outlined in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines: June 24, 1988, Vol. 37, No. 24.