Bloodborne Pathogens are microorganisms that are present in human blood that can infect and cause disease in persons who are exposed to blood containing the pathogens. Bloodborne diseases have always been a serious concern in the United States. There are many diseases which are spread from blood to blood contact, but the two that are most prevalent and which cause the most problems are Hepatitis B (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Most people think of AIDS when they hear the words 'bloodborne pathogens' but actually infection with Hepatitis B is much more common.
In 1991, because of the increasing spread of these diseases, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) passed the Bloodborne Pathogens regulation. This regulation outlines standards for school systems to follow in order to reduce the risk of contracting bloodborne diseases while on the job. Each school district must develop their own Exposure Control Plan. The plan must outline how exposure will be limited by using Standard Precautions, Engineering Controls, Safe Work Practices, Personal Protective Equipment, and Good Housekeeping Practices. In this Exposure Control Plan they are also required to list the personnel whose job duties expose them to blood and potentially infectious body fluids. Not every school employee is occupationally exposed to bloodborne pathogens, but every school employee must understand the risks of infection and safe practices to minimize that risk. The Exposure Control Plan must also cover implementing a Hepatitis B vaccination program, steps to be taken if an employee is exposed, the use of Biohazard Warning Labels and Signs, setting up and conduction Employee Training and Recordkeeping procedures.
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Blood in this context refers to human blood, its components, or
products made from human blood.
Bloodborne Pathogens refers to microorganisms present in blood which
can cause disease. HBV and HIV can be found in blood, spinal
fluid, synovial (joint) fluid, vaginal secretions, semen,
pericardial (around the heart) fluid, breast milk,
peritoneal(abdominal)fluid, amniotic(around an unborn fetus) fluid,
and pleural (lung) fluid.
Hepatitis
B Virus, which cause inflammation of the liver, has been around the
longest. It is the most prevalent form of Hepatitis and
infects over 300,000 people annually. One of the reasons it
has been a significant threat is that approximately 80% of the
people infected are not aware that they carry the infection.
There are over one million 'carriers' in the United States. The Hepatitis B virus may survive and remain potentially infectious
for up to a week or longer on contaminated surfaces. Some of
the symptoms of HBV may be fatigue, weight loss, fever, or diarrhea.
Some victims might not exhibit any symptoms and be unaware that they
are carrying the virus. Only blood tests can positively
identify the virus. Blood, saliva and other body fluids may be
infected. The virus can be spread to family members, unborn
infants and sexual partners. Fortunately, there is a vaccine
for HBV.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a
more recent threat and is spreading rapidly in the United States.
There are an estimated 800,000 to 900,000 people currently living
with HIV in the U.S. today with approximately 40,000 new cases
reported annually. HIV attacks the white blood cells that play
a key role in the body's immune system. The HIV infection may
develop into AIDS anywhere from 2 to 10 years after exposure. There is no cure for
AIDS. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea and fatigue, flu-like
symptoms that can go unnoticed. The victim can carry the virus
for several years without exhibiting any symptoms. The most
common mode of transmission is through sexual contact, but it can
also be spread by contact with blood and body fluids. It is
not spread through casual contact or working around an infected
person. HIV infects people of all age, sex and race.
Currently there is no vaccine for HIV.
Other Potentially Infectious Materials includes human body fluids, contaminated body materials, unfixed human tissue and organs, HBV and HIV cultures, and infected experimental animals.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against a hazard. General work clothes (e.g., uniforms) not intended to function as protection against a hazard are not considered to be PPE.
HEPATITIS B VACCINATION
Hepatitis B vaccination will be made available to all employees who have a reasonable anticipated exposure to BBPs. This would include school nurses, athletic trainers, custodians, bus drivers, selected special education teachers and staff, child care workers and laundry workers.
METHODS OF TRANSMISSION
Bloodborne pathogens can enter your body through open cuts, abrasions on the skin, dermatitis, acne and the mucous membranes of your mouth, eyes or nose. You can also become infected by cutting yourself with a contaminated sharp object such as broken glass, sharp metal, needles, knives, and exposed ends of orthodontic wires.