Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms found in human blood that can cause disease in humans, the primary infections associated with bloodborne pathogens being HIV, HBV, and HCV. In the context of cleaning, the lack of proper training for employees increases the risk of infection dramatically. Which can cause severe disease and possibly even death.

OSHA regulations, when followed properly, ensures the minimal risk of infection for employees who are handling potentially infectious bodily fluids and SHARPS. In the context of cleaning services, the education of employees is a crucial part to OSHA procedure and lays the groundwork for safe practice while cleaning.

Some of these procedures that are implemented to minimize the spread of bloodborne pathogens include universal precautions, PPE, and proper disposal of SHARPS. Universal precautions minimize risk of infection by training employees to treat all bodily fluids as potentially infectious. Employees are to be trained to use PPE properly to protect themselves and their peers from disease by minimizing contact with bodily fluids. Educating employees on the proper handling of SHARPS prevents them from being exposed to infection through cuts or punctures of the skin while disposing of SHARPS. These procedures are just some of the many important precaution's employees must be aware of while cleaning in a potentially infectious environment to protect both the cleaning staff and the community as a whole.