The CDC reported that approximately 5.6 million healthcare and janitorial service workers are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms that are transmitted by blood. HIV, HVB, HCV (and many others) are bloodborne pathogens. These diseases are transmitted through infected body fluids that enter the bloodstream of an uninfected person. Many of these bloodborne pathogens can cause serious long term health problems or even death. 

The most common ways of transmission for bloodborne pathogens are needlesticks, cuts, bites from humans, and mucous membranes. For example, if you are taking out the trash and come in contact with a dirty or used needle, you may come in contact with a bloodborne pathogen. Or you may need to mop up bodily fluids, and splashes can come in contact with your mucous membranes or contaminate a small tear in your skin. Any cleaning job where you come in contact with blood or other body fluids puts you at risk for spreading bloodborne pathogens. It is important to always assume that all body fluids you come into contact with are contaminated. This is called universal precautions and will help prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens by ensuring all proper precautions are taken every time there is a risk. 

It is necessary to know how to clean body fluids, what PPE to wear when cleaning body fluids, and how to properly dispose of body fluids. Gloves, goggles and possibly a face mask or gown are essential for your own protection from contamination. Hand washing after an exposure is also an important protective measures. Any contaminated waste must be labeled and disposed of separately, for example in different colored waste bags, typically red or orange.