Bloodborne Pathogen Standards are designed to help prevent exposure to potentially infectious materials in the workplace. It is important to understand that specific cleaning products and procedures are required when cleaning areas contaminated with bloodborne pathogens.

Bloodborne pathogens are not limited to hospital settings. They can be present anywhere blood or other potentially infectious materials, such as certain body fluids including saliva or mucus when visibly contaminated with blood, are found. Exposure can occur through mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose, or mouth, or through cuts or breaks in the skin.

Always assume that blood or other potentially infectious materials are contaminated. Follow Universal Precautions at all times by wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), using proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and washing your hands thoroughly after handling contaminated materials or completing cleanup tasks.

Any saturated or contaminated items, including linens, towels, gloves, and other disposable materials, should be placed in properly labeled, color-coded biohazard containers and disposed of according to established procedures. Every cleanup involving blood or other potentially infectious materials should be treated as potentially infectious.

An OSHA Exposure Control Plan must be available at all worksites and reviewed annually by all employees. If an employee experiences an exposure incident, OSHA exposure protocols should be followed immediately. The employee should report the incident, seek medical evaluation from a healthcare provider, and monitor their health as recommended. Employers are responsible for reviewing the Exposure Control Plan with employees to help ensure they understand the procedures that protect them from occupational exposure.