Blood-borne pathogen training is an essential part of workplace safety for cleaning employees and janitorial staff. According to OSHA’s blood-borne pathogen standard, employees may reasonably be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious smear materials must receive appropriate training to understand the risk and protect themselves. Blood-borne pathogens are microorganisms found in human blood that can cause disease diseases like, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immune deficiencies. Cleaning employees like myself main counter these hazards when handling contaminated waste, weight, cleaning, restrooms, removing bodily fluids, or responding to accidental spills. Having the knowledge to clean up these fluids correctly is extremely important.

Proper training teaches cleaning employees how to prevent exposure by following universal precautions. Using appropriate personal protective equipment, and practicing safe cleaning and disposal procedures. Employees should treat all human blood and potentially infectious materials as though they may contain harmful pathogens. Wearing disposable gloves, using appropriate disinfectant, washing hands, thoroughly, improperly disposing of contaminated materials, and designating containers are extremely important steps in preventing workplace exposure. OSHA requires employees to provide appropriate training and necessary, protective equipment to employees who job duties may expose them to blood-borne pathogens.

another important part of blood-borne pathogen training is understanding what to do when an exposure incident occurs. If an employee experiences getting struck by a needle, blood-borne contact with broken skin, or exposure to the eyes or mouth, they should immediately wash the affected area or flush the exposed area with water and report the incident to their supervisor. Quick medical attention and appropriate follow up care are important. Employers must maintain exposure control plan when required by OSHA and provide access to appropriate post exposure evaluation and follow up care. All employees should know their workplace emergency plan. In the end, blood-borne pathogen, education, protects cleaning, employees, coworkers, the public, and customers. OSHA training helps employees stay informed and respond appropriately to hazardous situations.