Understanding the importance of safely identifying, handling and cleaning anything that may contain a bloodborne pathogen is extremely critical for any cleaning service or service provider.  OSHA, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration has developed a specific outline of training for all people working with these types of hazards.  These guidelines help not keep workers safe, but those that are in contact and around these types of hazards as well.

     When considering how to handle these possible hazards, OSHA also recommends companies and/or cleaning service companies develop a plan for handling and training staff how to safely navigate these pathogens.  It is required for employers' to update these plans yearly and to also make them available to all.  Futhermore, employer's are also responsible for covering the cost of HPV vaccinations for any employee that may come in contact with BBPs.

     In closing, as a cleaning service company, we stress the importance of cosidering these risks when consulting with clients.  We also recommend documentation procedures for the safety plan surrounding BBPs.  We believe this is a very necessary service as BPPs can transmit some very serious and potentially lethal pathogens.