It is essential to maintaining a safe and clean environment that cleaning staff are educated on bloodborne pathogens. OSHA estimates that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens It is important that cleaning employees and staff know how to combat these pathogens.. Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to: hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlesticks and other abrasions/open cuts/wounds may expose workers to blood borne pathogens. You never know what disease someone may have so when exposed to human blood or bodily fluids its best to treat everything as if it is infectious. 

It is important to use appropriate cleaning materials for blood borne pathogens and to use proper equipment. PPE should always be worn to avoid and reduce risk of infection from bloodborne pathogens. A written exposure control plan should be written out and discussed/updated annually. If an exposure is to occur, a record must be kept of the incident for three years. But having planned out procedures on how to recognize and contain hazards we can efficiently protect ourselves while eliminating and disposing of contaminated materials.

Universal precautions should be taken when cleaning bloodborne pathogens; labeling or color-coding is sufficient enough to let all employees know that compliance with the Universal Precautions is required. Proper labeling is required if contained pathogens are being transported to another disposal service/facility. All personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies/tools must be disinfected after cleaning bloodborne pathogens.