“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

In other words, it is better to stop something bad from happening than it is to deal with it after it has happened.

As janitorial professionals, we have a duty to prevent the spread of infection and to also protect ourselves in the process.  The best way to do that is through education of the Bloodborne Policies and Procedures.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is our last line of defense.

In order to protect employees from Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP), it is important to create a BBP Exposure Control Plan and implement policies and procedures for them to follow.  The BBP should be reviewed annually and updated as required.

Bloodborne Pathogens are microorganisms that may be present in human blood and cause disease such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.  There are also other potentially infectious materials which include other body fluids, human tissues and cultures.  Since we are not certain of the infection status, we should assume that all materials are infectious and MUST follow Universal Precautions.

The presence of known biohazards must be communicated via warning signs and labels, as well as color coded containers.  The potential of occupational transmission includes puncture injuries such as needlesticks, scalpels, breaks in the skin or exposure via mucous membranes (ie. Eyes, nose or mouth)

In the event of exposure involving BBP, one should immediately implement the Post Exposure Protocol.