Acquiring a thorough understanding of what are blood-borne pathogens are important to both cleaning employees and other staff. Further to that, understanding how these pathogens are transmitted and how they are treated, controlled and cleaned are critically necessary for both cleaning employees and staff alike. For both cleaning employees and other staff of any organization, preventative reaction requires a PACT response. PACT is an acronym for:
Protect self, Act immediately, Clean the area, Tell your supervisor. The importance for both cleaners and other staff knowing about blood-borne pathogens have implications for them and the wider society.
For cleaning employees understanding that the risk of blood-borne pathogens are present, not just in hospitals and health centers, but wherever blood are spilled helps in taking the necessary actions to protect themselves and other stakeholders . Cleaners must know the correct procedures/methods to clean areas/sites that are contaminated with blood. This knowledge is vital for the protection of all that might potentially come into contact or operate within the site or workplace. Professional training in this regard lays the foundation that assists in the execution of an exposure control plan. While a contaminated site might look clean at face value, knowledge of the proper procedure to thoroughly clean contaminated areas, must first be acquired by the front-line employees directly involved where bloods may exists (nurses, doctors, healthcare workers ect), cleaners that are responsible for cleaning contaminated areas and other member of staff. Prevention of blood-borne diseases (HBV, HIV) are everyone's business.
In addition to understanding the proper procedures and protocols for cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting contaminated areas, it is vitally important that cleaning staff know what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are needed to protect against blood-borne pathogens and how those PPEs protect against the threat of being infected. Additionally, the knowledge of how contaminated materials should be handled, how they are disposed and in what bins they are safely contained is critical. Improper handling of potentially contaminated material poses serious risks to cleaners. Further to all that are mentioned here, cleaning staff must also know what chemicals should be applied to effectively disinfect, sanitize and decontaminate a contaminated site and how those chemicals should be used, their potential risks when come into contact with eyes or induced. Cleaning staff must also know what to do if exposed to blood-borne pathogens.
Staff having a general knowledge of blood-borne pathogens is vital for many obvious reasons. Staff are able to protect themselves by following universal protection approaches. In addition, staff can also better assist in the protection of the workplace through knowledge transfer and can also spot incorrect procedures by cleaning employees and vice versa.
Conclusively, due to the potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and the dire consequences if exposed, it is in the best interest for both cleaning employees and other staff to KNOW what are the measures to take to help minimize the potential risks and what to do if compromised. OSHA 29: CFR: 1910 : 1030 stipulates what exposure prevention control measures should be adapted to protect staff in the event of exposure. Cleaning employees and staff will also be able to contribute to the organizations Exposure Control Plan. Safety is everyone's business. Knowing and application is the best defense against any potential hazard.