By Marisa DiBiaso, Project Assistant

A bloodborne pathogen is a virus that can be transmitted by contact with bodily fluids. A puncture from a nail or a cut from the sharp blade of a plow can put workers at risk of contracting a bloodborne pathogen. Viruses can live on objects putting workers at risk. Understanding safety precautions and knowing what to do can reduce the risk of workers becoming infected with a bloodborne pathogen.

There are many types of bloodborne pathogens. The most dangerous are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). HIV is generally spread through sexual contact, but it can also be contracted through blood and other bodily fluids. In accidents, contact with blood could result in transmission of viruses. Blood can carry a virus that could cause infection through an open cut or inflamed skin. Often the person infected doesn’t know they are infected, since it can be years before they become symptomatic. Eventually HIV may lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) which attacks the immune system and makes it makes it difficult for the body to fight diseases. There is no known cure or vaccine for HIV.

HBV and HCV are spread through contact of infected bodily fluids. Like HIV, people can carry HBV and HCV passing it to others, without becoming symptomatic or only mildly sick. However, some infected with HBV and HCV develop severe complications, including cancer and liver problems. These viruses spread 100 times easier than HIV, and can live in dried blood for up to 45 days. This means that if an infected person cut him/herself on an infected saw blade, a co-worker could become infected over a month later. There is no cure for HBV but there is a vaccine and may be covered by health insurance. There is no vaccine for HCV.

When dealing with potentially infected areas, take these precautions:

• Immediately wash with soap and water any body part that is believed to have come in contact with a contaminated.
• Don’t pick up glass with bare hands.
• Wearing gloves does not guarantee protection. Infection can spread if the glove touches the mouth, eyes, nose, inflamed skin or open wound
• Keep food and drinks away from areas that could be infectious.
• Tell a supervisor when someone is cut or an object is suspected of contamination.
• Dispose of contaminated objects by putting them in a special biohazard-labeled receptacle, or
• Disinfect surfaces, wearing latex gloves, with a disinfectant such as bleach.
• Create an "Exposure Control Plan" to inform workers of the risks of bloodborne pathogens.

The Exposure Control Plan should

• Include a list of duties that could lead to a higher risk of infection
• Explain the procedures to follow if someone has been exposed to a contaminated object
• Identify locations where workers can wash their faces or hands in case of an emergency
• Remind workers to use safety equipment when appropriate, which may include gloves, safety glasses and masks
• Identify where receptacles are for contaminated objects
• Give instructions on how to dispose of contaminated objects properly

Carelessness can lead to transmission of a dangerous virus. Report incidents of exposure to supervisors. Reports should include when and where the incident occurred, whose bodily fluids the worker came in contact with, and information if consent was given to be tested for HIV. Report all accidents, no matter how small the possibility of infection seems.

Following simple precautions can reduce the risk of contracting a bloodborne pathogen. Treat all bodily fluids and potentially infected objects as contaminated. Know the risks of infection and safety equipment available. Learn what actions you to take in case of exposure. Not being informed about these precautions and procedures can have dangerous effects.

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