Bloodborne Pathogens in Healthcare Facilities

Even though some things cannot be seen with the naked eye, they can still cause big risks to you and your wellbeing. Bloodborne pathogens, the disease causing microorganisms found in human blood, certainly fall into this category. Exposure to bloodborne diseases is a serious concern; as a result, OSHA has set specific guidelines and regulations for dealing with bloodborne pathogens in the workplace. While there are a number of pathogens you may encounter, currently, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV are the greatest threats. This course shows how exposure to bloodborne pathogens can occur in the healthcare industry, and it explains how to deal with potential exposure, as well as how to best avoid exposure in the first place.

Certain steps to help avoid exposure are obvious, such as labeling materials that may carry bloodborne pathogens. Others include having an Exposure Control Plan, which should detail how to handle exposure situations, as well as steps to prevent them. Other key ways to help prevent exposure, such as through the use of proper PPE, are also demonstrated through this training video.

Of course, even when proper procedures are followed, accidental exposure may still occur. You must be able to know what to do in these situations, which you will gain through the information presented here. As a health care worker it is important for you to know how to protect yourself and work safely.

   This course is in the Video On Demand format, to read about Video On Demand features click here.

Anyone working in the healthcare industry

• Introduction
• HIV, Hepatitis and Sources of Infection
• The Exposure Control Plan
• Labeling
• Reducing Exposure: Work Practices
• Reducing Exposure: Housekeeping
• Reducing Exposure: Materials and Equipment
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Vaccination
• Accidental Exposure
• Post-Exposure Procedures
• Conclusion

• Bloodborne Pathogens General Awareness
• Bloodborne Pathogens: The Unexpected Hazard
• Bloodborne Pathogens: To The Point