General Safety Practice Review

All employers are responsible for offering site-specific training to their employees to ensure that employees are aware of the hazards present at their jobsite and how to protect themselves from possible exposure. These following safety practices can help reduce the risk of exposure:

• Apply proper labels to containers of regulated waste; refrigerators and freezers containing blood or other potentially infectious material; and other containers used to store, transport, or ship blood or other potentially infectious materials.
• Always wear PPE in exposure situations, replace PPE that is torn or punctured, and remove PPE before leaving the work area.
• Remove clothing that is contaminated with blood as soon as possible, and place clothing in approved and labeled bags or containers.
• Wash hands or other exposed skin thoroughly immediately following an exposure incident.
• Never eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics, or handle contact lenses in areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of exposure.
• Thoroughly decontaminate and sterilize all surfaces, tools, equipment, and other objects that come in contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
• Dispose of needles in labeled sharps containers.
• Report all suspected exposure incidents.

To learn more about Bloodborne Pathogens visit our Bloodborne Pathogens Safety Online Training web page.