bloodborne pathogens training

Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Are you aware that only about half of all people infected with a bloodborne illness will show symptoms?  This means that much of your workforce could be affected and you may not even be aware.  Bloodborne Pathogens Training is critical to protect the health of your employees and their families.  Every day that employees remain untrained, is a gamble with their well-being and the safety of others they come in physical contact with.  Bloodborne Pathogens Training provides your employees with the proper skillset to protect and prevent the spreading of bloodborne illness as well as eliminating your risk for OSHA fines and possible litigation.

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. As an employer, Bloodborne Pathogens Training is essential to properly equip your employees with what to do in the event of a serious emergency such as a needle stick or blood spill.

Since 2009, our training professionals have successfully instructed thousands of training classes.  We will deliver an interactive and fast-paced training experience and make completing the training course easy.  Our training professionals will also travel to bring our Bloodborne Pathogens Training to you and rent a conference room for your class if needed.  We also have our own training center in Cincinnati, OH.

By utilizing our training professionals to provide Bloodborne Pathogens Training to your staff, you will reduce or eliminate the risks of occupational exposure to bloodborne illness. With our Bloodborne Pathogens Training, you can have peace of mind knowing that your employees have the knowledge and skill set to work safely in the event of a needle-stick or blood spill.  You are taking essential first steps in ensuring the overall health and safety of your entire workforce as well as keeping your company in compliance and away from OSHA fines.  Why take the risk?  We have what it takes to protect your most valued asset, your people.  Dial 877-209-9648 or email sales@pasafety.com to find out more.

Is Bloodborne Pathogens training required by law?

Yes. OSHA requires that employers train and provide protective measures to any workers who could be occupationally exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials because of their job.  This includes but is not limited to jobs in education, the healthcare field and construction work.

How long is my bloodborne pathogens certification good for?

Bloodborne pathogens certifications are good for one year from the date of certification.  It must be renewed annually.

What is Bloodborne Pathogens Training?

Bloodborne Pathogens Training takes about one hour to complete.  This course covers such topics as background information on bloodborne pathogens, methods in which infection can occur, illnesses caused by bloodborne pathogens, worker protection and recordkeeping.      

How do I know if I need Bloodborne Pathogens training?

You are likely to need Bloodborne Pathogens training if you could be occupationally exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials because of your job.  This includes but is not limited to working in education, the healthcare field, construction, custodial workers, police and other emergency responders, hospitality (think: maintenance and housekeeping services), laboratory work, etc.

How do I know if I’m at risk for bloodborne pathogen exposure?

If you could be occupationally exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials like laundry, disposing of or handling sharps that may be contaminated, handling specimens, etc. because of your job, you are at risk for exposure.  This includes but is not limited to working in education, the healthcare field, construction, custodial workers, police and other emergency responders, hospitality (think: maintenance and housekeeping services), laboratory work, etc.

How do I know if I have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens?

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in blood that can be transmitted by way of an open cut or wound on the body, eyes, mouth or nose.  The pathogens include, but are not limited to, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.  Diseases caused by exposure to bloodborne pathogens may take years to show symptoms, which is why it is so important to follow preventative measures for exposure risks and to keep consistent and vigilant visits to your physician.  Always relay your history of exposure to bloodborne pathogens to your doctor and take note of any new symptoms that arise over time.

What should I do if I think I have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens?

If you have been stuck by a need or other sharp object or get blood or other potentially infectious materials in your eyes, nose, mouth or on broken skin, immediately flood the exposed area with water and clean any wound with soap and water or a skin disinfectant if available.  Report this immediately to your employer and seek immediate medical attention (Source: OSHA).

It is possible to be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and to not show symptoms of that exposure right away.  It is of utmost importance to schedule regular visits with your primary care physician to discuss next steps and some simple tests to evaluate your health standing.  Always mention your bloodborne pathogens exposure risk and history to your doctor during your visit.

Can a one-time exposure to bloodborne pathogens be harmful? How much bloodborne pathogen exposure is harmful?

Yes. Just one needlestick or one precisely-landing blood splatter can transmit infectious pathogens into your bloodstream.  No amount of exposure is deemed “safe”.

Can I spread my own exposure from bloodborne pathogens to my family?

Bloodborne Pathogens can be transmitted when blood or body fluid from an infected person enters another person’s body via needle-sticks, human bites, cuts, abrasions, or through mucous membranes.  Semen, vaginal secretions and saliva in dental procedures are considered potentially infected body fluids/anything with blood is potentially infectious.  The Hepatitis B virus can live up to a week on a dried environmental surface. (Source: OSHA)

How can I prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens?

The best way to prevent exposure is by getting educated in our Bloodborne Pathogens Training Course on preventative methods of exposure and by following occupational safety measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

For more information on BBP and First-Aid please check out the following articles: 

Bloodborne Pathogens
The Dangers of Bloodborne Pathogens