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BloodBorne Pathogens (BBP) refer to a variety of diseases transmitted through exposure to blood or other bodily fluids including saliva, mucous, and vomit. HIOSH 12-205 Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and Federal OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030 became effective June 1992.
The purpose of the standard is to limit exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials since any exposure could result in transmission of bloodborne pathogens which could lead to disease or death.
Primarily, this regulation covers employees who could reasonably expect contact with blood or other potentially infectious material. It also stipulates identifying any potential exposure by amount of risk. Although the standard is directed toward hospital workers, EMT first responders, fire, police, etc., it is not limited in scope to those occupations. The key is "reasonably expect", which could include first aid responders, particularly where a first aid responder may be the only medical attention available due to isolation.
Definitions
Infectious materials include blood, bodily fluids and secretions or
other tissue. The most common bloodborne pathogens are Hepatitis B Virus,
HBV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV, and Tuberculosis, TB.
Hepatitis is a liver disease that is often transmitted through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. It has been spreading throughout the U.S. since the mid-1980's, although it appears to have reached a plateau. HBV is very resilient and can remain active in the environment for as long as two weeks. Therefore, even dried blood should be treated with extreme caution. Once a carrier of HBV, you are far more susceptible to serious liver diseases. There is a preventative vaccine as well as a post exposure vaccine available for HBV.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the newest major bloodborne disease, only apparently becoming a recognized health factor in the last twenty years or so. HIV is also spreading rapidly; moreover, it may not be evident until years after exposure. In most cases, HIV ultimately leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, AIDS, for which there is no known cure. Aids eventually destroys the body's immune system to the point where it can no longer fight other diseases, and the victim succumbs to an ailment such as pneumonia. Unlike hepatitis, however, HIV does not last very long after environmental exposure, but never-the-less, all bodily fluids should be handled with extreme caution.
Tuberculosis was believed to have been eradicated from the environment in the 1970's, but has made a dramatic comeback in recent years, in the U.S. as well as other areas. TB is not only transmitted through bodily fluids, it can be contracted through the air from coughs and sneezes. Unhealthy people are more likely to contract TB, hence a good preventative measure is maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Exposure Control
The likelihood of exposure to blood and bodily fluids during the course
of work at CFHT is very remote. However, due to the isolation of the summit
facilities, the attendance to first aid is possible. On the other
hand, if medical assistance is readily available, first aid response may
be considered a "Good Samaritan" act, which is not considered as occupational
exposure.
CFHT will provide the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, mouthpieces, and resuscitator bags, and will see that PPE is maintained and kept in a sanitary condition on a regularly scheduled basis.
Always assume a victim is infected and take precautions as instructed while administering first aid:
Training will be made available to the employees on an annual basis.
Training records must be kept for three years and include date, contents
of training, trainer's name and qualifications, names and job title of
attendees.
Post-Exposure Evaluation
Should an exposure incident occur whereby an individual has had probable
contact with blood or bodily fluids, the company must make available to
the employee a medical follow-up, by an accredited lab, at no cost to the
employee. The follow-up includes a confidential medical evaluation documenting
the circumstances of exposure, identifying and testing the source individual
if possible, testing the employees blood if they consent, post- exposure
prophylaxis, counseling, and evaluation of reported illnesses.
Medical records must be kept for the duration of the exposed employee's employment, plus 30 years. Records must be kept confidential and include name, social security number, hepatitis vaccination status, examination results, medical testing, and follow-up. Medical records must be made available to the employee, or designee, OSHA and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), but they are not available to the employer.
First Aid Checklist
CPR Checklist
After Administering First aid / CPR
