Limiting Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens is Critical

At ASI Waste, we go to great lengths to keep our clients’ facilities OSHA compliant ultimately for the purposes of keeping those who work in those facilities safe at all times. The only way to mitigate risk in order to ensure a safe environment is through clear and thorough training and complete adoption on behalf of facilities and their workers. Transmission of bloodborne pathogens is serious stuff. The purpose of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is to limit on-the-job exposure to blood and potentially infectious materials which could result in transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

What body fluids are typically included as potentially infectious? First of all,  any waste that is potentially contaminated with blood or another unrecognizable body fluid should be considered potentially infectious.
Body fluids that are specifically defined by OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard include Blood,  Semen, Vaginal secretions and Saliva. However, other body fluids contaminated with blood must also be considered to be potentially infectious. These fluids include:  Cerebrospinal, Peritoneal, Synovial, Amniotic, Pericardial and Pleural fluids.

It is highly critical the facilities and workers take the appropriate precautions when handling regulated medical waste so as to limit risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

• Wash your hands each time you handle regulated medical waste
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
• Always wear gloves and safety shoes at a minimum
• When appropriate wear gowns, masks and/or safety glasses

If your facility needs the assistance of of the ASI Waste team of med waste professionals, please do not hesitate to contact our offices.