Welcome back to the Accountable Bloodborne Pathogens training series. In our first video, we explored what bloodborne pathogens are and why they matter. Now we'll dive deeper into prevention, how your workplace uses specific strategies to protect you from exposure. Prevention begins with a clear plan. OSHA requires every organization to have an exposure control plan or ECP.
This vital document details how your facility minimizes the risks associated with blood borne pathogens. An ECP identifies specific roles at risk and outlines the protective measures implemented to prevent exposure.
It's reviewed and updated annually to incorporate new safety practices and technologies. Remember, your input matters. Frontline health care workers like you provide valuable insights to improve safety measures. OSHA requires your organization to involve you when reviewing and updating the ECP.
Effective prevention uses what's known as the hierarchy of controls, engineering, work practice, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment, or PPE. Let's break these down. Engineering controls are physical devices or systems designed to isolate or remove hazards. Examples include safety needles, sharps disposal containers, and needleless IV systems.
Next are work practice controls, safer methods of performing tasks. And these include never recapping needles by hand, immediately disposing of used sharps and cleaning contaminated surfaces promptly. Administrative controls are policies or procedures aimed at reducing exposure risks. Examples include scheduling adjustments to minimize exposure, clear labeling of biohazard materials, and ongoing training sessions.
And don't forget, universal precautions are fundamental.
Always treat blood and bodily fluids as infectious. This mindset helps you consistently apply these controls, ensuring your safety and that of your patients. Another critical preventative measure is the Hepatitis B vaccine.
OSHA mandates that this vaccine be available at no cost to all employees with exposure risk. The vaccine is highly effective, safe, and provided within ten days of starting your job. If you initially decline, you can choose to receive it later. It's a simple step that dramatically reduces your risk of infection.
These prevention strategies apply to everyone: clinical staff, housekeeping teams, first responders, and more. Consistent application of these measures across various roles and settings creates a safer workplace for everyone. Now, let's put your knowledge to the test. Which control should you use first?
Engineering, work practice, administrative, or PPE?
Exactly. Always start with engineering controls followed by safer work practices and administrative measures, with PPE as your final line of defense. Today, you learned about your facility's exposure control plan and the hierarchy of controls used to keep you safe. You've also seen how these strategies apply across different roles and settings.
Remember, prevention isn't just policy, it's your daily practice. In our next video, we'll dive into using personal protective equipment effectively and adopting safe work habits. Stay protected, stay informed and stay accountable. You've now completed part two of Accountable's Bloodborne Pathogens training. When you're ready, proceed to the next video.
