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BLOODBORNEPATHOGENS <br /> 1. Bloodborne pathogens Exposure Can Cause Serious.Diseases: <br /> Healthcare employees may be exposed to blood and other infectious <br /> body fluids or materials that could transmit bloodborde pathogens. These <br /> microorganisms can cause diseases, including HIV, which causes AIDS and <br /> Hepatitis B and C, which can damage the liver. <br /> 2. OSHA Requires Employers to Identify and Prevent Hazards: <br /> • Employers must help protect employees with: PPE and other <br /> equipment that reduces exposure risks <br /> • Biohazard warning labels and signs on containers that could <br /> hold contaminated materials <br /> • Offer free hepatitis B vaccinations to employees likely to be <br /> exposed to the virus <br /> • Training to understand bloodborne pathogen hazards and ways <br /> to prevent exposure <br /> 3 Practice Universal Precautions to Prevent Exposure: <br /> • Treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious in any <br /> situation with exposure risk, from patient care to handling <br /> waste <br /> 4. The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act: <br /> • Prevent needlesticks, don't recap, or.handle'contauunated <br /> sharps. <br /> • Place all used sharps in identified biohazard containers <br /> 5. Use PPE to Protect Against Exposure: <br /> • Wear gloves to perform tasks where hands may contact blood <br /> or contaminated items <br /> • Change gloves when they're contaminated and after-each <br /> patient or procedure <br />