Safety Training

What is the purpose of the OSHAs bloodborne pathogens final standard?

The purpose is to limit on-the-

job exposure to blood and

potentially infectious materials

which could result in

transmission of bloodborne

pathogens.

What waste is considered potentially infectious?

Any waste that is potentially

contaminated with blood or

another unrecognizable

body fluid.

What body fluids are typically included as potentially

infectious?Body fluids defined by OSHA’s bloodborne pathogen standard include:

• Blood

• Semen

• Vaginal secretions

• Saliva

Contaminated w/blood

Any body fluid contaminated w/blood

Other body fluids considered potentially infectious

• Cerebrospinal

• Peritoneal

• Synovial

• Amniotic

• Pericardial

• Pleural

What if the bodily fluid is unrecognizable?

If you are uncertain

what a body fluid is,

you should consider it

as potentially

infectious.

Certain precautions should be taken when handling regulated medical waste

Wash your hands

• Each time you handle regulated medical waste

Wear appropriate PPE

• Always wear gloves and safety shoes at a minimum

• When appropriate wear gowns, masks and/or safety glasses

What are the packing groups and what danger do they pose?

• I - Great Danger

• II - Medium Danger

• III - Minor Danger

Regulated medical waste is in packing group II, so it poses a medium danger.

PPE recommendations

Jobs/Tasks Safety Shoes

Face Shields

Safety Glasses

Hearing Protection

Hard Hat Respirator

High Visibility

VestGloves Arm

Protection

Material handler X X X X X X

Diver from transporter X X X X

Equipment operator X X X X X X

Spill clean up team X X X X X X X X X

Sharps require special handling

A sharp is an object that is contaminated with a pathogen or that may become contaminated with a pathogen through handling or during transportation. A sharp is also capable of cutting or penetrating skin or packaging materials. Sharps can include needles, syringes, scalpels, broken glass, culture slides, culture dishes, broken capillary tubes, broken rigid plastic, and exposed ends of dental wires.

Sharps must in sharps containers and securely closed to ensure containment.

• Once the lid is secured, the container is put into the regulated medical waste packaging for disposal and treatment.

• The proper packaging of sharps ensures that those who handle the containers are protected from exposure to potential bloodborne pathogens.

Storing regulated medical waste

• It is important to properly contain regulated

medical waste and to restrict access to the

material.

• Regulated medical waste should be stored in areas

that restrict and limit access.

• The storage areas should be properly marked to

identify the hazard.

Loading regulated medical waste

• It is important to ensure no containers are leaking.

• Containers should be properly marked and

labeled.

• A specific count should be taken.

• The waste should be stacked in a manner which

ensures it can be secured for transport without

falling.

Transporting regulated medical waste

• Shipping papers should be confirmed when

picking up regulated medical waste for

transport.

• Loads should be secured to prevent spills.

• Loads should be contained and secured.

• In between stops, waste access should be

restricted and load doors secured.

• Drivers should stay on assigned routes.

Unloading regulated medical waste

• All containers should be visually inspected prior to

handling to ensure proper packaging.

• Mechanical tools such as hand trucks should be

utilized to minimize exposure.

• Personal protective equipment should be worn.

Summary

Any waste that is potentially contaminated with

blood or another unrecognizable body fluid can be

considered regulated medical waste.

When handling regulated medical waste, it should

always be handled as potentially infectious.