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Bloodborne
Pathogens training in the workplace. This workshop teaches participants
ways to recognize, control and deal effectively with Bloodborne Pathogens
in the workplace.
This training will
assist in fulfilling management's obligations to ensure workers are trained
and are competent to deal with Blood-borne Pathogens. Help limit and prevent occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials in the workplace that could result in transmission of bloodborne pathogens causing disease or death.
Participants will
gain an understanding of how to reduce that risk of accidental exposures
which result from the lack of knowledge of proper procedures and policies
for Bloodborne Pathogens.
Course Content:
- Introduction
to Blood-borne Pathogens, including Hepatitis B and HIV
- Review of
the Hepatitis B Vaccine procedures
- Highlight
ways for Workplace Transmission can happen
- Legislated
requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Universal
Precautions
- Methods for
Preventing Infection
- Control strategies:
- Engineering
Controls,
- Workplace
Controls, and
- Personal
Protection Equipment
- Housekeeping
measures
- Post-Exposure
Evaluation
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What does the words Bloodborne Pathogens mean?
Blood-borne pathogens means - disease-causing microorganisms that are present in human blood. These pathogens include but are not limited to, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
What are some of the things that cause exposure to other people?
- Injections
- Care of lacerations, abrasions, open wounds
- Dressing changes
- Suture removal
- Gynecological procedures
- Throat culture tests
What are some of the occupations that are exposed to this?
- Student health services nurses
- Nursing faculty
- Security
- Athletic trainers
- Housekeeping
- Maintenance/grounds
- Industrial workers
- Police
- Fire
- Ambulance Attendant
We have outlined some basic procedures when handling needles.
Needle Safety Procedures & Guidelines:
- Needles, scalpel blades and other sharp instruments- you should consider these as potentially infectious and workers should handle them with extreme care in order to prevent accidental injuries.
- Workers should place disposable needles and syringes, scalpel blades, and other sharp items in puncture resistant containers located in the area that they use them.. Employees should avoid overfilling the containers because this could cause an accidental needlestick
- Recapping A Needle - You should not recap needles by hand or purposely bend, break, or remove them from disposable syringes or otherwise manipulate them by hand.
- Safe Recapping Needle Procedures
When recapping a needle is considered necessary, develop safe approaches which employees can follow. They should never move an exposed needle tip towards their unprotected hand.
Recapping can be done safely when the employee lays the cap on a flat surface and scoops it onto the tip of a syringe held in one hand. The worker must keep the free hand away from the sheath and well behind the exposed needle.
Several devices are available for recapping needles safely. Some devices permit single-handed recapping by parking a needle cap on a flat surface. Other devices are designed to protect the hand that holds the cap during two-handed recapping procedures. As of yet, most products have not received independent testing and the two-handed recapping process remains a cause for concern. Recapping devices require further investigation. They may provide a practical solution for situations where recapping is considered necessary, but still should be used with caution.
An effective system for disposing of used needles is crucial in preventing needlestick injuries. Having disposal containers readily available can greatly reduce the concern for recapping needles. Workers should place needles in wide-mouth, puncture-proof containers. Always locate disposal containers specifically where the needles are being used to make safe disposal possible without recapping. Remember to always replace containers before they are completely filled. Make sure they are sealed, collected, and disposed of in accordance with local regulations for biomedical waste.
Employees should always report every incident in which they find needles left at the bedside or thrown into the regular garbage.
Where Are Our Workshops Held?
Our
certification training is done in the Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Toronto, Markham
Ontario and surrounding areas.
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Thursday May 8, 2008 |