Staying Safe with Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Bloodborne pathogens are serious business.  Many diseases come from the blood.  People who work in an environment where there is the potential for blood should get bloodborne pathogens training.  Some diseases that are spread by blood are HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.  These three diseases have no cure and can be fatal.  In some cases it is many years before a person ever exhibits symptoms to these diseases.  If they don't know they have it you certainly won't know either.  It is best to be safe around all blood.  Even blood that is donated could have bloodborne pathogens.

Certain people work around blood.  Healthcare personnel, law enforcement officers and fire departments work near blood.  Even tattoo artists have to deal with blood while they work.  People of the public should actually get bloodborne pathogens training.  You never know when you may have to help someone with a bleeding wound.

What does bloodborne pathogens training teach you?  It teaches you how to be safe when you are around someone else's blood.  Healthcare personnel often have to give injections, start IVs and draw blood.  There is the possibility of needlesticks.  With training for bloodborne pathogens you will learn how to safely dispose of needles and sticks.  Something else that training covers is that protective gear should always be used.  Some of the protective gear that someone should use are latex gloves and protective eye gear.  You will even learn what you should do in the case of contamination.  

If you get someone's blood in an open wound or are accidently pricked by a needle you should make sure the site is well cleaned.  You should use soap and water immediately on the affected area.  You should get tested to make sure you have not contracted any diseases.  Have the person that is in question tested as well.  It is a rare thing to contract a bloodborne disease through minor contact, but it does happen.  You should practice safe sex and refrain from donating blood until you get the results of your blood work.  

You can get bloodborne pathogens training online and the course is very inexpensive.  You should take the course regardless of who you are or what you do for a living.  The internet is full of training courses that meet OSHA guidelines.  Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA requires employers of healthcare workers be given the class on bloodborne pathogens.

If you have already taken bloodborne pathogens training it certainly doesn't hurt to take another class in it.  People tend to grow complacent and when working around blood you should never allow yourself to become complacent.  You should always be on your toes.  Taking bloodborne pathogens training can prevent complacency.  It certainly will not hurt to take a class again.  HIV, HCV and HBV are contagious and can be deadly.  Do everything in your power to stay safe and to keep others safe.  You hear about needlesticks quite often.  It is something that can happen to anyone.  You can lessen the risk by knowing how to treat and dispose of used needles.

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