Bloodborne Pathogens means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

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Managing bloodborne pathogens

by Bryan Arnold, CIH, Versar, Inc.

An employee is working on adjusting a damper on the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning System when, unexpectedly, they draw their hand across the edge of the ductwork and cut themselves badly.  An employee receives a needle-stick from a used insulin syringe while emptying the trash.  A retail employee sticks their finger with the tagging gun when placing tags on clothing.

All of these incidents involve potential exposure to bloodborne pathogen hazards …  (Click here for full article.)

     ---- Reprinted from FOCUS, March 2000