Bloodborne Pathogens

The following are some precautions that can be used to limited your risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Safety Precautions

• Make sure to use personal protection equipment (PPE).
• Make sure PPE fits properly.
• Check PPE for flaws or damage.
• Remove and dispose of PPE before leaving work area.

Gloves

• Cover cuts before wearing gloves.
• Use single-use, disposable gloves.
• Change gloves after touching body fluids.
• If a glove tears or becomes contaminated, remove and discard.
• When removing gloves, never touch the outside.
• Wash hands after removing gloves.

Mask

• Wear masks along with eye protection to protect from splatters.

Gown

• Wear gowns to protect clothing or skin from exposure.

Cap and Shoe Covers

• Wear when large amounts of blood are anticipated.

Emergency respiratory devices and pocket masks

• Wear when resuscitating someone to isolate from body fluids.
• Keep them where most needed (ie., with first aid kits).