Bloodborne Pathogens
Though modern technology and science are fighting illness and disease-related deaths better than ever before, too many people die from an invisible enemy that can be stopped.
Bloodborne pathogens are disease-carrying micro-organisms that exist in blood or what medical experts refer to as other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). When referring to BBP’s, “blood” can be human blood or human blood components. It can also refer to products made from human blood or medications derived from human blood (such as immune globulins). More commonly, bloodborne pathogens (BBP’s) are broken into several categories, such as a bacteria or a virus. They cause diseases such as syphilis, malaria, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Though many of us are becoming more familiar with the diseases BBP’s carry, we are not fully aware of what BBP’s are or how they are transmitted.
Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens
The human skin is a protective layer against many infectious organisms; however, many BBP’s still manage to get through this barrier. These deadly killers are transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or OPIM. OPIM could be any number of materials, such as semen, vaginal secretions, saliva (with blood present) or any number of bodily fluids and tissues. BBP’s find their way into our system through open sores or cuts, acne or even just damaged skin. They can also go through mucous membranes, such as the nose or mouth. Many BBP’s are transmitted through sexual activity, as well.
It does not require much to get a large quantity of BBPs into the human system. Just one milliliter of blood can contain anywhere from 10 to 50 BBP particles. However, without a microscope, we cannot always detect BBPs. HIV, for example has no visible signs. It is transmitted through sexual activities, sharing needles or syringes and can also be passed from an infected mother to her child. Other diseases, such as HBV and HCV, are a little easier to discover. However, like HIV, there is no way to fully cure the body of HBV or HCV. There are a series of vaccinations that doctors can perform to build up the body’s immune system to the virus, but doctors have found no cure.
SafetyArc.com understands the risk and danger many employees experience by performing necessary tasks in environments conducive to transmitting these invisible killers. However, SafetyArc.com also knows that many preventative measures can be taken to prevent tragedy from striking. That is why SafetyArc.com has developed training courses for employees to greatly decrease the risk of BBP contraction.
Bloodborne Pathogens Training
SafetyArc.com offers online, interactive courses available specifically for companies seeking to better train their employees in the disease awareness and prevention. SafetyArc.com offers affordable, time-effective training that reach these objectives. The course lasts only 11 minutes and involves the employee through video, audio and learning extras. Assessments are also included to ensure the material is not only learned, but also retained. These courses can be taken anywhere where an Internet connection is available. Click here to learn more about SafetyArc.com’s online Bloodborne Pathogens training course.