BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS - LESSON ELEVEN

What Do I Do If I Think I've Been Exposed to Bloodborne Pathogens?

Act quickly. Stay calm.

Remember, your risk for infection from contact with bloodborne pathogens is small. On the other hand, you must treat every exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials as an opportunity for infection.

In cases of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, follow these guidelines:

Don't panic

Stay calm and follow procedures for washing affected areas and reporting exposure.

Wash exposed skin

• Use plenty of warm water. Avoid hot water. Avoid cold water.
• Wet affected area before applying soap.
• Use antibacterial soap.
• Lather well and spread the lather.
• Scrub for at least 15 seconds.
• Pay particular attention to fingernails and area between fingers.
• Rinse thoroughly with plenty of warm water.
• Dry completely.
• Use a clean disposable towel to turn off the faucet. This helps you avoid recontamination.

Flush mucous membranes

Report and Follow Up.

To learn the Belton ISD policy for reporting and following up, go to Lesson 12.

Check Up

In this lesson you learned that:

• Continue Universal Precautions even as much as possible in an emergency
• Use warm water when you wash your hands
• Use antibacterial soap, lather thoroughly, and scrub affected areas for at least 15 seconds