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This module:
Will demonstrate that janitors, custodians, and housekeepers may complete many different tasks
Is one in a series of modules that will discuss hazards janitors, custodians, and housekeepers may encounter
Will cover exposure to biological hazards and provide tips for prevention
Module 1 will cover chemical hazards from cleaning products Module 2 will cover physical hazards Module 4 will cover musculoskeletal hazards Module 5 will cover removing graffiti A stand alone module entitled Working Alone in Safety may also be of interest
What is a Pathogen?
PATHOGEN: a microorganism that can cause disease
Four main groups of microorganisms:
Examples
Viruses Bacteria very small, packages of genetic material; need living hosts to reproduce one-celled living organisms; do not need living hosts to reproduce includes yeasts and molds; plants that live by decomposing and absorbing the organic material in which they grow plants or animals that live upon, or within, other living hosts from which they obtain some advantage, like nutrients HIV, influenza E. coli, salmonella
Fungi
Aspergillis, Stachybotris
Parasites
Giardia, trichinella
Viruses Bacteria
Fungi
Parasites
Inhalation
Air
Ingestion
Contact
Bloodborne
Food, water
Infected person coughs or sneezes and spreads the pathogen through the air to others
Infected person doesnt wash hands properly (virus in the feces), handles or prepares food/water and contaminates it
Infected person transmits pathogen through a route that involves blood/mucous membrane/ sexual contact
AIDS
(Note: A person can have co-infections - two or more infections in the body at the same time. For example,a person having HIV/HCV coinfection has both HIV and HCV.)
Exposure Incident
Is a specific contact with blood or other potentially infectious material that is capable of transmitting a bloodborne disease
infected blood at the time of exposure blood involved in the exposure treatment was taken
Preventing exposure to bloodborne pathogens: universal precautions Implement Universal Precautions according to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard:
Treat all blood and other potentially infectious materials with appropriate precautions such as:
Use gloves, masks, and gowns if blood or OPIM exposure is anticipated.
Cleaning
Cleaning and decontamination of affected areas
Determine and implement an appropriate written schedule for cleaning and methods of decontamination. This written schedule must be based on the:
Location within the facility. Type of surfaces to be cleaned. Type of soil present. The tasks or procedures to be performed in the area.
Cleaning
Use appropriate or approved disinfectants as determined by the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/chemregindex.htm
Fresh solutions of diluted household bleach made up every 24 hours are also considered appropriate for disinfection. Contact time for bleach is generally considered to be the time it takes the product to air dry. All equipment and environmental and working surfaces need to be cleaned and decontaminated after contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Cleaning
Cleaning and decontamination of affected areas
All bins, pails, cans, and similar receptacles intended for reuse which may have become contaminated:
cleaned and decontaminated immediately or as soon as feasible upon visible contamination need to be inspected and decontaminated on a regularly scheduled basis and
Reusable sharps containers must not be opened, emptied or cleaned manually or in any other manner that would expose employees to the risk of percutaneous injury.
Laundry Area
Bagging and handling of contaminated laundry, with a minimal amount of agitation, at the location where it was used
Contaminated laundry shall not be sorted or rinsed in the location of use and must be transported to the laundry for decontamination in bags or containers labeled or color-coded
When universal precautions are used in the handling of all soiled laundry alternative labeling or color-coding is sufficient if it permits all employees to recognize the containers as requiring compliance with universal precautions.
Laundry Area
Other Recommended Good Practices: Melt away bags that can be thrown directly into washers without having to unload or remove contaminated laundry from bags. Rinsing soiled laundry in utility rooms is acceptable, if it is not contaminated with blood, OPIM, or does not contain sharps. Do not hold contaminated laundry bags close to the body or squeeze when transporting
Additional Resources
WISHA Bloodborne Pathogens Information and Links Page
http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/AtoZ/BBPathogens/default.a sp http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/index.html
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Information and Links Page National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Bloodborne Pathogens Information and Links Page
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/bbp/
EPA's Registered Antimicrobial Products Effective Against Certain Bloodborne/Body Fluid Pathogens
http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/chemregindex.htm
Additional Resources
WISHA Core Safety Rules (WAC 296-800)
http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/rules/corerules/default.htm (Basic safety and health rules needed by most employers in Washington State)
For additional assistance, you can call one of our consultants. Click below for local L&I office locations:
http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Basics/Assistance/Consultation/consult ants.asp
Thank you for taking the time to learn about safety and health and how to prevent injuries and illnesses.