The California Department of Industrial Relations published a guideline for reducing bloodborne pathogens exposure, which includes a six-step process to control, isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace.
1. Set up a process. The department uses a systematic approach to identify and select the appropriate engineering controls, guided by committees, subcommittees, working groups, a task force or research group and a lead specialist.
2. Define needs. Priorities are assigned based on the assessment of the risk of exposure from employees’ performance, invasive procedures or using particular devices. The responsible groups or individuals from step one collect and analyze each staff member's occupational exposure and injury information and then assigns priorities for addressing each exposure on a numerical scale.
3. Gather information. The next step is to gather information on currently available engineering controls designed to reduce or eliminate those exposures. Healthcare facilities could request assistance from vendors and pharmacies in collecting information about and selecting engineering controls.
4. Test and select products. Healthcare facilities should use screening criteria to eliminate engineering controls that are ineffective, pose safety issues, have visual obstructions and so on. Only devices that meet an acceptable number of screening criteria should be tested on patients or in product trials. Once all prospective products are screened, they should undergo a testing process where they can be used in a range of typical tasks and procedures. Once the testing process is complete, a final evaluation and selection of products should be made.
5. Use new products. New products can be introduced on a limited basis in a pilot implementation or trial phase. During the trial or pilot period, usage should be closely monitored in case any concerns arise, and employees should be strongly encouraged to report any problems to supervisors. The new products should be implemented efficiently through the appropriate areas in a timely manner, and employees should receive proper and adequate training and education on usage.
6. Conduct follow-up. Follow-up on the new products should occur on an ongoing basis, in which devices and the associated work practices are periodically reevaluated. Follow-up is vital to ensure products are effective at reducing or eliminating occupational exposures and injuries and employees are using them appropriately.
Read more about best practices on reducing bloodborne pathogens (pdf).
Read other coverage about bloodborne pathogens:
- 6 Most Common Misconceptions About Infection Control
- Top 10 Most-Cited Health Services OSHA Standards
- Sample OSHA Standards Employee Checklist
1. Set up a process. The department uses a systematic approach to identify and select the appropriate engineering controls, guided by committees, subcommittees, working groups, a task force or research group and a lead specialist.
2. Define needs. Priorities are assigned based on the assessment of the risk of exposure from employees’ performance, invasive procedures or using particular devices. The responsible groups or individuals from step one collect and analyze each staff member's occupational exposure and injury information and then assigns priorities for addressing each exposure on a numerical scale.
3. Gather information. The next step is to gather information on currently available engineering controls designed to reduce or eliminate those exposures. Healthcare facilities could request assistance from vendors and pharmacies in collecting information about and selecting engineering controls.
4. Test and select products. Healthcare facilities should use screening criteria to eliminate engineering controls that are ineffective, pose safety issues, have visual obstructions and so on. Only devices that meet an acceptable number of screening criteria should be tested on patients or in product trials. Once all prospective products are screened, they should undergo a testing process where they can be used in a range of typical tasks and procedures. Once the testing process is complete, a final evaluation and selection of products should be made.
5. Use new products. New products can be introduced on a limited basis in a pilot implementation or trial phase. During the trial or pilot period, usage should be closely monitored in case any concerns arise, and employees should be strongly encouraged to report any problems to supervisors. The new products should be implemented efficiently through the appropriate areas in a timely manner, and employees should receive proper and adequate training and education on usage.
6. Conduct follow-up. Follow-up on the new products should occur on an ongoing basis, in which devices and the associated work practices are periodically reevaluated. Follow-up is vital to ensure products are effective at reducing or eliminating occupational exposures and injuries and employees are using them appropriately.
Read more about best practices on reducing bloodborne pathogens (pdf).
Read other coverage about bloodborne pathogens:
- 6 Most Common Misconceptions About Infection Control
- Top 10 Most-Cited Health Services OSHA Standards
- Sample OSHA Standards Employee Checklist
