Preventing Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

Biohazards Infectious Disease Prevention
English (Canada)

The Problem

Helping someone in distress is a natural response, but it can expose you to serious health risks if blood or body fluids are involved. Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), can cause severe or life-threatening illness. Even a single exposure to infected blood or body fluids can result in infection. Today, we’ll discuss the hazards, how BBPs are transmitted, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and others.

Identify the Hazards

What Are BBPs?
Viruses or microorganisms found in blood or certain body fluids that can cause serious diseases. Common examples include:

  • Hepatitis B (HBV): Can cause liver damage.
  • Hepatitis C (HCV): May lead to chronic liver disease.
  • HIV: Weakens the immune system and can lead to AIDS.

How Are BBPs Transmitted?
Direct contact with infected blood or body fluids, including:

  • Cerebrospinal, synovial, and amniotic fluids
  • Saliva (in specific medical contexts)
  • Fluids visibly contaminated with blood, such as vomit or semen

Routes of Entry:

  • Non-intact skin (cuts, scrapes, or broken skin)
  • Mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth)
  • Sharp objects (needles, broken glass)

Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

  • Universal Precautions: Treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious, regardless of the person’s symptoms or appearance.
  • Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, masks, and eye protection when handling blood or body fluids.
  • Avoid Direct Contact:
    • Never handle blood, fluids, or contaminated items without appropriate PPE.
    • Do not pick up sharp objects like broken glass or used needles without the right tools or training.
  • Report Blood or Body Fluids Immediately:
    • Notify your supervisor or site manager if blood or body fluids are present.
    • Only trained personnel should manage clean-up.
  • Understand Asymptomatic Carriers: People may carry BBPs without showing symptoms. Always treat fluids as infectious.

    • Real-Life Case or Scenario

    Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

    An employee once helped a coworker with a deep cut but didn’t wear gloves. The helper later found out the injured person carried a bloodborne illness. This incident could have been avoided by using PPE and following universal precautions.

    Employee Responsibilities

    • Use PPE provided when dealing with potential BBP exposure.
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    • Report any presence of blood, body fluids, or sharps immediately.
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    • Do not handle blood or fluids unless trained.
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    • Attend BBP training and follow correct clean-up procedures.

    Employer Responsibilities

    • Provide adequate PPE and training on BBP exposure.
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    • Ensure proper biohazard disposal and sharps containers are available.
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    • Maintain an effective system for reporting incidents involving BBPs.
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    • Train designated personnel in biohazard clean-up procedures.

    Discussion & Questions

    • What measures do you take to avoid BBP exposure?
    • Are there any areas on site where BBP precautions could be improved?

    Encourage team members to share their thoughts and questions.

    Commitment/Action Plan

    Let’s commit to using universal precautions and wearing PPE any time there’s a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids. Starting today, ensure any such incident is reported immediately and clean-up is left to trained personnel.

    Wrap-Up

    Bloodborne pathogens pose real and serious risks. By using PPE, reporting exposures, and following CCOHS guidelines, we protect ourselves and those around us. Thank you for prioritizing health and safety.

    Standards Overview

    Under Canadian workplace health and safety regulations, employers must:

    • Identify and manage exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
    • Provide PPE and training for workers at risk of contact with infectious materials.
    • Establish and maintain effective incident reporting procedures.

    These requirements support the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety framework, ensuring workers are protected from biological hazards in the workplace.

    Disclaimer

    “The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.

    It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.

    Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.

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    Last Updated:
    July 25, 2025