Preventing Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

Biohazards Infectious Disease Prevention
English (NZ)

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

  • Report any presence of blood, body fluids, or sharps immediately

  • Do not handle blood or fluids unless trained

  • Attend BBP training and follow correct clean-up procedures

Employer Responsibilities

  • Provide adequate PPE and training on BBP exposure

  • Ensure proper biohazard disposal and sharps containers are available

  • Maintain an effective system for reporting incidents involving BBPs

  • 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 WorkSafe NZ guidelines, we protect ourselves and those around us. Thank you for prioritising health and safety.

Standards Overview

Under WorkSafe New Zealand’s 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 Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), ensuring workers are protected from biological hazards in the workplace.

Disclaimer

These toolbox talks are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, health and safety, or regulatory advice.

The content reflects recognised best practices and general industry standards as at the date of publication. However, it may not be applicable to all workplace environments or specific operational contexts.

It is the responsibility of the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), as well as officers, workers, and other duty holders under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and WorkSafe New Zealand guidance.

The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use or reliance on the information provided. Users should seek advice from a suitably qualified health and safety professional or legal advisor for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.

Always follow your organisation’s policies, procedures, and safe work practices to manage risks and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

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Last Updated:
May 12, 2025