Prevent disease transmission through blood borne pathogens by avoiding direct contact with blood. Infectious diseases from bacteria and viruses are transmitted when an infected person's blood or bodily fluids enter another person's body through cuts, the eyes, nose or mouth. The primary diseases of concern when working with blood are hepatitis B, hepatitis C and the human immunodeficiency virus, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control. Universal precautions to prevent the transmission of blood borne pathogens include using aprons, gowns, protective eyewear and masks.
Step 1
Keep a first aid kit handy and stocked with protective materials including face shields, gloves, sterile dressings and a biohazard-labeled bag.
Step 2
Wear protective barriers when caring for a conscious and unconscious victim, especially if he has open wounds.
Step 3
Cover cuts, scrapes, skin conditions or sores when caring for a victim or cleaning up her blood.
Step 4
Avoid touching objects that may have blood on them and do not touch personal items until after washing hands with soap and water.
Step 5
Clean up an area with spilled blood using paper towels or any absorbent material. Mix a solution of 1.5 cups of liquid chlorine bleach and a gallon of clean water. Pour the solution over the affected area, completely saturating it for 10 minutes.
Step 6
Place all the materials used to clean up the spill in a container or bag labeled as biohazard material, according to the American Red Cross.
Step 7
Wash hands vigorously for a minimum of 15 seconds using soap and warm, running water, including under the fingernails. Rinse hands under running water and completely dry hands with a paper towel. Turn off the water with a paper towel.
Things You'll Need
- Disposable gloves
- Face shields
- Sterile bandages
- Sterile dressings
- Paper towels
- Biohazard bag or container
- Water
- Chlorine bleach
- Gallon container
- Measuring cup
- Soap
References
- Centers for Disease Control: Universal Precautions
- "First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community"; American Red Cross; 2006
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