Vomit & Bloodborne Pathogens

Blood carries pathogens.

Blood and vomit are concerning for the person doing the bleeding and vomiting. Very few people think of the risks that they may be put in when exposed to the blood and vomit. However, there are blood- and vomit-borne pathogens that can sicken people. Knowing how to protect yourself from the pathogens is essential to the safe handling of the fluids.

Pathogens

"Pathogen" is a medical term to describe the microorganisms that are present in the body's fluids, states the University of Illinois Division of Research Safety. These microorganisms can be either bacteria or viruses and can sicken a person. Examples of pathogens include HIV, hepatitis A, B and C, as well as syphilis and malaria. These conditions can be transmitted through contact with a person's blood, either through damaged skin or punctured skin.

Determining Risk

If you are in any way placed in a situation where you may be encounter contact with vomit or blood, you are at risk for a pathogen. This can come in the form of a co-worker injuring herself or becoming sick suddenly, or in your day-to-day handling of materials. It does not matter whether you are given methods for protecting yourself when determining your risk factors.

Protective Clothing

If you are at risk for contracting a pathogen through your daily life or employment, wearing protective clothing may decrease your risk factors of getting sick. These articles of clothing depend upon your specific risks to the pathogens. If you are at high risk of coming in contact with vomit and blood being slashed onto you, a full suit with gloves and face mask should be worn. If the blood and vomit is stagnant and on a solid surface, gloves will be enough to protect you.

Protective Habits

Make it a habit to treat all blood and vomit as though it may be contaminated with serious pathogens. While not all people will be infected with various diseases, by treating everyone's fluids as though they are, you can prevent getting sick yourself. It is also important to remember that even if a person does not appear to be sick, he may be harboring a dangerous pathogen, and he might not know it. Make it a habit to wash your workspace with a disinfecting agent, to frequently wash your hands and not to touch your face.

OSHA Approach

In December 1991, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration decided that there were enough employees at risk for a blood- or vomit-borne pathogen that a standard for safety had to be created. This standard is known as the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens. This standard requires that all those who have any risk for coming in contact with a pathogen be educated every year as to how to handle the potentially contaminated fluid. In addition to the training, the employee has the right for an employer-paid hepatitis B vaccine.

References

• University of Illinois: Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
• Texas Department of Criminal Justice: Bloodborne Pathogen Training
• National Guidelines: Bloodborne Pathogens