Thursday, April 12, 2012

3 Work Spheres That Need Bloodborne Pathogen Training


A very obvious answer to this question would be, those employed with the healthcare industry. But there are a number of other work environments that deal with blood or bodily fluids. People employed at such places could be at a huge risk of contracting the disease or transmitting it to someone else. It could happen accidentally, but one needs to be aware and prevent such situations. The training leaves you with a well-rounded understanding of such transmittable diseases, their vaccines and preventive measures too.
Bloodborne pathogens are micro-organisms present in the blood that could lead to a number of diseases. There are a number of institutes that offer certified courses for the same. People employed in the following kind of work spheres should be trained in bloodborne pathogen training.
• Rescue operators: This includes people who work with the Police, Fire brigade or even lifeguards. They get involved in rescuing people from various situations that may involve blood or bodily fluids. They need to be trained to make sure they don't put themselves in danger of contracting the disease while at work. Bloodborne pathogen training will make them aware of a host of diseases that can spread through bodily fluids. It will also teach them how to handle bodily fluids, the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and steps to take in case they do accidentally touch such fluids.
• Crime scene cleaners: They are entrusted with the job of cleaning up a place where a crime has taken place and bring it back to its original condition. This 'cleaning' is done in a number of ways, sometimes with the help of harsh industrial agents too. Those employed as crime scene cleaners need to be knowledgeable about how to clean these fluids, without coming in contact with them directly. They also need to know the importance of PPE so that none of these fluids touch their skin or splash around their eyes, nose or mouth.
• Child Care facilitators: At a school or a day-care facility, there could be a number of ways that bloodborne pathogens can spread. The school authorities should hire those individuals who have complete knowledge and a certificate stating that they are trained to handle such situations. If you leave your child at a day-care facility, check if the person in charge takes preventive measures to keep such diseases at bay. The last thing you want is your child coming home with a bloodborne disease.
Other occupations such as mining, construction, mechanics or for that matter even in the hospitality sector need the knowledge of bloodborne pathogens. An accident could occur at any of these places and making sure you don't risk anyone to the disease is extremely important.
Most people don't know that there are such diseases that can be contracted through blood. It is part of the employer's duty to be aware of such developments and encourage employees to enroll with such certified courses. Keep track of upgraded trainings or seminars and make sure you use them to your company's benefit.

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