OSHA defines bloodborne pathogens as infectious “microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans.” These potentially life-threatening pathogens include, but are not limited to:
The Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Both Hepatitis B and C affect the liver and can cause illnesses that last a few weeks. However, 15% of Hep B and more than 50% of Hep C infections lead to potentially fatal conditions, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. HIV attacks the body’s immune system and destroys disease-fighting cells. It can cause the disease known as AIDS, for which there is no cure.
In this video, you’ll learn the best ways to protect yourself and avoid exposure.The objective of Atlantic's Bloodborne Pathogens is to assist facilities in fulfilling the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard's training requirements.