What Should Be Done First After An Exposure Incident?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Wash wounds and skin with soap and water.
  2. Flush mucous membranes with water.
  3. DO NOT USE instrument involved on patient!
  4. Employee must report incident immediately to supervisor/employer.

What is the first step after an exposure incident?

When a worker experiences an exposure incident, the

employer must make immediate confidential medical evaluation and follow-up available to the worker

.

What do you do first when a blood exposure incident occurs?


Wash exposed skin

, cuts, and needlestick injuries thoroughly with soap and water. If you have been splashed by potentially infectious fluids around the eyes, nose or mouth, flush the area with water. Immediately report the incident to emergency medical services.

What are the steps to be followed after an occupational exposure?

  1. Wash the site of the needlestick or cut with soap and water.
  2. Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water.
  3. Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile irrigants.
  4. Report the incident to your supervisor or the person in your practice responsible for managing exposures.

What are the 4 steps of the written exposure plan?

  • Step 1: Required Personal Protective Equipment. …
  • Step 2: Equipment. …
  • Step 3: Decontamination Procedures. …
  • Step 4: Disposal. …
  • Step 5: Decontaminate Re-useable Equipment. …
  • Step 6: Wash Your Hands.

What is required for an exposure incident?

An exposure incident is

any eye, mouth, mucous membrane, non-intact skin

, or other parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM). … The health care professional will counsel the individual about what happened and how to prevent further spread of any potential infection.

Why is it important to immediately report an exposure incident?

Exposure incidents should be reported immediately to the employer since

they can lead to infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV)

, hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or other bloodborne pathogens.

What should you do if you are exposed to a BBP?

  1. Wash needlesticks and cuts with soap and water.
  2. Flush splashes to nose, mouth, or skin with water.
  3. Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile wash.
  4. Report all exposures promptly to ensure that you receive appropriate followup care.

What do you do if you are exposed to blood or body fluids?

If you are splashed with blood or body fluids and your skin has an open wound, healing sore, or scratch,

wash the area well with soap and water

. If you are splashed in the eyes, nose or mouth, rinse well with water. If you have been bitten, wash the wound with soap and water.

Can you catch a bloodborne disease if an infected person sneezes or coughs on you?

Bloodborne pathogens like Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C

(HCV)

, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are spread by direct contact with infected blood and/or body fluids. These diseases are NOT spread by casual contact (coughing, sneezing, hugging, etc.) or by food or water.

What is the most common cause of occupational exposure?


Occupational contact dermatitis

is the most common dermal exposure. It can be caused by exposure to a variety of agents, including primary irritants or sensitizers, physical agents, mechanical trauma, and biologic agents.

When do exposure incidents need to be reported?

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires medical follow-up for workers who have an exposure incident. Exposures should be reported

within 1 hour

if possible to allow for prompt intervention to reduce the risk of infection.

Why is it important to follow blood exposure?

Follow standard

precautions to help prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens and other diseases

whenever there is a risk of exposure to blood or other body fluids. These precautions require that all blood and other body fluids be treated as if they are infectious.

What are 3 main parts of an exposure control plan?

  • Statement of purpose.
  • Responsibilities of the owner, prime, employer, designated resources (i.e. H&S Manager), supervisors, and workers.
  • Health hazards and risk categories for each product in your worksite.
  • Written work procedures and practices.

What are the key elements of CBP’s exposure control plan?

  • Use engineering and work practice controls to minimize the employee‟s exposure.
  • Ensure use of personal protective equipment.
  • Provide training.
  • Provide medical surveillance.
  • Provide Hepatitis B vaccinations.
  • Use signs and labels.

How often does every department need to use the exposure control plan?

Reply #2: OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard requires employers to review and update the Exposure Control Plan (ECP)

at least annually

[29 CFR 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)], even those who currently use appropriate safety devices.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.