©Copyright 2007 (Rev. 10/07) J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.®
1. Prepare for clean-up the same way you would prepare for helping an injured person – put on gloves, and as
needed, a face mask, goggles and maybe a gown.
2. Tape off the area, so other employees know to avoid it.
3. Don’t mop up blood or OPIM or attempt to wipe it up – You’ll risk splashing and spreading it around. Instead,
first use an absorbent, then collect the material with a broom and dustpan and deposit it in a designated
biohazard bag or receptacle.
4. Once the blood or OPIM is removed, decontaminate the area using a disinfectant capable of destroying
bloodborne pathogens: either an EPA-approved disinfectant or a fresh mix of one part housed bleach to 10 parts
water.
5. Disinfect items that have been exposed to blood or body fluids in a sink dedicated to industrial use – never use
a break room or bathroom sink.
6. Clean and disinfect the sink.
7. Properly remove and dispose of your protective gear.
Protect The Next Person
Dealing correctly with bloodborne pathogens doesn’t just mean protecting yourself… it also means protecting the next
person from exposure.
Any areas that couldn’t be cleaned right away – like cardboard boxes that could contain microscopic droplets of blood or
areas inside a machine part – need to be appropriately labeled.
How To Dispose Of Biohazard Materials
Dispose of any sharp objects that have been contaminated with blood or OPIM, like needles, glass or blades, in
appropriate “sharps” containers.
If the sharp object hasn’t been exposed to blood or body fluids, it should be wrapped up and disposed of in a way that
prevents someone else from being injured.
Also remember to properly dispose of the protective gear you’re wearing – don’t just throw it in the trash’ use
appropriate biohazard bays or receptacles.
What Happens After An Exposure?
After a potential exposure to blood or OPIM, your employer must provide immediate, confidential medical evaluations
for those involved to determine their levels of risk.
That’s true for all employees who were exposed during the incident, including the injured person, first responders and
clean-up personnel.
The medical evaluation has to document how the exposure occurred and include the identity and test results of the
person whose blood was contacted, if feasible. If the exposed person consents, his or her blood will be tested, and if
needed, counseling can be provided.
Employee Rights To Examine Training And Medical Records
If you’re an employee who’s been exposed to blood or OPIM, your employer must keep your medical records for the
duration of your employment, plus 30 years.
Why should you care? Because if you develop a bloodborne disease years later, you can go back and check your
employment records for documentation of the exposure.
You have a right to examine your medical records at any time, but they can only be released to other parties with your
consent, or if required by law.