OSHA Safety Precautions

To avoid exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials, the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens should be followed when performing first aid. The following guidelines help reduce or eliminate the risk of infection:

1. Make sure that your first aid kit contains personal protective equipment such as gloves, a face shield and mask, and a pocket mask.

2. Wear gloves when it is reasonably anticipated that your hand will come into contact with the following: blood and other potentially infectious materials, mucous membranes, nonintact skin, and contaminated articles or surfaces.

3. Perform all first aid procedures involving blood or other potentially infectious materials in a manner that minimizes splashing, spraying, spattering, and generation of droplets of these substances.

4. Wear protective clothing and gloves to cover cuts or other lesions of the skin.

5. Sanitize your hands as soon as possible after removing gloves.

6. Avoid touching objects that may be contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials.

7. If your hands or other skin surfaces come in contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials, wash the area as soon as possible with soap and water.

8. If your mucous membranes (in eyes, nose, and mouth) come in contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials, flush them with water as soon as possible.

9. Avoid eating, drinking, and touching your mouth, eyes, and nose while providing emergency care or before you sanitize your hands.

10.If you are exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials, report the incident as soon as possible to your physician so that postexposure procedures can be instituted.