Blood borne pathogens are microorganisms that can cause serious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Public works crews may encounter blood or bodily fluids during accident response, restroom cleanup, vandalism removal, trash collection, wastewater work, or first aid situations. This guide helps supervisors teach workers how to avoid exposure, use proper protective measures, and follow safe cleanup procedures.
By the end of this training, workers should be able to:
• Identify what blood borne pathogens are and recognize common exposure risks.
• Use universal precautions to assume all bodily fluids are potentially infectious.
• Select and use appropriate PPE for cleanup or first aid.
• Follow safe cleanup and decontamination procedures.
• Understand the importance of reporting incidents and seeking medical follow up.
• Disposable gloves (nitrile or latex free)
• Face shields or safety glasses
• Disposable gowns or coveralls
• Biohazard bags or labeled containers
• Absorbent materials and disinfectant approved for blood cleanup
• Tongs or tools for sharps handling demonstration
• Agency exposure control plan
"Good morning everyone. Today we are reviewing blood borne pathogen safety. Even though we are not healthcare workers, we sometimes come across situations where blood or other bodily fluids are present. These fluids may contain harmful microorganisms. By using universal precautions, the right PPE, and approved cleanup procedures, we can protect ourselves and reduce the chance of exposure. This training will explain what to do and what not to do during these situations."
• Exposure to blood or bodily fluids through cuts or open skin
• Splash to the eyes, nose, or mouth
• Handling materials contaminated with blood
• Contact with needles or other sharps
• Improper cleanup or disposal of contaminated waste
• Lack of proper PPE during accident response or restroom cleanup
Use universal precautions. Always treat blood or bodily fluids as potentially infectious.
Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection, and additional barriers as needed.
Avoid direct contact with contaminated items. Use tools such as tongs, shovels, or dustpans for pickup.
Do not pick up needles or sharps by hand. Use mechanical tools and place sharps in a puncture resistant container.
Isolate the area and prevent others from entering until cleanup is complete.
Absorb liquids using approved absorbent materials.
Clean contaminated surfaces with an EPA approved disinfectant following the product’s recommended contact time.
Place contaminated materials in a sealed, labeled biohazard bag.
Remove PPE carefully to avoid contamination. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Report all exposures, near misses, and cleanup events according to agency policy.
Seek medical evaluation immediately if exposure occurs, especially in cases of needle sticks or splash incidents.
Do not eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics, or handle contact lenses in contaminated areas.
• Demonstrate proper donning and removal of disposable gloves.
• Show how to use tongs or mechanical tools to pick up a simulated sharp object.
• Demonstrate applying disinfectant with correct contact time.
• Show how to seal and label a biohazard bag.
• Demonstrate proper handwashing technique after PPE removal.
• Have workers practice putting on and removing gloves without touching the outside surface.
• Present mock scenarios and ask crews to identify hazards and select the correct PPE.
• Let workers practice using tools to handle simulated contaminated materials.
• Review the location of PPE, disinfectants, and disposal supplies in your facility.
• What situations in public works might involve blood or bodily fluids?
• Why is it important to treat all bodily fluids as potentially infectious?
• What PPE would you use for a restroom cleanup involving blood?
• What should you do immediately if you believe you were exposed?
• Where are biohazard materials kept in your facility or vehicles?
Insert your agency’s exposure control plan, incident reporting procedures, vaccination availability, sharps disposal policies, restroom cleanup procedures, and any OSHA requirements that apply.
• Nitrile or latex free disposable gloves
• Safety glasses or face shield
• Disposable gown or coveralls for significant contamination
• Waterproof boots if working in wet or saturated areas
• Respiratory protection only if required by your agency for specific cleanup tasks
• Blood borne pathogens can cause serious illness.
• Use universal precautions and avoid direct contact.
• Wear proper PPE for any cleanup involving blood or bodily fluids.
• Use approved disinfectants and dispose of waste in labeled biohazard bags.
• Report exposures immediately and seek medical evaluation.
What does universal precautions mean?
a. Treat all bodily fluids as potentially infectious
b. Only treat blood as infectious
c. No PPE is required
True or False: You should pick up a needle by hand if gloves are worn.
What should you do immediately after removing gloves following a cleanup?
(Short answer)
Name one type of PPE that should be used when there is a risk of splashing.
(Short answer)
What should you do if you believe you were exposed to blood?
a. Finish your shift
b. Rinse briefly and continue working
c. Report it immediately and seek medical follow up
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