How do you report exposure incidents?

How do you report exposure incidents?

Exposure incidents should be reported immedi- ately to the employer since they can lead to infec- tion with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or other bloodborne pathogens.

What are examples of exposure incidents?

An exposure incident is any eye, mouth, mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or other parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM). (For example, a puncture from a contaminated sharp such as an injection needle or a cut from a scalpel blade or suture needle.)

What is required for an exposure incident?

By Leslie Canham, CDA, RDA. An exposure incident is a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance of an employee’s duties.

What are the first aid steps for an exposure incident?

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.

Why is it important to immediately report an exposure incident?

Reporting an exposure incident Early reporting is crucial for beginning immediate intervention to address possible infection of the worker and can also help the worker avoid spreading bloodborne infections to others.

Which system is used to report an exposure incident?

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.

What is the first thing you should do immediately after an exposure incident?

If you are exposed, take the following steps immediately: Clean the contaminated area thoroughly with soap and water. Wash needlestick injuries, cuts, and exposed skin with soap and water. Flush out any splashes of blood and OPIM to the mouth and nose with water.

What are steps to take immediately after an exposure to blood?

Immediate Steps

  1. Clean the site. Needle-stick injuries and cuts: Wash affected area with soap and water. Splashes to the nose, mouth or skin: Rinse with water for 10 minutes.
  2. Report the incident to your immediate supervisor.

Who should you report after an accidental exposure?

Report the exposure right away to your supervisor or the person in charge. DO NOT decide on your own whether you need more care. Your workplace will have a policy about what steps you should take after being exposed. Often, there is a nurse or another health care provider who is the expert on what to do.

When should an exposure incident be reported to a supervisor?

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. Follow the protocol of your employer.

What should you do after an exposure incident?

Step 1, provide immediate care to the exposure site: this includes washing the puncture area for 15 minutes with soap and water. Remember, do not force bleed the wound! Splashes to the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, or non-intact skin) should also be flushed thoroughly for 15 minutes with water.

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