Who is at risk?

Staff: When processing instruments and other items, staff are at risk of exposure to blood or other body fluids through:

• Open cuts on the hands or forearms
• Chapped or cracked hands
• Injuries from needles or other sharp instruments such as scalpel blades
• Splashes of blood or other fluids onto mucous membranes, such as the eyes

Clients: Microorganisms found on improperly processed instruments and other items may cause infection in clients during surgical procedures.

Community: If their hands are contaminated, or if they become infected from exposure to bloodborne diseases, staff members can spread infections to their partners, friends, or family members. Infections acquired by both clients and staff can lead to increased infections throughout the community, since these infections can continue to be passed on to others.

Reducing risks

Risks to staff who handle used items can be reduced by:

• Destroying harmful microorganisms as quickly as possible in the processing regimen
• Preventing blood and other fluids from contacting skin or mucous membranes

Staff should always wear gloves (preferably heavy utility gloves) when handling potentially contaminated items.

©2004 EngenderHealth