Workplace safety goes beyond having the right equipment; it requires the right behaviors. In environments where bloodborne pathogens and Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) are present, how you act is just as critical as what you wear. This comprehensive training on Work Practice Controls dives deep into the specific procedures and behavioral changes necessary to eliminate or minimize the risk of occupational exposure.
We begin by defining exactly what Work Practice Controls are: the essential procedures that alter the manner in which a task is performed to reduce the likelihood of a legitimate injury or infection. You will learn to identify the "Red Zones"—areas where the possibility of exposure exists—and the strict prohibitions that apply there. The course details why common daily habits, such as eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses, are strictly forbidden in these high-risk zones to prevent ingestion or absorption of pathogens. We also cover critical storage protocols, explaining why food and drink must never share refrigerator or counter space with blood or OPIM.
A significant portion of the training focuses on "The Recap Mishap," a major source of preventable injury. With nearly one-third of all sharps injuries occurring during disposal, we provide rigorous instruction on handling needles. You will learn why you must never bend, break, or recap contaminated sharps and how to locate disposal containers *before* a procedure begins.
Furthermore, we explore the lifecycle of personal protective equipment (PPE) and contaminated items. It is not enough to simply wear PPE; you must know how to place used gear in designated containers for washing, decontamination, or disposal, and the non-negotiable requirement of washing hands immediately upon removal. Finally, the course equips you with the knowledge to handle the aftermath of accidents. We detail the precise protocols for cleaning blood or OPIM spills, including the required bleach dilution ratio of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water or the use of EPA-registered disinfectants. You will also learn the sobering reality of viral resilience, such as the Hepatitis B virus's ability to survive outside the body for up to seven days, underscoring the importance of thorough disinfection. This course is your guide to turning safety protocols into second nature.
Keywords: Work Practice Controls, Bloodborne Pathogens, OPIM (Other Potentially Infectious Materials), Sharps Safety, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Exposure Prevention, Spill Cleanup, Infection Control, Hepatitis B Virus, Hand Hygiene, Decontamination, Needlestick Injury, Biohazard Disposal, Bleach Dilution, Contaminated Laundry, OSHA Compliance, Sharps Container, Workplace Safety, Specimen Handling, Cross-Contamination
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