Bio Hazards

Risk of Exposure

  • Grounds, Building Maintenance and Utilities staff and Security Officers may come in contact with blood borne pathogens & other potentially hazardous human materials
  • Part of the job requirements of a Caretaker employed by the University when needed is to clean-up a blood spill or other human materials these are unknown hazards and must be treated as such

Blood Borne Pathogens & Other Potentially Hazardous Human Materials

Pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and cause disease in humans
  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Microorganisms that cause hepatitis C, i.e. Malaria
Other potentially Hazardous Human Materials
  • Urine
  • Vomit
  • Saliva
  • Semen
  • Vaginal secretions

Needles and Broken Glass

Other Potential Bio-Hazards - Sharps

Look before you reach to empty garbage containers or where your vision maybe impaired i.e. under furniture or behind fixtures
  • If you suspect an object to be bio-hazardous (needles etc.) contact your immediate supervisor before attempting to pick it up
Clean-up Procedures for "Sharps"
  • Ensure you wear PPE (vinyl gloves)
  • Check your gloves for punctures or tears
  • Replace gloves if damaged
  • Remove PPE before leaving the work area
  • Ensure you have appropriate disposal container on hand for (sharps) objects. i.e. needles. (Your supervisor will supply appropriate disposal container.)
If you receive a cut or stab wound from a needle
  • Report the incident to your supervisor immediately
  • Save the needle to give to medical personnel
  • You must go to your doctor or emergency for treatment
  • You will be required to fill out an accident incident report form