Blood-borne pathogens are viruses or bacteria that can be transmitted through contact with blood or other bodily fluids. They can cause serious and life-threatening illnesses. 

Exposure to blood-borne pathogens can occur in several ways, including: 

• Needle stick injuries: Needle stick injuries are the most common way that laboratory workers are exposed to blood-borne pathogens. 
• Splashes and spills: Splashes and spills of blood or other bodily fluids can also lead to exposure. 
• Broken glassware: Broken glassware can cut workers and expose them to blood or other bodily fluids. 

Control measures 

• Engineering controls: Engineering controls are physical barriers that prevent worker contact with blood and other bodily fluids. Examples of engineering controls include safety cabinets, sharps containers, and splash guards. 
• Administrative controls: Administrative controls are procedures and policies that reduce the risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Examples of administrative controls include training workers on blood-borne pathogen safety procedures and requiring them to use personal protective equipment (PPE). 

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): PPE is clothing and equipment that protects workers from exposure to blood and other bodily fluids. Examples of PPE include gloves, gowns, goggles, and face masks. 

In addition to the control measures listed above, there are several other things that laboratory workers can do to reduce their risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens, such as: 

• Be cautious when handling blood products. Take care to avoid spills and splashes. 
• Use sharps safety devices. Sharps safety devices help to prevent needle stick injuries. 
• Dispose of sharps properly. Place sharps in a sharps container immediately after use. 
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling blood products. 
• Report any accidents or injuries immediately. 

Specific risks and control measures for working with blood products in a lab 

In addition to the general risks and control measures listed above, there are also some specific risks and control measures that need to be considered when working with blood products in a lab. 

One of the biggest risks is exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Blood-borne pathogens can cause serious and life-threatening illnesses. To reduce the risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens, laboratory workers should always wear PPE when handling blood products. PPE should include gloves, gowns, goggles, and face masks. 

Another risk is exposure to allergens. Some people are allergic to blood products. Laboratory workers should be aware of their own allergies and avoid handling blood products that they are allergic to. If a worker is exposed to a blood product that they are allergic to, they should seek medical attention immediately. 

Finally, there is also a risk of exposure to chemicals. Some blood products are treated with chemicals to prevent them from clotting or to preserve them. Laboratory workers should be aware of the chemicals that are used in the blood products they are working with and take precautions to avoid exposure. 

Specific control measures for working with blood products in a lab include: 

• Use a biosafety cabinet. A biosafety cabinet is a special type of cabinet that protects workers from exposure to airborne pathogens. When working with blood products, it is important to use a biosafety cabinet to prevent the release of airborne pathogens into the lab. 
• Decontaminate all work surfaces and equipment. After working with blood products, it is important to decontaminate all work surfaces and equipment with a disinfectant. This will help to prevent the spread of pathogens. 
• Dispose of all waste properly. Blood products and other waste materials that have been contaminated with blood should be disposed of in a safe and sanitary manner. 

Working with blood products in a lab can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. By following the control measures listed above, laboratory workers can reduce their risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens, allergens, and chemicals. 

Additional tips for working safely with blood products in a lab 

• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to what other people are doing and be careful not to trip or bump into anything. 

• Be organised. Keep your work area organised and avoid clutter. This will help to prevent accidents. 
• Take breaks. Get up and move around every hour or so to avoid fatigue. 
• Report any problems immediately. If you see something that is unsafe, report it to your supervisor 

The iProtectU health and safety software provides: 

• An inspection and Audit App which allows for safety inspection of the workplace and associated report 
• eLearning on a wide range of EHS topics, including hazardous equipment and substances 
• Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance 
• Risk assessment templates covering work equipment and substances 
• Management system to document control the policy on work equipment and substances 
• Method Statement module for the creation of working instructions 
• Legal register that provides legislation guidance on work equipment and substances 
• Incident investigation module that tracks incidents involving work equipment both with an app and via desktop 
• Hazard observation app where staff can report and record any concerns regarding work equipment to the organisation 
• Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software