Revised Bloodborne Viruses Guidance

A bloodborne virus is an infection that can be transmitted through direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids. The most common examples of bloodborne viruses are hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently updated their guidance on managing the risks associated with blood-borne viruses (BBVs) in the workplace. This revised guidance provides comprehensive information for employers and employees on preventing exposure, handling incidents, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Some key considerations include:

 

1. Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Employers are required to assess the risk of exposure to BBVs under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. This assessment should identify tasks that may involve exposure to blood or body fluids and implement appropriate control measures to minimise risk. The guidance emphasises the importance of applying the hierarchy of controls, prioritising elimination and substitution, followed by engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

 

2. Safe Working Practices

The guidance outlines safe working practices to reduce the risk of exposure:

• Avoid contact with blood or body fluids whenever possible.
• Use sharps cautiously and dispose of them immediately into approved sharps containers.
• Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, masks, and eye protection, depending on the task.
• Implement good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and decontamination of surfaces.

 

3. Immunisation

For workers at risk of exposure to BBVs, such as healthcare and laboratory staff, immunisation is an important control measure. Employers should offer immunisation against hepatitis B, where effective vaccines are available, and ensure that employees are informed about the benefits and limitations of immunisation. The guidance also highlights the need for regular reviews and booster doses as necessary.

 

4. Dealing with an exposure incident at work

The guidance outlines key responsibilities for workers and employers when dealing with BBV exposure. Workers should:

• Familiarise themselves with the following immediate first aid requirements of exposure to BBVs
• Report any possible exposure incidents to their supervisor, line manager or health and safety adviser and your occupational health department
• When the eyes and mouth have been exposed, they should copiously wash both with water
• For puncture and needlestick wounds, the wound should be gently encouraged to bleed but not scrubbed or sucked. Wash with soap and water

 

5. Decontamination and Waste Disposal

Employers should ensure that contaminated materials are safely handled, cleaned, and disposed of in accordance with relevant regulations to prevent the spread of infection.

 

If you have any questions or would like support with managing issues at your workplace, please speak to your usual contact or get in touch using the form below.