Bloodborne Pathogens

• A virus makes its way into the bloodstream, becoming a blood-borne pathogen.blood cells image by Marko Kovacevic from Fotolia.com
  
  Exposure to human blood can put you at risk of contracting blood-borne pathogens such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, and Hepatitis B Virus, HBV. Your employer is required to have an exposure control plan that is easily accessible in case of exposure to an employee or another patient. Your employer in required by law to have a safe bio-hazard disposal for items that are exposed to human blood and other hazardous waste. Your employer is required to follow proper autoclave and sterilization techniques for all reusable equipment.
  
  

Protective Equipment

• Latex gloves are one of the many ways to help protect yourself from exposure to blood.ready for surgery! image by Laser from Fotolia.com
  
  Dental offices are required to provide protective equipment to all employees who can be potentially exposed to blood and other bodily fluids. Equipment includes protective gloves, eye wear, mask and clothing. All employees who work with potential exposure to blood and other bodily fluids are required to undergo training on how to use this protective equipment appropriately.
  
  

Other Hazards

• Radiation is common in medical clinics and is used for X-rays and radiation therapies.radiation bottle image by Vladislav Gajic from Fotolia.com
  
  It is not uncommon for dental clinics to use other hazardous materials such as chemicals and radiation. Employers are required to make this information available to its staff and patrons by providing a list of used materials made easily available to anyone who wishes to know. Employers are required to follow radiation safety techniques by providing protective gear, radiation badges and posted warnings of radiation exposure, and it must be kept in limited access zones. Employers are required to provide proper ventilation and clean-up techniques for all chemicals.
  
  

Reporting

• Reporting any exposure or accidents is required for safety.writing image by DBarby from Fotolia.com
  
  Employees are required to report to their employer in the case of any unprotected exposure to blood, radiation and chemicals. This includes situations like needle pricks, eye exposure to blood and or other bodily fluids and unprotected exposure to hazardous chemicals or radiation. Employers are required to report to the federal government in the case of at least three injuries or at least one death of any of its employees.