Methods to Control the Risk of Exposure
The infection-control approach known as “Universal Precautions” assumes that all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious. This approach simplifies risk management by treating every exposure as potentially hazardous. Even when some bodily fluids are not known to transmit pathogens, it is often impossible to determine whether blood or another infectious material is present.
It is critical to follow universal precautions whenever there is a potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
Two Essential Control Strategies to Reduce Risk:
- Engineering Controls – Physical or mechanical devices that reduce or eliminate exposure, such as sharps disposal containers and safety-engineered medical devices.
- Work Practice Controls – Procedures and behaviors designed to minimize the risk of exposure, such as proper handwashing, safe handling of contaminated materials, and following established protocols.