Chapter 31: Cleaning Exposed Areas - American CPR Care Association
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Our Bloodborne course is intended for individuals who require OSHA compliant training. The course covers information to protect yourself and others if exposed to blood and other potentially infectious materials. The Bloodborne Pathogens course is valid for 1 year, per OSHA guidelines.

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chapter 31 : Cleaning Exposed Areas

It’s crucial that you clean up any blood or OPIM to reduce the chance of exposure.

To clean an infected area, you must:

  1. Put on the appropriate personal protective equipment
  2. Use absorbent towels to wipe up blood or blood-containing materials
  3. Remove any broken sharps with forceps/tongs/dust pan (do not use bare hands), and place in sharps waste container
  4. Spray disinfectant on contaminated area and let it sit for a few minutes
  5. Dry sprayed area with absorbent towels
  6. Dispose of cleaning materials and PPE in designated waste containers

OSHA defines appropriate disinfectants as:

  1. EPA-registered disinfectants and disinfectants that are labeled to be effective against HIV and HBV;
  2. diluted bleach solutions (one fourth cup of household bleach to a gallon of water);
  3. and high-level disinfectants cleared by the FDA
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