BloodBorne Pathogens Safety in Canada:

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that can cause infections and diseases when present in human blood. In Canada, Bloodborne Pathogens Safety is essential in workplaces where workers may come in contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) in the course of their job.

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS DEFINITION

What are bloodborne pathogens?

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms that can cause serious health risks to individuals who come into contact with them. These pathogens can be found in human blood and other bodily fluids, including saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions. In order to prevent the spread of these dangerous microorganisms, it is important to have a comprehensive Bloodborne Pathogens Safety program in place.

Which are the main types of bloodborne pathogens?

The most common Bloodborne pathogens include:

• Hepatitis B (HBV) - This virus can cause both acute and chronic liver disease. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids.

• Hepatitis C (HCV) - This virus can cause liver disease, which can range from mild to severe. HCV is most commonly transmitted through contact with infected blood.

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) - This virus attacks the immune system and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk.

• Syphilis - This bacterial infection can cause a wide range of symptoms, including sores, rashes, and fever. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.

• Malaria - This is a parasitic infection that is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It can cause flu-like symptoms, fever, and chills.

It is important for workers to be aware of the risks associated with these pathogens and to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from infection. Proper training and education can help to reduce the risk of exposure and prevent the spread of these dangerous diseases.

How can you get exposed to bloodborne pathogens?

There are several ways that you can be exposed to Bloodborne pathogens, which are microorganisms that can cause disease and infections that are transmitted through blood or other bodily fluids. Some of the most common ways that workers can be exposed to Bloodborne pathogens include:

• Needlestick injuries - This occurs when a needle or other sharp object contaminated with blood is accidentally punctured into the skin.

• Contact with mucous membranes - Bloodborne pathogens can enter the body through mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth, which can occur when contaminated fluids come into contact with these areas.

• Exposure to broken skin - Bloodborne pathogens can also enter the body through cuts, abrasions, or other open wounds.

• Inhalation of contaminated droplets - Certain Bloodborne pathogens can also be transmitted through the air, such as when a person coughs or sneezes.

• Contact with contaminated equipment or surfaces - Bloodborne pathogens can survive on surfaces and equipment for extended periods of time, so workers can be exposed if they touch contaminated items or surfaces and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes.

What is an exposure control plan?

An exposure control plan (ECP) is an essential part of any workplace safety program that involves the handling of bloodborne pathogens. In Canada, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation requires employers to have an ECP in place for the protection of workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

The ECP should outline the procedures and protocols that are in place to protect workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This includes information on worker training, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, procedures for handling and disposing of contaminated materials, and procedures for responding to spills or exposures.

What are the main components of an exposure control plan?

Here are some key components of an exposure control plan for bloodborne pathogens in Canada:

• Risk assessment: Employers should conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify the types of tasks and activities that may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. The assessment should consider factors such as the likelihood and severity of exposure, the number of workers involved, and the availability of engineering controls and PPE.

• Engineering controls: Employers should implement engineering controls to minimize the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This may include the use of sharps containers, biohazard waste disposal systems, and other equipment to minimize the risk of spills and exposures.

• PPE: Employers should provide workers with appropriate PPE, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, to minimize the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Workers should be trained on how to properly use and dispose of PPE.

• Worker training: Employers should provide workers with training on the hazards associated with bloodborne pathogens, how to minimize the risk of exposure, and how to respond to spills or exposures.

• Record-keeping: Employers should maintain records of worker training, medical evaluations, and exposure incidents. These records should be kept confidential and should be made available to workers and regulatory authorities upon request.

• Review and update: The ECP should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis to ensure that it remains effective and up to date with the latest regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS LEGISLATION

What is federal legislation?

In Canada, the federal government has established regulations and guidelines to protect workers from the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens. The Canada Labour Code, Part II sets out the requirements for employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees, including the necessary training and equipment to protect against bloodborne pathogens (Source: Government of Canada, Canada Labour Code, Part II, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/l-2/, 2022).

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has also developed a standard for bloodborne pathogens Safety, outlining the minimum training program requirements. This standard is known as CSA Z317.13 - "Infection control during construction, renovation, and maintenance of health care facilities". The CSA standard sets out requirements for the handling, containment, and disposal of blood and other potentially infectious materials. It also outlines procedures for the decontamination of equipment and surfaces in the event of a spill or exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The CSA standard also requires employers to have an exposure control plan in place, which outlines procedures for preventing and responding to exposures to bloodborne pathogens. The plan should include information on worker training, PPE requirements, procedures for handling and disposing of contaminated materials, and procedures for responding to spills or exposures (Source: CSA Group, Infection control during construction, renovation, and maintenance of health care facilities, https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/CAN-CSA-Z317.13-17/, 2021).

What is provincial and territorial legislation?

In Canada, provincial and territorial governments have their own legislation that outlines requirements for Bloodborne Pathogens Safety in the workplace. These laws may differ from one province or territory to another, but they all aim to protect employees from the risks associated with exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

For example, in Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to have a written policy and program in place for the control of bloodborne pathogens in the workplace. This program must include measures such as the use of personal protective equipment, the proper handling and disposal of contaminated materials, and training for employees who may be at risk of exposure.

In British Columbia, the Workers Compensation Act requires employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent injury or disease in the workplace, including the prevention of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Employers must have a written exposure control plan in place, which outlines the measures that will be taken to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

In Quebec, the Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety requires employers to take measures to protect the health and safety of their employees, including the prevention of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Employers must have a written prevention program in place, which includes measures such as the use of personal protective equipment, the proper handling and disposal of contaminated materials, and training for employees.

These are just a few examples of the provincial and territorial legislation that governs Bloodborne Pathogens Safety in Canada. Employers must be aware of the requirements in their specific jurisdiction and take all necessary steps to protect their employees from the risks associated with exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS SAFETY

What is Bloodborne Pathogens Safety?

BloodBorne Pathogens Safety is a program designed to educate workers about the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens and to teach them how to protect themselves from these hazards. While there is no specific requirement for practical or hands-on training in the legislation, it is recommended that employers provide workers with practical training to ensure that they are able to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

Who is responsible for Bloodborne Pathogens Safety?

In Canada, employers are responsible for providing Bloodborne Pathogens Safety to their employees who may be at risk of exposure to these dangerous microorganisms in the workplace. This training is an important part of any comprehensive safety program, as it helps to ensure that employees understand the risks associated with exposure to bloodborne pathogens and are able to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.

The Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations require employers to provide training on the hazards of bloodborne pathogens, the proper use of personal protective equipment, and the safe handling and disposal of contaminated materials (Source: Government of Canada, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-86-304/index.html, 2022). This training must be provided to employees who may be at risk of exposure, and it must be repeated on a regular basis and updated as needed.

The responsibility for providing Bloodborne Pathogens Safety rests with the employer, but employees also have a role to play in maintaining a safe working environment. Employees should take the training seriously and follow all safe work practices and procedures outlined by their employer. They should also report any incidents or potential hazards to their supervisor and take an active role in preventing the spread of bloodborne pathogens in the workplace.

Who needs Bloodborne Pathogens Safety?

In Canada, workers in a variety of industries may be required to receive bloodborne pathogens training. The following are some examples of industries and job roles that may require training:

Can you do Bloodborne Pathogens Safety online?

This course requires only theoretical training and evaluation, making it suitable for both classroom and online formats. Online training adheres to the same standards as classroom training, ensuring that it is recognized and accepted. In fact, online training can be more convenient and efficient, as it eliminates the need for in-person attendance and allows for flexible scheduling.

Moreover, classroom trainings often have certain requirements imposed by the Ministry of Labour, such as a minimum duration of 8 hours, which may not always be necessary for the content being covered. Online training can be more efficient in this regard, as a well-designed 2-hour course can cover all the necessary material effectively.

Additionally, online training can be a more cost-effective option for employers compared to organizing in-person classroom sessions.

However, keep in mind that employers are responsible for selecting the appropriate level of training for their workplace, so it's essential to check with your employer to ensure they accept online training for this purpose.             

Where can you purchase Bloodborne Pathogens Safety online training?

In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your Safety done. There are many methods and providers of Bloodborne Pathogens Safety. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money.

Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS SAFETY CERTIFICATE

What do you need to learn?

To obtain a Bloodborne Pathogens Safety certificate in Canada, you will need to complete a training course that covers key concepts related to bloodborne pathogens safety. The specific content of the course may vary depending on the training provider, but generally, you can expect to learn about the following topics:

• Overview of Bloodborne Pathogens: This section of the course will provide an introduction to what bloodborne pathogens are, how they can be transmitted, and what hazards they pose.

• Sources of Infection: In this section, you will learn about the most common sources of bloodborne pathogen exposure, including contaminated needles, blood, and other bodily fluids.

• Exposure Control: You will learn about the measures that can be taken to control exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices.

• Universal Precautions: This section of the course will cover the concept of universal precautions, which involves treating all human blood and certain bodily fluids as potentially infectious.

• Hepatitis B Vaccination: You will learn about the Hepatitis B vaccine and the importance of vaccination for workers who may be at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

• Clean-up Procedures: This section of the course will cover the proper procedures for cleaning up spills of blood and other potentially infectious materials.

• Record Keeping and Reporting: You will learn about the importance of record keeping and reporting when it comes to bloodborne pathogens safety, including how to report exposure incidents and how to maintain training records.

How long is the certificate valid?

Industry standards recommend that workers exposed to Bloodborne Pathogens hazards re-take this course every 2 years. New viruses and bacteria enter the healthcare and research sector on a regular basis, which is why it is mandatory to stay familiarized with BBP protocols for your safety, as well as for the safety of the people you come in contact with.

How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?

The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.

All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.

This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.

The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.
Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.

If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.

How can I find my certificate if I lost it?

In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.

If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.

CONCLUSION

BloodBorne Pathogens Safety is an essential aspect of workplace safety in Canada. Employers have a responsibility to provide their workers with the necessary training and education to protect them from the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens. By following federal and provincial regulations and the CSA standard, employers can ensure that their workers are properly trained and equipped to work safely.