What are the Universal Precautions?
Universal Precautions are the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) approach to controlling and containing the potential for bloodborne pathogens transmission in blood and other bodily fluids. Universal Precautions ensure safety to all who come into contact with infected persons and help prevent exposure when encountering OPIM or blood.
To stop direct contact with potentially infectious blood and substances, Universal Precautions must be observed at all times. It’s important that every bodily fluid is considered potentially infectious and high-risk when it comes to bloodborne pathogen scenarios.
To protect yourself from infectious fluids or blood you must follow Exposure Control Plans through:
- Engineering Controls
- Best Work Practices
- Personal Protective Equipment
