Blood Borne Infections

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 1999, which has been amended to take account of biological agents, there is a duty on employers to carry out a Risk Assessment and install control measures. This obviously includes Blood Borne Infections such as Hepatitis B, or HIV.
The Risk Assessment should consider the following points:

• The Biological agents, which may be present;
  
• The Hazard Groups they may belong to;
  
• What form they are in;
  
• The disease they may cause;
  
• How and where they are present;
  
• How they are transmitted;
  
• The likelihood of exposure and consequent disease;
  
• The control measures to be applied;
  
• The identification of workers who may be particularly susceptible;
  
• The need for monitoring procedures;
  
• The minimisation of the number of people exposed; and
  
• The need for health surveillance monitoring.

The Control Measures should include:

• The design of the workplace to avoid the spread of biological agents;
  
• The use of warning signs;
  
• An action plan to deal with accidents;
  
• The arrangements for the safe handling and transport of biological agents;
  
• Provision of protective measures such as equipment of special clothes;
  
• Making available effective vaccines; and
  
• Institute hygiene measures to prevent accidental transfer or release of the agent.

In addition, the usual COSHH Regulations (1999) relating to such issues as information, instruction and training, personal protective equipment (PPE) and health records still apply.
If you feel you may be a risk, ask your employer for the COSHH assessment - seek advice from your GMB shop steward or Health and Safety Representative.

Produced by the GMB, London Region,
Thorne House, 152 Brent Street, Hendon. NW4 2DP
Tel: 020 8202 8272
Fax: 020 8202 2893