Anthony LaFaziaCEO, Atlantic Training · CEO at Atlantic Training | EdTech & Safety Compliance Leader

Invisible Threats: Mastering Bloodborne Pathogen Safety in Custodial Work

5 May 2026 · 2 min

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2:11

In this instructional video, the presenter emphasizes the critical importance of bloodborne pathogen safety for custodial workers, regardless of the work setting. He defines bloodborne pathogens (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV) and OSHA’s term Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM). The core rule is Universal Precautions: treat all human blood and suspicious bodily fluids as infectious. He outlines safe trash‑handling practices to avoid puncture wounds, stresses the non‑negotiable use of personal protective equipment (gloves, PPE) and appropriate disinfectants when cleaning spills, and explains proper color‑coded disposal. Finally, he stresses immediate reporting of needle sticks or eye exposures to supervisors, noting that vaccines and treatments exist but must be accessed promptly.

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Depending on where you work, this next part might seem obvious, or it might seem like overkill. Treat it seriously either way. I'm talking about Bloodborne pathogens. These are viruses like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV that live in blood. They also live in other bodily fluids, what OSHA officially calls Other Potentially Infectious Materials, or OPIM. You might be thinking, "I don't work in a hospital, I just clean offices." Doesn't matter. Someone gets a nosebleed on a tissue? That's a biohazard. Someone with diabetes throws a needle in the regular trash? That's a SHARP. The rule you've got to live by is called Universal Precautions. It means you treat all human blood and suspicious bodily fluids as if they're known to be infectious. You don't guess. You don't say, "Oh, Bob looks healthy." You treat it like it's dangerous. When you're handling trash bags, this is where custodial staff tend to get exposed most often. Never push trash down with your hands or feet. You don't know if there's broken glass or a needle inside that bag. Compressing trash manually is the fastest way to get a puncture wound. Do it this way: when you pull a bag, carry it by the top knot away from your body. If a bag leaks, don't bear hug it, double bag it. And if you're cleaning up a spill that might be blood, wear your gloves, PPE— that's personal protective equipment— is non-negotiable. Use the proper disinfectant designed to kill bloodborne pathogens and dispose of the materials in the proper color-coded bag or container, usually red, if your facility requires it. If you do get stuck by a needle or splashed in the eye, report it to your supervisor immediately. There are vaccines and treatments available, but, you know, time's of the essence.