Final answer:
If exposed to blood or potentially infectious material, you must wash the area with soap and water, report the exposure to a supervisor, and refer to the MSDS. Taking safety precautions by wearing protective clothing and properly disposing of waste is crucial.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are exposed to blood or any other potentially infectious material, you should do the following:
- Wash the exposed area thoroughly with soap and running water.
- Report the exposure to your supervisor as soon as possible.
- Refer to and follow the material safety data sheet (MSDS).
Personnel who handle potentially contaminated materials must take specific safety precautions to prevent infection. This includes wearing protective clothing such as a coat, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves. Should any exposure occur, it is critical to wash the area immediately with detergent and warm water, followed by a specific cleansing agent such as 1 N NaOH or a 1:10 dilution of bleach for at least 1 minute. Afterwards, it is essential to dispose of waste properly and report the incident to a supervisor. Knowing the correct steps to take when exposed can significantly reduce the risks associated with handling infectious materials.