2.2 Bloodborne Pathogens & Exposure Incident Procedures

2.2 Bloodborne Pathogens & Exposure Incident Procedures

Barbers operate in an environment where the risk of skin abrasion or cutting is ever-present. Because of this, understanding bloodborne pathogens and having a clear, immediate protocol for blood exposure incidents is critical. These procedures protect both the client and the practitioner from life-threatening infections and comply with the regulations of the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and OSHA.

Bloodborne Pathogens in Barbering

Bloodborne pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms carried in the body by blood or body fluids. The three most significant bloodborne pathogens that barbers must be aware of are:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): The virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV impairs the body's immune system, making it vulnerable to opportunistic infections. While HIV is relatively fragile outside the human body and does not survive long on dry surfaces, it can be transmitted through direct blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing contaminated needles or using un-disinfected straight razors.
• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): A virus that causes severe liver damage and inflammation. HBV is highly resilient and can survive on dry surfaces for up to 7 days. It is far more infectious than HIV and can be transmitted through microscopic amounts of blood. A vaccine is available and highly recommended for all service professionals.
• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): Another virus causing chronic liver disease. Like HBV, it is bloodborne, but there is currently no vaccine available for Hepatitis C.

Because barbers perform close shaves and hair trims using clippers, trimmers, shears, and straight razors, the risk of micro-tears or accidental cuts is elevated. A barber must assume that any exposure to blood represents a potential path of transmission.

Standard Precautions

The concept of Standard Precautions (formerly known as Universal Precautions) is a set of infection control practices mandated by OSHA. Under Standard Precautions, a practitioner must treat all human blood and body fluids as if they are known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, HCV, and other bloodborne pathogens. This means:

• Hand Hygiene: Washing hands before and after every client.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wearing disposable gloves whenever there is a likelihood of exposure to blood, body fluids, or compromised skin.
• Correct Disposal: Discarding contaminated materials immediately in designated containers.

Step-by-Step Blood Exposure Protocol: Client Cut

If a client is accidentally cut during a service, the barber must execute the following protocol immediately and calmly:

1. Stop the Service: Immediately cease all work. Do not continue using the tool or performing the haircut or shave. Inform the client calmly that they have been nicked.
2. Put on Gloves: Immediately put on clean, disposable gloves to protect yourself from exposure to the client’s blood.
3. Apply Antiseptic and Bandage: Clean the injured area with an antiseptic solution (such as isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or an approved antiseptic spray). Apply pressure with sterile cotton or gauze to stop the bleeding. Once bleeding stops, apply a sterile adhesive bandage to cover the wound completely.
4. Clean and Disinfect the Workstation and Tools: Identify any tools, equipment, or workstation surfaces that were contaminated with blood. Clean the blood off the surfaces first using soap and water, as disinfectants will not work through organic matter. Then, thoroughly disinfect all contaminated tools and surfaces by completely immersing or spraying them with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant that is tuberculocidal or specifically labeled as virucidal against HIV and HBV. Ensure the surfaces remain wet for the full manufacturer-specified contact time.
5. Dispose of Contaminated Single-Use Items: Gather all contaminated single-use items, such as blood-soaked cotton, neck strips, or wipes. Under California regulations, these items must be placed in a plastic bag, which is then sealed and placed inside a second plastic bag (double-bagging), or disposed of in a designated biohazard waste container.
6. Remove Gloves: Remove your disposable gloves by peeling them off from the wrist down, turning them inside out to keep the contaminated outer surface contained. Discard the gloves in the waste receptacle.
7. Wash Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
8. Resume Service: Put on a fresh pair of gloves and use clean, disinfected tools to resume the service.

Step-by-Step Blood Exposure Protocol: Practitioner Cut

If the barber cuts themselves during a service, the procedure is similar, but focused on preventing the barber's blood from contaminating the client or the workspace:

1. Stop the Service: Immediately halt the service. Excuse yourself and move away from the client.
2. Clean and Protect the Wound: Wash the cut thoroughly with soap and warm water. Apply an antiseptic solution and cover the wound with a sterile adhesive bandage to contain the bleeding.
3. Wear a Protective Barrier: Put on a disposable glove or finger cot over the bandaged cut. This prevents any of your blood from seeping through the bandage and making contact with the client or tools.
4. Clean and Disinfect the Area: Clean and disinfect any tools, implements, or surfaces that were contaminated by your blood, following the standard pre-cleaning and 10-minute disinfection process.
5. Dispose of Contaminated Items: Double-bag all contaminated single-use materials and discard them.
6. Remove Gloves and Wash Hands: Remove the contaminated gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, and dry.
7. Resume Service: Put on fresh gloves and return to complete the service.

Under no circumstances should a barber continue a service with an open, uncovered wound, nor should they use any tool that has been exposed to blood without performing a complete disinfection cycle.