Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), control measures at source should take preference over personal protective equipment (PPE).
This may mean including physical, mechanical and or procedural controls to eliminate or reduce the risk of worker exposure.
It is not always possible for employers to eliminate the risks posed by bloodborne viruses (BBVs) in their workplace. Many workers are placed in front-line roles such surgeons, dentists or phlebotomists where elimination of the BBV hazard is not possible and mechanical controls are more limited, compared with, for example, the laboratory environment.
Employers must adequately control exposure and provide protective measures. Where possible, direct contact with blood and/or body fluids should be avoided and restricted to those with appropriate training in handling such material.
Control measures, along with any necessary adaptation to local circumstances, must also take account of any potential exposure of patients and visiting members of the public, including contractors.
When PPE is required
Where appropriate, the PPE required to avoid contamination consists of simple items, such as:
- plasters to cover cuts
- gloves
- eye protection such as goggles or visors
- disposable clothing protection, such as plastic aprons