Keeping a workplace clean and free of germs can be a major challenge. Everyone has experienced the office emptying during flu season or coming in paranoid because everyone has the sniffles. In general, offices, schools, and work sites can be incubators for germs because not only is everyone in a contained space but also common areas are used regularly. Imagine how many people are touching the handle on the kitchen coffee pot or door to the bathroom daily. For this reason, disinfecting hard surfaces in the workplace is critical to general health. Here are some tips for keeping your workplace a healthy environment for everyone:

Wash your hands and disinfect areas you regularly touch

Believe it or not, germs can travel several feet when you sneeze or cough. Even if you cover your nose and mouth, spray can be sent into the air that then lands on surfaces nearby. To mitigate this problem, many people sneeze or cough into their hands. While this is a common social courtesy, germs that stick to your hands can easily spread throughout the office. Make sure to wash your hands after blowing your nose or coughing into your hands, and also disinfect surfaces that you touch often throughout the day. Consider that even if you wash your hands regularly, if you don't disinfect surfaces such as your desk, keyboard, mouse, and other work areas, odds are those germs will end up right back on your hands.

Understand cleaning versus disinfecting 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting a surface are three distinctly different processes; however, many people tend to use the terms interchangeably. Whereas cleaning is the act of physically removing germs and impurities such as dirt and grime from a surface, disinfecting kills germs that are on the surface. Together, these two methods are used to sanitize an area. Therefore, a sanitized surface should have a safe level of germs and help prevent the spread of illnesses.

Be thorough 

The Cleaning Institute notes that scrubbing a surface is not necessarily enough to kill illness-causing germs and that sponges and other cleaning apparatuses can actually spread germs from place to place. For the best cleanliness, thoroughly disinfect every hard surface, rinse with water, and follow any other specific instructions on the product's label. The CDC recommends making sure disinfectants and general cleaners are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Furthermore, the organization advises to check the label to see if a product has been approved for killing influenza when trying to prevent the flu from spreading.

Remain aware of chemical products that are abrasive or could harm your health. When using certain cleaners and disinfectants, it's important to wear gloves, respirators, goggles, or other personal protective equipment. Always wash your hands after you finish sanitizing an area.

MFASCO Health & Safety Disinfecting Tips, Resources, and Supplies

Disinfecting surfaces always seems straightforward, but there are critical elements to both the process and supplies to consider. Areas commonly touched readily transfer microbes from person to person, and one sick staff or family member can quickly turn into many. Check out the resources below--a few minutes now can save a few days (or more) of sickness later.

Surface Disinfectant Product & Accessories  
Disinfectants & Cleaners
Antiseptic Liquid Sprays
Super Sani Cloth Germicidal Disinfectant Surface Wipe 160/tub
 

Additional Resources for Disinfecting Around the Workplace   
How to disinfect safety glasses
Defining the difference between sanitizers and disinfectants 
How to sanitize a workplace surface

How To Sanitize A Work Surface

Hello, and welcome to the MFASCO Health & Safety Blog. Working in properly cleaned and sanitized work environments is imperative, whether you work in the food industry, a hospital, or a biomedical lab. Keep in mind that particles left behind, such as microbes or dust, can easily transmit infections.

When you need a safe work environment, don't simply wipe off a small surface on which to work. Take the time to not only scrub down the area thoroughly, but also to sanitize every surface. If you're using a cleaning solution, make sure to prepare it directly before use.

Avoid using towels, rags or other cleaning implements that are visibly dirty and change cleaning solution regularly if you're using it for an extended period of time.

For more details, take a look at this great article detailing how to disinfect hard surfaces for workplace health.  

Bio Safety Products & Accessories  
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool  
Bio Protection Products  
Deluxe PPE & Clean Up Kit Plastic   
 

Additional Resources for Bio Safety Kits & Supplies   
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types   
Disinfecting hard Surfaces for Workplace Health   
Understanding the Importance of PPE for Bodily Fluids

Bodily fluids on pool hard surfaces are to be treated as infectious

Lifeguards have an important job.  At public swimming pools, they watch for struggling swimmers.  Their work doesn't stop there.  Not only are they in the rescue business, but they also protect us from potentially infectious bodily fluids.  The CDC says that blood, vomit, feces, and other bodily fluids are to be treated as potentially infectious. 

Proper precautions and procedures should be followed to ensure the safety of workers and guests alike.  When they are not, life-threatening Bloodborne diseases could be passed to unsuspecting individuals.  Typical public swimming pool settings should follow the Centers for Disease guidelines to ensure the contaminated surfaces are disinfected immediately.

Selecting an appropriate disinfectant is important

A mixture of bleach (usually 1 part bleach and 9 parts water) is recommended. Be sure to only use freshly mixed solutions because their strength and effectiveness wear off fast. There are other approved commercial disinfectants that will work as well. 

The 9 additional steps to clean and disinfect a pool surface include: 

• Clearing the area of people until the process of disinfection is finished. 
•  Wearing disposable gloves is recommended to protect hands from contamination.
•  Disposable paper towels or other types of absorbent materials can be used to wipe up the spill. 
•  All waste should be placed in plastic garbage bags. 
•  After the biohazard is absorbed and disposed of, pour the disinfectant solution over the contaminated area. 
•  The solution should sit for 20 minutes. 
•  After the time has passed, wipe up any solution that is still present. 
•  If you use any "reusable" tools like brooms, mops, brushes, etc.., be sure to disinfect them with the solution and then air dry. 
•  All gloves and any remaining soiled materials should be double-bagged and tied shut in garbage bags and thrown away.

Take a look at our BioSafety Category for Personal Protection equipment and biohazard-related products.

Bio Safety Products & Accessories   
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool   
Bio Protection Products   
Deluxe PPE & Clean Up Kit Plastic    
 

Additional Resources for Bio Safety Kits & Supplies    
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types    
Disinfecting hard Surfaces for Workplace Health    
Bloodborne Pathogens & the Typical American Worker

When we talk about cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing work surfaces, there is often confusion. This brief video helps clarify this topic as they are all uniquely different results.

Cleaning usually means using warm soap and water to remove dirt and grime from a surface. On occasion, a good degreaser/cleaner like GoJo or Simple Green will do the trick.

Disinfecting is using chemicals like bleach to kill germs from hard surfaces. When used together, the process of sanitizing takes place, preventing the spread of sicknesses. This is why it is so important to disinfect and clean your home or workplace to prevent illnesses from spreading.

To see a complete selection of cleaners and disinfectants, take a look here. We have some great articles about disinfecting that you can find here.

Surface Disinfectant Product & Accessories  
Disinfectants & Cleaners
Antiseptic Liquid Sprays
Super Sani Cloth Germicidal Disinfectant Surface Wipe 160/tub
 

Additional Resources for Disinfecting Around the Workplace   
How to disinfect safety glasses
Defining the difference between sanitizers and disinfectants 
How to sanitize a workplace surface

Knowing the difference between a cleaner, disinfectant, or sanitizer is important for your safety. They are not all the same and selecting the right one for the job is important to your health and safety. Whether it is for home use, at work, or even in a healthcare setting, we are constantly surrounded by dirt, germs, bacteria, and even some potentially infectious diseases. This is nothing new but we can help prevent sickness and cross-contamination by properly treating how they spread. Each of these 3 types of products is designed for specific purposes and this article will briefly outline what they are.  Common questions about the use of these products and their applications are also answered below.  

Here are the differences between Cleaners, Sanitizers and Disinfectants

  - Cleaners are designed to remove dirt, oils, organic matter, and even some germs. They are not designed to kill germs. 
  - Sanitizers are specifically designed to reduce germs from surfaces to a safe level. 
  - Disinfectants are designed to destroy germs or keep them from growing. They are not to be used as cleaners. After using a cleaner you can then use a disinfectant.

The Centers for Disease Control has a good article about the proper use of cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants.  We've addressed some of the common questions about this topic below.

Typical questions asked about cleaners, disinfectants and sanitizers

How to know what product you have? Read the label. These products will clearly tell you what their purpose is. The can of Lysol IC is clearly marked as both a cleaner and disinfectant. Reading the back of the can tells us that it is germicidal, fungicidal, and crucial. It disinfects and kills MRSA. Disinfectants that claim to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus or staph are most likely also effective against MRSA. This is a great product to use to clean off dirt, grime, germs, and even bodily fluids like blood from a first aid kit. 

Is it safe to use around pets or small children? Care should always be used when applying any poisonous materials around small children or animals. The product label will explain warnings and precautions when using their product. 

How long does the product need to be applied before wiping up? This is a very common question. Cleaners generally don't mention this but disinfectants and sanitizers will usually provide the length of time their product should set on the surface applied. In some cases, it may need to be set for several minutes. Be sure to read the instructions for application.

What should I do with the potentially infected rags, towels, or paper products used to clean up? In most states, unless the potentially infectious material has enough volume where it is dripping from the absorbent material it can be disposed of in the garbage.

What personal protection equipment is necessary when using the product? 
Always use Universal Precautions when working with potentially infectious materials. The manufacturer's label will also inform you of what recommended personal protection equipment to use.   

What are examples of surfaces I should consider disinfecting? 
Consider disinfecting any shared equipment such as keyboards. Hard surfaces like desks, counters, door knobs, handles, and first aid kit latches are all places where germs and diseases can breed. Places like bathrooms should be disinfected regularly. Also, benches, chairs, escalator hand grips, and keypad buttons like on an ATM are all target germs. Even gas pump handles are common transfer points that contain bacteria and germs. Floors and walls have not been directly associated with the spread of diseases like MRSA or staph but it is a good idea to disinfect any surface that comes in contact with the hands.

As always, proper hand washing and the disposal of personal protection equipment should be used.

Bio Safety Products & Accessories  
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool  
Bio Protection Products  
Deluxe PPE & Clean Up Kit Plastic   
 

Additional Resources for Bio Safety Kits & Supplies   
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types   
Disinfecting hard Surfaces for Workplace Health   
Understanding the Importance of PPE for Bodily Fluids

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported that the Flu season is off to an early start and widespread in many States. Currently well over 40 states are reporting widespread influenza activity. The CDC recommends 3 steps to fight the flu:

1. Get the Flu vaccine
2. Take Precautions to prevent the spread
3. Take Doctor Prescribed Flu Antiviral Drugs

6 Everyday Precautions (recommended by the CDC) you can take right now are:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

We have a variety of flu-fighting and flu-relief products that can help you during this aggressive flu season.  See our flu-flighting products here.

Flu Related Medicines & Accessories 
Tylenol Cold & Flu Sever 50 x 2
Allergy Relief Medicines
Cold Cough & Sinus Medicines
 

Additional Resources About Cold & Flu  
What's the Difference Between Cold & Flu?
HR Needs To Prepare for the Flu
Disinfecting Hard Surfaces For Workplace Health

If you haven't flu season is here and it's packing a punch.  Virtually every state has reported outbreaks of influenza and the season has plenty of time left.  The northwest and northeast indicate that outbreaks are worse than last year.   

It isn't just the flu that is making millions of Americans feel miserable.  Other viruses and bacterial infections like norovirus and strep are also being passed around.  The CDC has indicated that Influenza A (H3N2) is the dominant reported strain that has been making people feel sicker during this 2016-17 flu season.   

This poses a real problem for the workplace.  Sick people should stay home while contagious. But even after they return to work, their productivity levels are low because they are still recovering and need to treat their symptoms.  Employers can keep their workers productive by making available basic over-the-counter medicines designed for the workplace.  They are individually packaged with instructions and warnings so employees can know what they are taking.  Take a look at our medicines here.   

What can Human Resources do this cold & flu season? 
HR should educate and promote the flu vaccine.  Supply for the vaccine is still good.  While it doesn't guarantee you won't get the flu, it sure will reduce your chances.  Human Resources should also promote proper hand washing, sneezing, and coughing etiquette.  

Housekeeping should make extra rounds and sanitize hard surfaces, door handles, and other places where hands touch potentially infected areas.  Keep recovering employees comfortable and productive by making available workplace medications where appropriate. 

The Center for Disease Control has helpful information about the spread and prevention of the flu and other common illnesses.  Take a look at the CDC Flu page here.

Flu Related Medicines & Accessories   
Tylenol Cold & Flu Sever 50 x 2  
Allergy Relief Medicines  
Cold Cough & Sinus Medicines  
 

Additional Resources About Cold & Flu     
What's the Difference Between Cold & Flu?  
How to Help Fight The Flu  
Disinfecting Hard Surfaces For Workplace Health

Anywhere there are people, there is a potential for bodily fluid spills. If you are looking for a product to help you clean up potentially infectious bodily fluids, the MFASCO #4115 Bodily Fluids Clean Up Kit is your best option. We're going to detail the kit and it's components in this brief video. Stick around and see why this is our best selling cleanup kit, here at MFASCO Health & Safety.

Yes, it is an unpleasant thought, but it is very true. The Center for Disease Controls tells us that all bodily fluids must be treated as potentially infectious. We call this "Universal Precautions".   OSHA, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, states that "everyone, who as part of their job, has the potential to be exposed to bodily fluids", falls under the Bloodborne Pathogen law. Common sense tells us.. that even if we don't fall under the law... we should protect ourselves.  

 OSHA states that Engineering controls are the primary means of eliminating or minimizing employee exposure. The MFASCO #4115 Biohazard Spill Clean Up Kit does just that. It includes all of the necessary items to easily and safely clean up potentially hazardous spills like blood, vomit, urine or any other fluid that could contain blood or other infectious diseases. 
 

Biohazard Fluids Cleanup Kit Contents

- 2 vinyl gloves 
- 1 scooper & scraper 
- 1 package of chlorinated fluid control solidifier 
- 1 antiseptic hand wipe 
- 1 germicidal surface wipe 
- 2 biohazard bags

It is perfect for cleaning up after the incident. This Bodily fluids cleanup kit makes a great refill for existing biohazard spill kits.

Thanks again for joining us. See you next time, here, at MFASCO Health & Safety..........

Bio Safety Products & Accessories    
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool    
Bio Protection Products    
Biohazard Fluid Clean Up Kit W/ Red Z     
 

Additional Resources for Bio Safety Kits & Supplies     
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types     
Disinfecting hard Surfaces for Workplace Health     
Understanding the Importance of PPE for Bodily Fluids

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious diseases living in bodily fluids. In 1992, OSHA (the Occupational Safety & Health Administration) recognized these potential hazards and issued a standard designed to "limit occupation exposure to blood and any other potentially infectious materials". How do bloodborne pathogens affect the typical American worker? Even though we might not be healthcare workers, or expect to come in contact with bodily fluids at work, all of us need to understand the risks and know how to protect ourselves. So, in this brief article, we are going to equip ourselves to do just that.  Below, we highlight what a bloodborne pathogen is, how it is transmitted, and how we can protect ourselves from exposure. 
 

What is a bloodborne pathogen?  
A bloodborne pathogen is a microorganism that lives inside human blood, urine, feces, vomit, semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, and others.  Examples of these pathogens are Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Anyone exposed to these pathogens is at risk for serious or life-threatening illnesses.

How are bloodborne pathogens transmitted? 
Infectious pathogens are transmitted through bodily fluids. Any bodily fluid should be considered potentially infectious. The bodily fluids mentioned above are passed when they leave the infected person and enter the unsuspecting victim. This can happen through a blood-to-blood interaction between the infected person and the worker or in some cases fluid-to-fluid transmission. It can take place through a sexual act, needle stick, splash or spray, or even something like hand-to-eye or hand-to-mouth where your hand is exposed and then you rub your face.  Some bloodborne pathogens can live outside the body for over a week. While this may sound alarming, using the correct precautions will help limit exposure.

How can I protect myself?  
Understanding what a bloodborne pathogen is and the risks involved is the first and most important step in protecting ourselves. Below are 7 ways we can reduce our exposure and limit our risks.

1.  Learn & Equip yourself - Take time to read about bloodborne pathogens from reliable sources like the CDC or OSHA.  Educate yourself and learn about the risks and what to do about it.  (Be trained if necessary).   

2.  Universal Precautions - Consider any bodily fluid potentially infectious. In the healthcare industry, they call this Universal Precautions. Always assume and respond as if it is potentially infectious.

3.  Engineer out your exposure - Limit your risk to exposure before it happens. An example would be to use an approved sharps container to collect used needles or other sharps that could cause a "stick" in an unsuspecting worker.

4.  Wear the appropriate PPE - Whenever you can reasonably anticipate exposure to bloodborne pathogens, always wear the necessary PPE. Examples would be gloves, gowns, masks, mouthpieces, and resuscitation bags.

5.  Dispose of the potentially infectious PPE or other clothing properly - If clothes or PPE have been exposed to bodily fluids, be sure to remove them and dispose of them properly.

6.  Proper decontamination of the exposed area and surfaces - Bio Safety clean-up kits usually include bleach or other approved disinfectants that clean surfaces where exposure took place. The OSHA standard goes into detail about the proper process.

7.  Wash hands - As always, proper hand washing immediately after exposure is critical.

We live in an age where bloodborne pathogens are around us. Understanding what they are, how they are transmitted, and how we can protect ourselves reduces the risk of exposure. See these links to learn more about Bloodborne Pathogens and the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. The average American worker who is not part of the Health Care industry is not required by law to follow the standard BUT all of us should be informed and aware of the risks and understand how we should respond. 
 

Bio Safety Products & Accessories  
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool  
Bio Protection Products  
Deluxe PPE & Clean Up Kit Plastic   
 

Additional Resources for Bio Safety Kits & Supplies   
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types   
Disinfecting hard Surfaces for Workplace Health   
Understanding the Importance of PPE for Bodily Fluids

https://youtu.be/YLgKHolJhx4 

Sanitizing a first aid kit is fast and easy to do.   For first aid supplies to be most effective, it's imperative to keep your kit clean and sanitized. After all, no one wants to use dusty gauze or outdated ointment. Follow these steps for keeping your first aid kit clean and tidy: 

First, put on protective gloves before you begin. Clean one shelf at a time. Make a point of checking to see if items are damaged, expired, or no longer usable. 

Then, properly clean and sanitize the empty shelf.  Remember that people access the first aid kit when they're injured, and use a sanitizing spray to ensure it's safe. 

When you're done, return all items to their proper place in the first aid kit. Make a point of reorganizing any misplaced items and take note of what items need to be restocked.   

See our full article about how to sanitize your first aid kit here 

Check out all of our Sanitizing resources including articles, products, and more here

Bio Safety Products & Accessories   
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool
Bio Protection Products
Super Sani Cloth Germicidal Disinfectant Surface Wipe 160/tub
 

Additional Resources for Bio Safety Kits & Supplies    
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types
Disinfecting hard Surfaces for Workplace Health
Understanding the Importance of PPE for Bodily Fluids

"How to Sanitize and Organize Your First Aid Kit" is the second in a three-part series showing you how to inspect, sanitize, and restock your first aid kit.  In this article, we use a standard 4 shelf industrial first aid kit as an example but the principles can be applied to any first aid kit.  See our "How To" section for more articles. 

If you are following our "How-To", you should have already inspected the cabinet for damaged, partially used, or unsafe products and thrown those away.  Any expired products would be discarded as well.  Those steps are critical to properly maintaining a first aid cabinet.  Once done, we can then sanitize our cabinet using a simple 3-step process. 

1.  Empty the cabinet 1 shelf at a time.  Place the items you are removing temporarily on another shelf or top of the cabinet.  This is a great opportunity to once again check for any scraps or items that do not belong there and discard them.  Keep in mind that you may have missed some expired or unsafe products.  It is common for first aid kits to have too many products on each shelf and items get overlooked during inspection because they are hidden behind other items.  Keep track of where the items came from.  A simple trick is to take the items on the top shelf and set them on the bottom shelf, keeping them in the same order. 


2.  Use a real sanitizing disinfectant spray to sanitize the shelf.  We like a combination cleaner/disinfectant spray like Dispatch Disinfectant because it not only disinfects but also cleans.  Take a look at our other cleaners and disinfectants here.    We have several products that are perfect for this task.  Notice how we have never used the word "Clean" to describe this step?  Our goal isn't just to clean and tidy, but to sanitize.  Think about it.  People who are bleeding or sick open the cabinet and handle the supplies.  We want to ensure that the cabinet is safe from any contamination.  We want to reduce any potential cross-contamination.   

Be sure to wear protective gloves made from vinyl, latex, or nitrile while you sanitize.  Work one shelf at a time, spraying the cleaner, waiting a minute, and then using a paper towel to wipe it down.  The foam cleaner will help remove dirt and debris while the disinfectant does the sanitizing. 

It is important to remember that germs from the common cold or flu can be spread quickly and easily from doors, handles, and even first aid kits.  Don't forget to sanitize the outside of the cabinet as well.  Be sure to sanitize the latches, snaps, handles, front-facing door, and any other area including the shelves of your first aid cabinet to prevent the spreading of germs. 

It might be necessary to use a good degreaser cleaner for the dirt as some of these germicidal sanitizing sprays are not designed to cut through grease. 


3.  After you have sanitized the cabinet, place the items back, organizing them in their correct places.  Again, use this opportunity to look over the products for expired dates or other reasons why you should not put the product back in the cabinet.  If you have a checklist, use it to help you place the items back in the correct order.  

If this is your first time organizing your cabinet, consider grouping your supplies so similar items are together.  Keep the gauze with the gauze, bandages with the bandages, and medicines grouped together as well. Ultimately, you will want to use a checklist to make this task fast and easy.  MFASCO Health & Safety has checklists, refill supplies, and all of the sanitizing supplies you need to help sanitize and restock your first aid kit. 

Your first aid kit is now ready to be restocked.  Notice that there are empty spaces in the picture displayed here?  Sometimes, empty cartons will be thrown away by others.  When you visually inspect your cabinet, it may be difficult to remember what was in that empty spot.  Your checklist will always help you keep your cabinet organized and in the same order each time you finish maintaining your first aid cabinet.

Sanitation Products & Accessories 
Disinfectants & Cleaners 
Sani-cloth Plus Surface Disinfecting Wipes 
Sanizide Plus Germicidal Wipe  
 

Additional Resources for Disinfecting & Sanitation  
Cleaners, Sanitizers and Disinfectants - What's the difference?  
Disinfecting Hard Surfaces for Workplace Health 
How To Disinfect Safety Glasses

Top First Aid Tips for Parents of Youth Athletes

As a parent of a young athlete, you understand the importance of keeping your child safe and healthy while they participate in their favorite sports. While coaches and trainers play a significant role in ensuring the well-being of the athletes, it's crucial for parents to be prepared for any injuries or emergencies that may arise during games, practices, or other sporting events. Investing in a sports first aid kit tailored to the unique needs of young athletes is an essential step in ensuring your child's safety. In this article, we will cover some top first aid tips for parents of youth athletes and explain how our sports first aid kits can help protect your child while they enjoy their favorite activities.

Understand common sports injuries

Different sports carry specific risks, and understanding the types of injuries that are most common in your child's chosen activity can help you be better prepared to address them. From sprains and strains to cuts and bruises, having a well-stocked sports first aid kit on hand can make all the difference when it comes to effectively treating these injuries.

Learn basic first aid skills

Having a sports first aid kit is only useful if you know how to use the supplies it contains. Familiarize yourself with basic first aid procedures such as cleaning and dressing wounds, applying ice or heat packs, and immobilizing injured limbs. This knowledge will not only help you respond more effectively to your child's injuries but also enable you to educate your child on the proper use of a first aid kit.

Invest in a high-quality sports first aid kit

Our sports first aid kits are specifically designed to meet the needs of youth athletes, with contents tailored to address common sports-related injuries. These kits contain essential items such as adhesive bandages, gauze, instant cold packs, elastic bandages, and more. Moreover, they are compact and easy to transport, ensuring you always have the necessary supplies on hand when your child is participating in sports activities.

Keep your sports first aid kit up-to-date

Regularly check your sports first aid kit to ensure its contents are up-to-date and in good condition. Replace any expired or damaged items, and restock supplies as needed. By maintaining a well-stocked and current first aid kit, you can be confident that you'll have the necessary tools to address your child's injuries when they occur.

Encourage communication and injury prevention

Educate your child on the importance of listening to their body and reporting any pain, discomfort, or injuries to you and their coach. Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship and follow safety guidelines to help prevent injuries in the first place. This includes wearing appropriate protective gear and participating in proper warm-up and cool-down activities.

Our sports first aid kits provide parents of youth athletes with the tools they need to effectively address common sports-related injuries. By investing in a high-quality kit and educating yourself on first aid best practices, you can ensure that your child is safe and well-protected during their athletic endeavors. Learn more about our range of sports first aid kits and discover how they can help you provide the best possible care for your young athlete.

Familiarize yourself with your child's sports environment

Take the time to understand the specific environment in which your child participates, including the playing surfaces, equipment, and facilities available. This will help you identify potential hazards and take necessary precautions to prevent injuries. For instance, if your child is involved in a sport played on hard surfaces, consider adding

• Understand common sports injuries
• Learn basic first aid skills
• Invest in a high-quality sports first aid kit
• Keep your sports first aid kit up-to-date 
• Encourage communication and injury prevention
• Familiarize yourself with your child's sports environment

Sports First Aid Products & Accessories   
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool   
Sports First Aid Kits   
Reorder Lists for First Aid Kits    
 

Additional Resources for Sports First Aid Kits & Supplies    
The Coach's Guide to Sports First Aid Kits    
Little League First Aid Supplies   
Essential First Aid Kit Supply List

PPE for bodily fluids is necessary to protect ourselves from infectious diseases.  Few people likely ever imagine themselves in a situation where a full-body hazmat suit would be necessary, but for lab workers and some healthcare personnel, this may be an everyday norm. However, it's imperative that hospitals, laboratories, and other workspaces are prepared for worst-case scenarios, especially regarding bodily fluids and other possible contaminants. Take for example the recent Ebola outbreak that had health care facilities around the country concerned about both the health of their workers and patients. In general, hospitals and other facilities did not have proper PPE protocols in place, which resulted in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issuing updated guidelines for appropriate precautions.

There's no way of knowing exactly when an unexpected biohazard will present itself. With that said, having the right PPE on hand, including gowns, masks or respirators, gloves, and goggles, in case of a possible emergency will certainly lead to healthier and safer outcomes in the long run.

Law regarding PPE 
 According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, employers are legally obligated to provide appropriate PPE for specific work conditions. Regarding bodily fluids, the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard mandates that PPE is required when exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials is expected.

OSHA states, "Appropriate PPE, addressed in 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(i), must be provided by the employer, cleaned and laundered and disposed of, at no cost to the employee, in appropriate sizes and used by personnel if blood exposure is anticipated. PPE includes gloves, gowns, laboratory coats, masks, face shields, eye protection, mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, pocket masks, or other ventilation devices."

Under that directive, it's clear that PPE for bodily fluids should be as comprehensive as possible, especially when any exposure can pose a potential risk. Therefore, protecting employees from workplace hazards requires PPE training, thorough PPE protocols, and safe disposal methods. Moreover, procedures should regularly be critiqued and reassessed to ensure the safety of employees when wearing PPE for bodily fluids.

Wearing PPE for bodily fluids 
Learning how to appropriately put on and take off full-body PPE requires professional training and should be practiced, but in case of an emergency, the CDC has several recommendations for donning protection.

To begin, the CDC advises considering the sequence in which a person puts on and removes PPE. The organization notes to don the gown first, then put on a respirator, goggles, and gloves, in that order. If additional PPE is needed, be practical about the order it is put on.

For gowns, the CDC advises wearing the appropriate size gown, securing it at the neck and waist, and wearing two gowns if the first is too small. Respirators, goggles, or face shields should fit well and be adjusted so that they are not prone to movement or loosening. Finally, gloves are donned last and should extend over the cuffs of the gown so that no skin is exposed.

Note that according to the CDC, PPE for bodily fluids should not be removed strictly in reverse order. The organization has it removed as follows: gloves, face shield or goggles, gown, respirator.

Bio Safety Products & Accessories   
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool   
Bio Protection Products   
Deluxe PPE & Clean Up Kit Plastic    
 

Additional Resources for Bio Safety Kits & Supplies    
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types    
Disinfecting hard Surfaces for Workplace Health    
Bloodborne Pathogens & the Typical American Worker

When working in environments with dangerous chemicals, bodily fluids, or other potential hazards, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment is a must.

A disposable biohazard PPE kit is a single-use kit containing the necessary equipment to help reduce the risk of exposure to potentially infectious bodily fluids. The kit comes complete with a disposable gown, vinyl gloves, a mask and visor, shoe covers, antimicrobial hand wipes, and a biohazard bag to ensure all materials can be properly thrown away.

When donning biohazard PPE​, make sure that there are no entry points for exposure. Gloves should be donned last and worn so that the wristband covers the cuff of the gown.

You can see examples of BioSafety-related products used to clean up or protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens here: containing the necessary equipment to help reduce the risk of exposure to potentially infectious bodily fluids

We also have a complete line of ready-made bloodborne - biosafety kits here.

Bio Safety Products & Accessories   
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool   
Bio Protection Products   
Deluxe PPE & Clean Up Kit Plastic    
 

Additional Resources for Bio Safety Kits & Supplies    
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types    
Disinfecting hard Surfaces for Workplace Health    
Bloodborne Pathogens & the Typical American Worker

Preventing cumulative trauma disorder begins with understanding what it is and how it occurs. Known as CTD, this disorder happens when excessive wear to the joints, muscles, and tendons occurs over time. The micro-injuries happen over and over, slowly wounding the worker.  Eventually, enough injury has taken place, symptoms like swelling, aches, and pain begin to appear. Improper ergonomic body positioning and repetitive job tasks are the most common causes of cumulative trauma injuries. It isn't just assembly or production workers who are at risk, office workers are also exposed to these types of injuries. In order to reduce or eliminate cumulative trauma disorder in the workplace, employers and employees should evaluate their job tasks and identify potential risks.  The four most common factors that contribute to these injuries are:

1. Over flexion or extension (bending) 
    
2. Unnatural body positioning 
    
3. Repetitive movement 
    
4. Strain or force applied during the task

The good news is all of these risks can be reduced. If you stand at a workstation assembling parts or if you are seated at a desk typing, pay close attention to the following points. Some of them are simple and can be applied immediately. Others may require some engineering or modification to the way the task is completed.

• Pay attention to posture
• Adjust the height of your workstation to reduce over-extending arms or back
• Move monitors or other visual tools so your head and neck are positioned in a neutral state
• Take short breaks to stretch and de-stress the body.
• Use ergonomically designed tools to promote proper body positioning during the task
• Use braces and supports to help limit over-flexion or overextension in the body 
   
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle 
   

Using the tips above and incorporating simple changes to the workplace are all contributors to preventing cumulative trauma disorders. Raising the height of a chair or workstation offers surprising results. Bringing the work task closer to the worker's body is another common fix. While not the first choice, even protective gear and ergonomic supports can help reduce further injury. 

As always, talk with your doctor about your work task and the risks you encounter. Also, consider adopting a healthy lifestyle. It can't hurt. If your company has a safety representative, talk with them about any concerns you may have with your workstation and work together to make improvements. Happy and healthy employees are generally more productive and preventing cumulative trauma injuries should be a common goal.

MFASCO Health & Safety CTD Prevention, Protection, and Resources

Many jobs demand repetitive movements for hours, and the human body eventually wears down. This means prioritizing the health and safety of your team members is critical for long-term success. Since recovery from CTD often requires weeks or months of not doing the job that caused the injury, prevention is the only meaningful approach to CTD. Help your team and help your numbers with this protective gear and list of additional information.

Workplace Safety Products and Accessories

• Industrial First Aid Kits
• Workplace Safety Equipment
• Workplace Signs & Posters

Additional Resources for Workplace Safety

• Why is Workplace Safety Important
• 5 tips for workplace safety
• Disinfecting hard workplace surfaces
• How to protect your hearing in a work environment

Classroom safety is important for any educator, but you need the right tools to get you there. Follow this classroom safety checklist to ensure you have the right first aid equipment on hand: 

First aid kit 
Whether the kids are running around at recess or working diligently in a wood shop, cuts, scrapes, and open wounds are commonly experienced in educational institutions. Teachers should always have a fully-stocked first aid kit on hand to quickly patch up wounds, stop bleeding, and prevent infection. 

Disinfectants 
Between sniffling noses and sticky fingers, classrooms are a breeding ground for germs. It is common for viruses to spread from student to student, especially when kids are sent to school before they get over the flu or don't realize they're sick until they are in the classroom. While the most effective way to stop the spread of germs and illnesses is to keep sick kids at home, that's not always possible. Teachers can also slow the growth and spread of bacteria by cleaning the classroom. Keep cleansers and disinfectants on hand, and follow your school's cleaning procedure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends specifically to clean surfaces and objects that are frequently touched. These may include desk surfaces, toys, door knobs, and other classroom equipment. 

Safety equipment 
Depending on what subject you're teaching, you may need equipment unique to your classroom environment. For example, science classes in which students handle open flames and dangerous chemicals may benefit from goggles that protect their eyes from all angles. Make sure you have extra safety eyewear in the classroom in case the kids forget to bring their own. This way, you can ensure all students can safely participate. For wood and metal shops, every student should have a pair of indoor safety glasses. Your class may also benefit from work gloves to prevent cuts or splinters when handling rough pieces of wood. Additionally, when students are working with multiple tools, you may want to provide aprons. This way, they can keep several frequently-used tools on hand to avoid reaching over dangerous power equipment or potentially putting their hands in other students' work areas. 

Signs and posters 
In medical emergencies, time is of the essence. Therefore, seconds-saving tools can be just as important as the actual medical equipment. One way to save time is to have signs directing people to first aid supplies. Make sure students and other staff members know where you keep your first aid kit by posting a helpful sign above its location. Even if time won't make a life-or-death difference, such as when a substitute teacher is just looking for a way to patch up a student's minor cut, it's still important that they can easily locate the first aid kit.

Certain environments may necessitate unique safety equipment, and signs can also help identify hard-to-spot classroom features. For example, while students should always wear protective goggles when working in a science lab, a chemistry classroom would benefit from an eye-washing station. Have an eye wash symbol safety sign so that even if you're not in the classroom, students and other staff members can safely direct the victim to the station. Safety and education go hand-in-hand, so make sure your classroom is equipped to handle common first aid emergencies.

MFASCO Health & Safety Provides Easy Access to The Right Classroom Safety Information and Products

School First Aid Kits & Accessories

School First Aid Kits
Classroom & Teacher First Aid Kits 
Make a Custom First Aid Kit

Additional Resources for First Aid in Schools

Where should a school keep their first aid supplies?
Where to keep first aid kits in a school
4 Tips for School First Aid Guidelines and Procedures

Determining the difference between the common cold and the flu can be difficult.  Because they share many of the same symptoms, they can easily be mistaken for one another.  It is important to know the difference between these two common illnesses so the right treatment can be applied.  Let's take a look at several signs that might help you determine the difference between a cold and the flu. 

What time of the year is it? 
If you have severe cold symptoms between the late fall and early spring, your odds of having the flu significantly increase.  The common cold is passed around all year long but the flu generally takes place from October to March.   

Cold symptoms are usually milder than the flu 
If you have mild congestion, coughing, headaches, and sneezing, the chances you have a cold are more likely.  Flu symptoms are generally more severe than cold symptoms.  Aches, pains, fever, and congestion will converge quickly with the flu. 

 

Higher temperature for a longer duration 
If you have a high temperature (over 101.1) the flu is more likely your ailment.  Not only will your temperature usually be higher with the flu, but it will generally last longer too. 

Flu symptoms stay with you longer than a cold 
Not only does a temperature stay with you longer, but most flu symptoms outlast cold symptoms by days or even weeks.  The typical cold can make you feel lousy for several days while flu symptoms can make you feel downright sick for weeks. 

The color of mucus can reveal the cold or flu 
If you have had a cold for over a week and wake up with dark green mucus coming from your nose, you may have a bacterial infection and will need an antibiotic.   
 

Treat your illness seriously

Last year, 36,000 people in the United States died because of the flu and over 200,000 people were hospitalized.  Monitor your health carefully.  If you experience chest pain, severe headaches, dizziness, confusion, or shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention.  If you have difficulty breathing, are lethargic, or have rapid breathing, your body may be in distress and immediate medical attention is required.  

How to fight the cold and flu

There are several ways to help fight the spread of the cold and influenza.

1. Wash your hands
2. Always cover your cough with your arm.
3. Stay away from sick people when possible
4. Get the flu shot
5. Eat healthy & exercise

All of the above will help you fight the cold and influenza.  

Flu Related Medicines & Accessories  
Tylenol Cold & Flu Sever 50 x 2 
Allergy Relief Medicines 
Cold Cough & Sinus Medicines 
 

Additional Resources About Cold & Flu    
How to Help Fight The Flu 
HR Needs To Prepare for the Flu 
Disinfecting Hard Surfaces For Workplace Health

On a lake, ocean, or sea, boating is a popular summer activity. As with all outdoor sports, boating first aid is important for staying safe and having fun while riding on the lake. Out on the open water, you'll be away from immediate medical assistance, so you need to be prepared for any emergency on the vessel. If you're taking the family on a weekend boating trip or plan to be cruising along the waves all summer long, it's important to keep these first aid tips in mind:

Safety in numbers  
One of the most important rules of boating is to never go out on the water alone. Since the potential for accidents is high with boating, always take a buddy along so you'll always have someone available to administer first aid. Even if you're just going for a short ride or plan on remaining stationary in the water, it's important to have at least one other person accompanying you and to let someone on land know you'll be on the water.

Wear a life jacket  
If you're leading a boat outing, make sure that there are life vests available for each boater. All passengers under the age of 13 are required to wear a life jacket while on board a moving boat under federal regulations, according to BoatU.S. Foundation for Clean Water and Boating Safety. However, requirements for different ages vary by state, so check with your local laws before embarking on a water adventure.

Head injuries  
With all the tossing and turning on the waves, it's not unusual for a passenger to take a tumble. Even if that person doesn't get tossed overboard, falling while on the hard surfaces of a boat can result in serious head injuries. 
If a passenger experiences a head injury, stabilize the upper body by placing your hands on either side of his or her head, advises the National Institutes of Health. This will help keep the injured victim's body steady while someone drives the boat back to shore. If that person is not breathing, you may need to deliver CPR. 

Open wounds are common with head injuries, and cuts on the scalp tend to bleed profusely. Press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth from your first aid kit to stop the bleeding. However, if you suspect the skull has been fractured, do not put pressure on the wound. Just cover it with gauze until you reach professional medical help.

  
Hypothermia  
In the earliest months of summer, water, especially larger bodies like lakes and oceans, has not had any time to warm up. Falling overboard into the cold water may result in hypothermia. If the victim is shaking uncontrollably due to freezing cold waters, you need to begin first aid right away. Remove the wet clothes and replace them with dry ones, wrap the victim in a warm sleeping bag, and apply heat packets to his or her body to help regulate the internal temperature. 

Though these tips may help in an emergency, it's best to avoid accidents altogether. When driving the boat, pay attention to the task at hand, and make sure passengers are at a safe distance from the vessel's edge.

Water First Aid Products & Accessories   
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool 
Marine First Aid Kits 
Reorder Lists for First Aid Kits 
 

Additional Resources for Reordering Water First Aid Kits & Supplies    
Marine First Aid Kits for All Watersports Applications 
What is in a First Aid Kit? 
Essential First Aid Kit Supply List

Universal Precautions may be a common phrase in the world of healthcare but to the average American, they are unfamiliar words. When it comes to our health, everyone should learn and practice them well.  Back in the early 1980s, HIV was introduced to the United States. It seemed like every night, the evening news talked about a new virus called AIDS.

At that time, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) published a document called "Guideline for Isolation Precautions in Hospitals", which included a section dealing with blood and bodily fluid precautions. Five years later the CDC published "Recommendations for Prevention of HIV Transmission in Health Care Settings". The new document recommended that bodily fluids, infected or not, should be considered potentially infectious.

Why is this important to the average American worker?  While you might not be in the healthcare industry, you work with people and there is always the potential for an accident or medical emergency to occur among your co-workers.  In many instances, bodily fluids leave the victim and expose rescue workers and good samaritans trying to help.

Now, in a work setting, OSHA requires “Employees to observe Universal Precautions to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)”. Now known as Universal Precautions, this approach to infection control helps reduce the risk of unprotected exposure to potentially infectious bodily fluids. Treating all human blood and some human body fluids as if they were infected with HIV or HBV leaves out the guesswork of how to treat such situations.

Other Potentially Infectious Materials known as OPIM include human body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, saliva in dental procedures, and any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood. This also includes other body fluids that are difficult or impossible to tell the difference between body fluids.

As part of Universal Precautions, the CDC recommends the use of gloves, masks, eyewear, face shields, barrier gowns, and other Personal Protection Equipment to reduce exposure. As always, engineering and work practice controls should also be implemented to limit exposure.  These links will provide more details about the OSHA standard and CDC guidelines about Bloodborne Pathogens and Universal Precautions.  We also wrote "Bloodborne Pathogens and the Typical American Worker" which gives a nice overview of what it is and why it is important.

Bio Safety Products & Accessories  
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool  
Bio Protection Products  
Deluxe PPE & Clean Up Kit Plastic   
 

Additional Resources for Bio Safety Kits & Supplies   
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types   
Disinfecting hard Surfaces for Workplace Health   
Understanding the Importance of PPE for Bodily Fluids

https://youtu.be/OWvmLqkPsSo

Why Personal Protection from Bodily Fluids Is Important

Thank you for joining us today here at MFASCO Health & Safety. We are going to take a close look at a product that is designed to protect us from Bodily Fluids. When encountering blood or other bodily fluids, extreme caution should be always be used. Since 1992, infectious micro-organisms living in human blood known as Bloodborne pathogens, have been recognized as a serious health hazard to workers. Protecting yourself from these Biohazards includes the use of personal protective equipment. So, today we are going to take a closer look & review the #4120 Biohazard Personal Protection Kit here at MFASCO Health & Safety. 

MFASCO has designed a complete "Biohazard Personal Protection Kit" to help limit exposure to Bloodborne pathogens. Everything in the PPE kit is totally disposable. The convenient ziplock storage bag keeps the contents clean and safe until they are ready to use. The kit contains a disposable gown, visor & mask, red biohazard bag, latex free exam gloves, hand sanitizer, shoe covers and even instructions how to use the kit.

The #4120 kit has several benefits including it's price. At under 5 dollars it is a real bargain. The contents are well made.  
The gown has a liquid barrier film included for added protection.  
The mask is a combination eye & face protector that stays on well. 

Who Would Use This Biohazard PPE Kit?

AND 
The instructions for use easy to understand and have large print.

The only negative about this kit is that it is designed for one person. This might actually be a benefit as it does save on waste. For those who need more supplies, we suggest providing one PPE kit per person. This way, each person has the items they need and nothing is missing.

We see this kit being used by first responders, law enforcement, healthcare workers and anyone else who needs to be protected during a biohazard response. Manufacturing, clinics, government municipalities, construction, shopping malls and other places where there are people should all consider keeping a PPE kit handy and ready to use. Basically, any place where there is a multi-person first aid kit should consider keeping a Biohazard Personal Protection Equipment Kit.

Learn More About How To Protect Yourself

So, limit exposure to Bloodborne pathogens by using the MFASCO Health & Safety #4120 Personal Protection Equipment kit. REMEMBER, Always use Universal Precautions when encountering bodily fluids. WE have some great articles that provide more information about Bloodborne Pathogens and Universal precautions on our blog. Just search our site for the keyword "Bloodborne" to get you started.

Thank you for joining us today. If you're watching this on youtube, subscribe to our channel so you will be the first to know when we upload new videos. If your on our website, we encourage you to sign-up. When you sign-up, you immediately receive loyalty points for every purchase. We will also email you special offers, news and coupons out once a month. LAST, SIGNING UP will unlock some great resources to help you manage your supplies.

Thanks again for joining us. See you next time, here, at MFASCO Health & Safety..........

Bio Safety Products & Accessories   
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool   
Bio Protection Products   
Personal Protection Equipment Kit MFA    
 

Additional Resources for Bio Safety Kits & Supplies    
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types    
Disinfecting hard Surfaces for Workplace Health    
Understanding the Importance of PPE for Bodily Fluids

A new study reveals that some American healthcare workers are not adequately trained for or protected from bloodborne pathogens. 28% of privately owned dental practices did not have a site-specific written bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan and half of those had no intention to implement one in the next 12 months.  OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.1030 bloodborne pathogens standard was created to safeguard the American healthcare worker from infectious diseases found in human bodily fluids and the standard requires an exposure control plan be in place to protect workers.  

What is a bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan?

An exposure control plan (EPC) is the framework for compliance where the employer creates a written plan to protect their workers from bloodborne pathogens.  This written plan is a requirement for compliance.  Without this plan, the employer has no program and there is little hope of properly protecting their workers.  It is also a violation of Federal law and the employer will be deemed "non-compliant" and potentially fined.  So, with that in mind, let's take a minute and look at the 7 elements of an exposure control plan.  

1.  Exposure determination - The plan should include the names, departments, and tasks of each employee where the potential for occupation exposure to bodily fluids exists.

2.  Methods of implementation and control - There are several elements that will help reduce the potential for exposure to employees including:  

• Exposure control plan - A written plan outlining processes and procedures to prevent and correct exposure to potential infectious diseases and provide employee training.
• Engineering controls and work practices - Methods including sharps disposal, review of work practices, employee involvement, and awareness are all included.
• Personal protective equipment(PPE) - Supplies are provided to employees who fall under the plan including gloves, gowns, face protection, goggles, and the training, education, and use of PPE.
• Housekeeping - Outlines the proper use and procedures to handle, clean, and dispose of contaminated materials like clothing, emesis basins, sharps disposal, towels, and rags that are considered potentially infectious.  Biohazard clean-up kits are commonly used for spill applications.
• Laundry - Clothing that may have been exposed must be disposed of or treated appropriately, being placed in red, leak-proof bags marked with biohazard symbols.
• Labels - Equipment including waste receptacles, refrigerators, and other locations where potentially infectious materials are located must be labeled with identifying tags, stickers, or markings according to the standard to help identify them as hazardous and warn employees.  Red biohazard bags are commonly used for disposal.

3.  Hepatitis B Vaccine - The employer will provide training and vaccinations to employees who, as part of their job will be exposed to potentially infectious bodily fluids.  There are a few reasons an employee would not be required to be vaccinated but generally, everyone should be.  Any employee who declines the vaccination must sign a document of refusal to be kept with the other bloodborne pathogens program records.

4.  Post-Exposure evaluation and follow-up - Immediately after an event of exposure, a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up will be conducted.  The evaluation details several steps including documenting how the exposure occurred, being tested for infection, blood collection for evaluation and further testing, and more.  See the standard for more details.  

5.  Communication of hazards and training - Every worker who has occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogen receive training about what it is, symptoms, and transmission of these diseases.  As well as training, employees will have an opportunity to ask questions and get answers from the person who is conducting the training.

6.  Record keeping - There are 4 types of records OSHA requires.  Training, medical, incident, and sharps injury records all must be managed and maintained by the employer.  The length of time the records must be maintained varies based on record type.  For example, training records must be kept for three years while medical records must be kept for thirty years after the employee is no longer employed at that organization.

7.  Administration of post-exposure incidents - In the case where an employee has been exposed, the employer is required to examine the plan, process, and procedures surrounding the employee for the purpose of preventing future exposure. 

While the study mentioned at the beginning of this article focused on the dental industry, we can assume that many other organizations are not bloodborne pathogens compliant within different industries.  Take a close look at OSHA's written bloodborne pathogens standard and begin to create your exposure control plan.  If you have already created an exposure control plan but it has been tucked away in a file for years, get it out and update it.  Reach out to your employees and put your plan back into action.  These steps will help protect your most important asset, your employees.

MFASCO Health & Safety is an expert at Bloodborne Pathogen Kits and Supplies

Whether you need masks, gowns, or biohazard bags to refill your existing stock, we have the biohazard protection supplies you need.

We manufacture biohazard clean-up kits and personal protection kits

We manufacture and stock disposable bloodborne pathogens clean-up kits and PPE personal protection kits.  Our combination cleanup and PPE kits are the best choice for a complete kit.

More helpful resources and someone to talk to

We're here to help.  We have helpful articles about understanding the importance of PPE for bodily fluids or a basic overview of the concept of universal precautions, MFASCO Health & Safety is ready to help you select the right biohazard protection supplies.  Give us a call or email us for assistance.

Bio Safety Products & Accessories  
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool  
Bio Protection Products  
Deluxe PPE & Clean Up Kit Plastic   
 

Additional Resources for Bio Safety Kits & Supplies   
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types   
Disinfecting hard Surfaces for Workplace Health   
Understanding the Importance of PPE for Bodily Fluids