Infection Control & SafetyQuestion 444 of 484

A barber accidentally nicks a client with a clipper guard and is exposed to a small amount of the client's blood through a torn glove. Immediately after stopping the bleeding on the client and applying first aid, the worker's correct steps for HER OWN exposure are:

a.Ignore it; the cut is small and clipper guards never carry pathogens
b.Pour bleach into the cut to disinfect from the inside
c.Continue the service to avoid embarrassing the client, then deal with the exposure at home
d.Wash the exposed area thoroughly with soap and water (or flush mucous membranes with water), report the exposure to the employer per the salon's exposure control plan, document the incident, and seek post-exposure medical evaluation per Cal/OSHA §5193

Explanation

The Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard (§5193) requires every workplace with reasonably anticipated occupational exposure to have an Exposure Control Plan that includes immediate care and reporting of any exposure incident. The correct steps for the worker are to wash the exposed skin with soap and water (or flush eyes/mucous membranes with water), report the exposure promptly to the employer, document the source if known, and obtain post-exposure medical evaluation and follow-up including baseline testing and any indicated prophylaxis (such as HBV vaccination boost or HIV PEP when warranted). Options A, B, and C ignore the standard, harm the worker, and create medical and legal liability.

Law Reference: Cal/OSHA §5193

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