Page 26 - TRAINING MODULE_BTM

BUMI TUNGGAL MAJU SDN BHD TRAINING MODULE

Needle Stick Injuries

Cleaners are at risk from needle stick or sharp injuries. Sharps injuries in the healthcare setting
may result in the transmissionnnof blood borne viruses (BBVs) such as hepatitis B (HBV)

hepatitis C (HCV) or Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV). If working in areas where

needles or syringes may be present, workers should ensure that a risk assessment is completed in
advance of the work being done, suitable gloves are worn, sharps containers are used for the

storage of discarded sharps and that good hand hygiene is practised.

Weil’s Disease (Leptospirosis)

Exposure to mouse or rat urine in sewers can occur via drains or contaminated river/sewer water.
Workers working on or near drains could be exposed. They should exercise good personal

hygiene by either washing their hands or wearing gloves especially in instances of broken or
damaged skin. Employees should also check for visible evidence of the presence of rodents i.e.

droppings prior to carrying out the work.

Legionnaire’s Disease (Legionella)

Some people can be infected with the Legionella bacteria and have only mild symptoms or no
illness at all. Legionnaire's disease occurs in temperatures between 25 and 45 °C with an

optimum around 35 °C. Infection normally occurs after inhaling an aerosol (fine airborne
particles) containing Legionella bacteria. Such particles could originate from any infected water

source. Infected water sources are areas of standing stagnant water, such as air-conditioning

units, water towers, water standpipes, fire hose reels.

Human or Animal Waste
Workers involved in cleaning activities which may allow them to come into contact with human

or animal waste should be extra cautious in relation to personal hand hygiene and use of Personal

Protective Equipment. Pathogenic organisms may be present including Salmonella and E.Coli.
Health surveillance should be made available to workers including vaccinations where

appropriate i.e. Hepatitis A vaccination.
Skin Diseases

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