Posted By Paul Crump Look at the HSE free leaflet INDG342 "Blood born viruses in the workplace". This will give you some relevant information. Regards Paul

Posted By Liam Nolan Hi, I work in the sewage buisness and we have a recomendation to our workers exposed to raw sewage that they have the shot. According to our company doctor, a booster shot is required withing 12 months of the first shot. after that (another 12 months)a blood test is required to see if the persons system still has the antibodies in it. My own personal doctor has told me that the chances of contracting Hep B is extremely small (and I visit treatment plants most days a week). The shots over here (Ireland) cost around €80-00. My advice? you need to alert your staff as to the hazads and offer them the shot (in writing....). If it is a public Lav. you need to consider the other Hepatitus's as there may be needles from addicts etc. I'd be looking at the aproprite PPE (gloves) as well if there is a high sharps factor. Regards, Liam Nolan

Posted By David J. Hi, I would have thought it depending on a risk assessment and looking historically at any data available on incidence rates of workers contacting blood borne viruses at work. We have a similar dilemma with staff supporting individuals in the community who may be infected or, are in the high-risk category because of life style. You should consider the possible routes of contamination and consider if good hygiene practice is sufficient. We have and concluded that staff working in the community do not face a significant risk so long as they practice good hygiene. The issue of needle sticks in public toilets, toilets in shops, bars etc. has been almost eliminated by the introduction of special lighting that prevents them from “shooting up”. However I would agree that staff should be instructed and be able to deal with discarded sharps appropriately You should be aware that inoculation is only available for HEP B. Unfortunately it is Hep C that is currently on the increase particularly amongst drug users (thus needles are more likely to be contaminated with that strain). I have some guidance notes etc. available on “sharps” If you wish a copy contact me. Should have said.. we have never had an incidence of a member of field staff contacting Hep from a client and, as far as I am aware no other LA SW dept has. Thus conclusion must be that risk is very low. Cheers.