What guidelines must be followed when contact with blood or bodily fluids is likely?

When contact with blood or bodily fluids is likely, following universal precautions is essential. Universal precautions are measures taken to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection, depending on the situation. This approach assumes that all blood and bodily fluids are potentially infectious, thereby minimizing the risk of transmission of diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and other bloodborne infections.

Implementing universal precautions involves careful training and awareness, ensuring that personnel understand how to protect themselves and others from potential hazards. This set of guidelines is foundational in both healthcare settings and situations where there is a possibility of coming into contact with human remains or bodily fluids during death investigations.

Other options, while important in their respective contexts, don't specifically address the procedures for minimizing infection risks from blood and bodily fluids. Safety protocols can vary widely and may not always prioritize bloodborne pathogens; hazardous material procedures are typically more relevant to chemical hazards and specific waste management measures target the disposal of contaminated materials rather than the direct contact risk management required in situations involving bodily fluids.