gym worries

[baxter26]

Hi i am new to this forum and i am just looking for some quick answers on hep c transmission. i work in a gym as a personal trainer and recently we have had new audio units fitted to each piece of cardio machines. The guys who fit the machines have used plastic ties and where they have been cut they are very sharp on the ends. loads of people have been complaining that they have scratched themselves on these ties. i have also scratched myself a few times breaking the skin. Although there is no visible blood on the ties and the scratches don't leak blood, is this a risk for hep/ hiv transmission.
Many thanks

[jmjm530]

FWIW I'm a bit illogical/myself when it comes to these things. The other day I cut myself on a fishbone during dinner. Guess what was the first thing that came to mind? Is it possible the bone had some HCV virus on it. LOL. Of course it was ridiculous, but that's what popped into my mind. Of course, after 52 weeks of treatment, I'm a bit more sensitive than the average Joe about being infected, but then again I have a lot more knowledge than the average Joe so logically I shouldn't have even made the association.

-- Jim

[baxter26]

Hi jmjm530.

Thats actually the best advice i have had on this forum. Wanna thank everyone for their replies. Take it easy Baxter

[jmjm530]

The scenario you describe simply illustrates the dangers of getting out of bed each morning.

Theoretical risks are everywhere, but you should be more worried about the someone poking their eyes out on the ties. Kickboxmom gave you some good and logical advice. Tape the ties up and stop doing all that math!

[baxter26]

I had the maintenance man chop the ties really short so they arent able to scratch anyone else. In your honest opinion if there is no visible blood- (i checked by using a piece of white tissue after), would i still be at risk. Also I thought hiv died as soon as it leaves the body. Finally in the uk there is a 1 in 1000 chance of meeting someone with hiv as we only have 2400 members so the chance of the 2 people scratching themselves are extremly low. Think the hep c population is slightly higher and it lives much longer outside the body so that is a bit more frightening.

[kickboxingmom]

Can you cover the ties with duct tape ?I personally would disinfect them.Cover them with a clean cloth and tape them.I would also be concerned about staph, MRSA.IF your insurance will allow.IMHO,(In my honest opinion).
Tammy btw, (By the way), Welcome to the forum.If you can't duct it.sorry couldn't resist.

[hippygem]

It could pose as a risk if there is blood left on the ties, better safe than sorry, get checked by your Dr.
Could the ties be change for something different?
HIV is more transmittable than HCV as HCV is a blood to blood virus, and HIV is any bodily fluids.