What an be done to minimize the risk of obtaining or spreading a blood borne diseas?

If they use gloves, gowns or scrubs, and in some cases, respiratory units so as not to breathe in the specimen when it is open to air. Usually though, gloves are sufficient, and a shield or mask on the face. 
The only way a "blood borne" disease could possibly be spread is if there is contact from an open area on the body, body fluid exchange, or a spill onto an open area into the skin.