Universal/Standard Precautions

Bloodborne Pathogens

For School Staff

Employee Training

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What are bloodborne pathogens?

• Microorganisms carried by human blood and body fluids
• Can be spread through contact with infected blood
• Cause infections and illness

Where are bloodborne pathogens found?

• Body fluids containing visible blood
• Semen and vaginal secretions
• Torn or loose skin (open wounds)

Bloodborne Pathogens ( BBP) can cause infection by entering your body. ��In a school environment, it's more likely BBPs would enter via:�

• Open cuts and nicks
• Skin abrasions
• Dermatitis (eczema, others causing open wound areas) Acne
• Mucous membranes of your mouth, eyes or nose due to a splash of blood or body fluid

Also, BBPs might enter your skin:

If you accidentally injure yourself with a sharp object contaminated with infectious material, such as:

• Needles
• Broken glass
• Anything that can pierce your skin

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Special Education, Preschool and Kindergarten staff should take extra caution. Some children might be more:

• Vulnerable to injury
• Likely to have special medical needs
• Dependent on adults for personal care

The most common BBPs are:

• HIV
• Hepatitis B(HBV)
• Hepatitis C(HCV)

HIV

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)�

• Is very fragile and does not live long outside of the human body
• Attacks the immune system
• Is spread primarily via unprotected sex; shared needles

HIV is transmitted indirectly by touching or working around people who are HIV-positive.

• True or False

FALSE

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is...

• Transmitted primarily through sexual contact VIA direct contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluid

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• 100 times more contagious than HIV

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• Able to survive on surfaces dried and at room temperature for at least a week

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• Contaminated surfaces are a major factor in the spread of HBV

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Transmission of Hepatitis B is preventable:

• Use universal precautions in the workplace
• Get the HBV vaccination
• Do not share needles
• Use condoms during sex

BE SMART!

PREVENT

TRANSMISSION!

The Hepatitis B Virus can go unnoticed in an infected person.

Facts About Hepatitis C (HCV)

• HCV is more common than HBV
• Ranks slightly below alcoholism as a cause of liver disease
• Is spread most commonly through shared needles

There is a vaccine for Hepatitis C…

True or False?

FALSE

Universal/Standard Precautions

• TREAT ALL blood and body fluids as if they are infectious, regardless of the perceived status of the source individual.
• Wear gloves ( and other appropriate PPE) when you anticipate touching blood, body fluids or contaminated surfaces…

IF IT’S WET,

AND NOT YOURS

DON’T TOUCH IT

WITHOUT GLOVES!

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Practice Universal Precautions by:

• Cover hand cuts with a band aid BEFORE gloving

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• Wash hands AFTER removing gloves

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• Dispose of gloves after each use

in plastic bag that can be sealed

(unless wearing heavy duty-utility gloves)

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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Use the PPE you need to get the job done while keeping you safe!

In work areas where

there is a potential for

contamination with

blood or body fluids.

If blood/body fluids makes contact with your mouth, nose, eyes

• Flush with running water at a sink or eyewash station for 10-12 minutes
• Notify your school’s nurse and your administrator

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One should only use Universal Precautions when working with people at High Risk for a bloodborne disease.

• True or False

FALSE! �REMEMBER: TREAT ALL BLOOD and BODY FLUIDS as if they are infectious.

Handwashing is NOT necessary if gloves are worn.

• True
• False

FALSE�Always wash your hands after removing gloves.

FIRST AID CLEANING PROCEDURES

1. If possible, help the injured student or staff member care for themselves.

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1. Create a barrier between yourself and blood and body fluids that may contain blood.

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1. Clean all surfaces and soiled items with APPROPRIATE CLEANER (Custodial staff will have these supplies)

4. Dispose of all soiled gloves and other barrier materials in a sealed plastic bag

(reusable items should be sealed in plastic until they can be laundered).

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5. Wash hands with soap and warm running water for at least 15 seconds.

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5. Hand sanitizer does not take the place of soap and water when washing hands after an incident.

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Labels and Signs

Warning labels should be on any container containing blood or other potentially infectious material.

Housekeeping/Environmental Issues

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To minimize exposures the following measures should be implemented:

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• Call for custodial staff to clean any equipment or surfaces contaminated with blood or body fluids.

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• Broken glass should always be treated as contaminated and never be picked up with your bare hands. Always use mechanical means to pick up glass such as a broom and dustpan. Call your custodial staff for assistance and clear the area of students.

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• Never push down trash with your hands. Hold it away from you and shake down.

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• Contaminated laundry should be placed in a leak proof container. (double bagged)

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• Place items, heavily soiled with blood, in a regular trash bag. Immediately notify your custodian when potentially infectious trash needs to be disposed of appropriately in a Red BIOHAZARD BAG.

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• Regular inspection and disinfection of reusable containers. (trash cans, hygiene boxes)

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• Call for cleanup of areas which have been contaminated or are suspected to be contaminated.

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• Only school approved disinfectants are to be used. DO NOT BRING CLEANERS FROM HOME.

What to do if exposed?

• Wash exposed areas (hands, etc.) with soap and water.

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• Immediately flush exposed mucous membranes with water.

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• Immediately report the exposure to your immediate supervisor and the school nurse. There are specific forms to complete for an exposure.

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• If there is a blood spill, immediately arrange for clean-up (call custodian).

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• The School Nurse/Human Resources Department will provide directions for medical evaluation.

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• A copy of your School’s Exposure Control Plan and Policy is available at the School’s Administrative offices and on the School’s website.

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Upon completing this training:

1. Make sure you sign the BBP training log/complete the assessment for this training in order to document your BBP training for the current school year.

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1. Notify your supervisor if your situation has changed and you wish to receive the Hepatitis B Vaccine series.

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1. REMEMBER TO ALWAYS USE UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS & PPE

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1. If you have any questions,

contact the District Health

Coordinator.