Limiting your risk of exposure BloodBorne Pathogens Limiting your risk of exposure

The information contained in this presentation represents a compilation of Occupational Safety & Health Administration regulations, but does not replace a complete course. It is important to note that each school district has the authority to develop additional school policies and procedures specific to their needs. Every district must have a Exposure Control Plan. Make sure you can access and understand your district’s Exposure Control Plan.

Educational Setting School Districts are required to identify the personnel whose job duties expose them to blood and potentially infections body fluids. EVERYONE in an educational setting must understand the dangers of infection and the safety procedures to minimize risk.

Bloodborne Diseases Bloodborne Diseases that pose the greatest risk: HBV – Hepatitis B Virus HCV – Hepatitis C Virus HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus HBV and HIV are the 2 most common diseases carried by blood.

Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted at work by: Blood coming into contact with an open sore A puncture to the skin Contaminated blood enters the body through mucus membranes; eyes, nose or mouth Contaminated surfaces

Reducing Risk of exposure Methods that reduce your risk of exposure: Universal Precautions Personal Protective Equipment Proper Disposal Hand Washing

Personal protective equipment Equipment that protects you from contact with blood and other potentially infected material include: GLOVES Gown, Apron, Lab Coat Face Shield, Protective Eye Wear Mask, Mouthpieces, Resuscitation Bags All Personal Protective Equipment must be provided at no cost to staff and must be accessible for all staff.

  Glove Removal 1. With both hands gloved, grasp the outside of one glove at the top of your wrist. 2. Peel off this first glove, peeling away from your body and from wrist to fingertips, turning the glove inside out. 3. Hold the glove you just removed in your gloved hand. 4. With your ungloved hand, peel off the second glove by inserting your fingers inside the glove at the top of your wrist.

  Glove Removal 5. Turn the second glove inside out while tilting it away from your body, leaving the first glove inside the second. 6. Dispose of the gloves following safe work procedures. Do not reuse the gloves. 7. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after removing the gloves and before touching any objects or surfaces.

HAND washing Wash hands after coming in contact with blood, body fluids, excretions and secretions even if you wore gloves. Hand Washing Use soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. Rub vigorously over all surfaces of your hands. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean paper towel and discard. Use a clean paper towel to turn off the faucet and discard.

Precautions Clean all blood and bodily fluid spills promptly in accordance with your Exposure Control Plan. Call your custodian for additional help in procedure. Do not eat or drink when you are likely to be exposed to blood or body fluids. Dispose of sharps and other potentially infected materials in appropriately marked containers. Never push down on trash with your hands or feet.

When someone is bleeding Send for help Use protective gloves to assist as trained Ask person bleeding to apply pressure to their injury Report the incident to principal and school nurse and follow your Exposure Control Plan

If You are exposed to bloodborne pathogens Immediately Wash exposed area with soap and water Flush clean running water to nose, mouth or skin Irrigate eyes with water or saline Report incident according to your district’s Exposure Control Plan

Reducing Risk By following OSHA precautions and your district’s Exposure Control Plan you can reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens.

References OSHA BBP Safety & Health Topics http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/index.html US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov National Association of School Nurses http://www.nasn.org/default.aspx