Blood Borne pathogen and Universal precautions

What are Blood Borne Pathogens Microorganisms that can infect and cause disease to those exposed to blood containing the pathogen Examples include HIV, Hepatitis B &C, and syphilis

General Information Assume all body fluids are infectious and all surfaces are unclean. Disease causing bacteria and viruses can be carried in someone who shows no symptoms. Note that MRSA can be in sputum, on skin, or in wound drainage of infected person.

Blood AND Body Fluids What’s considered contaminated body fluids Semen Vaginal Secretions Cerebrospinal fluid Any body fluid with visible blood Feces, urine, nasal secretions, sputum, emesis, However, even if no visible blood handle as if it may be infectious.

Transmission of Blood borne Diseases Spreads most easily through contact with blood, semen, vaginal secretions and other body fluids and tissue with visible blood. Bloodborne viruses are most commonly transmitted by: Sharing needles to inject drugs. Having unprotected sex with an infected person. Transmitting the virus from mother to unborn child during pregnancy.

Transmission at Work Blood borne viruses at work are transmitted mostly by: A contaminated item such as needles or glass that punctures the skin Contaminated blood or body fluid entering your body through broken skin (i.e. cuts, nicks, abrasions, dermatitis, and acne) or the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Transmission - Indirectly Indirect transmission occurs when you touch a contaminated object or surface and then transfer the infection to your mouth, eyes, nose or non-intact skin. Contaminated surfaces are a major cause of the spread of hepatitis. Hepatitis can survive on environmental surfaces, dried and at room temperature, for at least one week.

Hand washing Assume hands are contaminated. Wash before eating, after eating, and after using restroom. Wash with soap and water at least 20 seconds or as long as it takes to sing the Happy Birthday.

Skin Care Don’t allow your skin or mucous membranes to come into contact with blood or body fluids. Cover any open areas of your skin with bandage or band aids. Again, take care of skin and prevent chapping. Remember: “Breaks in skin allow bugs in.”

School Policy and reporting exposures Identify personnel whose job duties expose them to blood or body fluids. Offer Hepatitis B Vaccine if indicated by your position. If exposure occurs, wash area thoroughly with soap and water. Do not use bleach or other cleansing agents as these may damage your skin. Report exposure to your supervisor or school nurse.

School Policy and reporting exposures Complete any required documentation. If after school hours, report to the building administrator.

House Keeping Effective housekeeping strategies include: Clean and decontaminate all material with the appropriate disinfectant / cleaner. Use a broom and dust pan to pick up broken glass instead of your hands. Dispose of sharp items and other potential infectious material in appropriately marked containers. Handle contaminated laundry as little as possible.

Personal Protective Equipment Equipment that protects you from contact with blood or other potentially infected material (PIM) include: Gloves Gowns, Aprons, Lab Coats Face Shields, Protective Eye Wear Masks, Mouthpieces, Resuscitation Bags

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) continued The PPE must fit properly, especially gloves. All PPE must be free of physical flaws that could compromise safety. You must use appropriate PPE each time you perform a task involving Potentially Infected Materials. Additional gloves and other PPE can be requested from the school nurse.

Gloves Gloves should be removed when they become contaminated or damaged or immediately after finishing the task. With both hands gloved, peel one glove off from top to bottom and hold it in the gloved hand. With the exposed hand, peel the second glove from the inside, tucking the first glove inside the second. Dispose of the entire bundle promptly. Never touch the outside of the glove with bare skin. Every time you remove your gloves, wash your hands with soap and warm running water.

Safe Practices to follow Use personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, masks, and/or gown if possible exposure. Wear gloves with any possible contact of blood or body fluid Take care of your skin. Prevent chapping or cracking. If your position warrants, get the Hep. B vaccine.

Safe Practices to Follow Clean all blood and bodily fluid spills promptly according to the Exposure Control Plan in the school policy manual. Keep work surfaces and protective coverings clean. Trash may contain contaminated sharps and shards, so never push down with your hands and feet.

Safe practices Watch for fluorescent orange-red labels, red bags, and containers with a biohazard symbol. This symbol will warn you when the contents of containers are used for waste, storage, or shipping contain blood or other potential infectious material.

Stay Safe! Protecting yourself from bloodborne diseases on the job requires knowing the facts and taking sensible precautions. If you have further questions, contact your school nurse/clinic aide or contact the School Health Coordinator, Carol Cash RN, MSN at 245-5133

Resources The information presented in this presentation was taken from Bloodborne Pathogens: Handbook and from the video, Bloodborne Pathogens for School Employees. Both items are produced by Coastal Video Communications Corp Additional information within this PowerPoint presentation was used with permission from Waynesboro Public Schools.

Annual Review Documentation Once you have reviewed the information, please click on the link below to complete your Bloodborne Pathogens Annual Review. This step must be completed to fulfill your annual competency. Blood Borne Pathogen Confirmation