OSHA REVIEW FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL

Instructions Review all slides Consult your school nurse if you have any questions about the material. Complete the Post Test Turn completed Post Test into your school nurse. Review and test must be completed and turned in by August 30th of each year or within 2 weeks of new employment.

Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens??? Bloodborne Pathogens are diseases you can acquire through exposure to others blood or body fluids (including semen, vaginal secretions and other body fluids containing visible blood). Some of the diseases spread through blood and body fluids are HIV, Hepatitis B & C. You cannot become infected with these diseases through casual contact such as coughing, sneezing, a kiss on the cheek, drinking fountains or food.

How are bloodborne pathogens spread in the school setting? Direct contact of blood or body fluids to: Broken skin, cuts, scrapes or mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth) Contaminated sharp object that punctures your skin. Dermatitis and Acne Most common transmission routes in the school setting are: Dental Wires Contaminated sharps such as scalpels, broken glass , knives and sharp metal. ***Caring for injuries without using UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS!

Indirect Transmission Bloodborne diseases can also be transmitted indirectly. This happens when you touch a contaminated surface or object and then transfer it to your eyes, nose, mouth or non-intact skin. Some viruses can survive on surfaces dried and at room temperature for at least a week!

SCAT! S-STOP/think before you act if alerted to a blood/body fluid contamination C-CONTROL/protect environment considering all blood and body fluid is “infectious” A- ALERT front office immediately stating you have a contaminated area with location T-TAKE care of yourself using proper handwashing and protective equipment

Special Education Classrooms Special Ed employees should take extra precaution working with severely disabled children. These children are more vulnerable to injury, likely to have special medical needs and dependent on adults for personal care.

WHEN AN EXPOSURE OCCURS- STOP WASH REPORT!

Know your exposure control plan! Where is your plan? -Located in the administrative area at your school. Ask your principal where it is located. Report immediately! Even if you are unsure if an exposure really occurred! Thoroughly complete the reporting forms. Exposures can occur: To Students, Staff and Visitors!

Reducing your risk of exposure! Use Standard (Universal) Precautions! Treat all blood and body fluids as if they were potentially infectious. Use a barrier between yourself and potentially infectious material. Wear gloves and other personal protective equipment when necessary. Discard gloves after each use and before touching any other person. Be alert for hazards in the workplace and report immediately. Make sure housekeeping staff clean spills and surfaces appropriately and adequately. An approved virucidal/germicidal disinfectant will be used Be sure to disinfect mops or other cleaning tools after clean up. Educate students and staff about hazards. Get vaccinated Cover skin injuries and abrasions Good personal hygiene- cover coughs, don’t eat, drink, apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses where there is a likelihood of exposure!

Be Aware that: There is no law that states student’s or teachers must report that they are infected with a serious communicable disease. Many people infected with contagious diseases show no signs or symptoms of illness. In fact, confidentiality laws most often prohibit sharing this information when it is known.

The most important work practice control is GOOD handwashing! It protects you and others from transmission of disease. Wash with non-abrasive soap and running water. Alcohol hand gel may be used where handwashing facillities are not available(such as on a school bus) This is a temporary measure only. If skin or mucous membranes come in contact with blood or other body fluids, flush with water ASAP!

How to handle Risky Situations Bloody Noses- Keep victim upright, head slightly forward Pinch nostrils and let victim hold the tissue under the nose to catch any blood. If you need to assist, put on gloves first Dispose of tissues in an appropriate container Have victim wash blood off hands and skin. You should be able to control nosebleeds within 5-10 minutes. If clothes are saturated with blood, remove and place in a leak proof bag.

Athletic Injuries Athletes should bandage existing cuts or scrapes BEFORE participation. If injured and bleeding should stop play Immediately and have wound cleaned, bandaged securely and replace any clothing necessary before returning to play. Contaminated clothing/towels…should be placed in a plastic bag until laundered. Play areas contaminated with blood should be cleaned until all visible blood is gone and then disinfected. People assisting with 1st Aid or handling contaminated laundry or disinfecting equipment must wear gloves and wash hands immediately after removal.

BITES If bitten by anyone immediately wash the area with soap and water. Have “biter” rinse mouth-and spit into sink-do not swallow. Both people should then seek medical attention Human bites can transmit bloodborne and other infections.

Take these steps in Emergency Situations Take a breath- remain calm Reassure victim Encourage victim to administer own 1st Aid ie: applying pressure and bandaging. Call for help! Never allow other students to administer lst aid to other students, staff or visitors.

Summary Risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens at school is very low. Treat all blood and body fluids with visible blood as though infected. Use gloves when handling any body fluids Disinfect any spills Dispose of all contaminated materials

By following simple safety guidelines you can deal with blood safely While treating the person in need with compassion!