Bloodborne Pathogens Training for School Staff Annual In-service

Training Objectives Provide a basic understanding of: Bloodborne pathogens (BBP) Common modes of transmission of BBP Methods to prevent transmission of BBP Information to help school staff maintain compliance with the BBP standard

Why do I need this training Schools are responsible for identifying and educating staff who have the potential to be in contact with bloodborne pathogens. Proper training can significantly reduce the risk of workers contracting HIV, hepatitis C, hepatitis B or other blood-borne diseases.

What are Bloodborne Pathogens? Viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms that are carried in the bloodstream and can cause disease. The most common BBP’s are: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Hepatitis B (HBV) Hepatitis C (HBC)

Hepatitis B Inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. Most infectious bloodborne hazard. Virus can survive outside the body for up to a week. Symptoms may include: pain on right side, jaundice, flu like symptoms, or dark urine.

Hepatitis B Vaccine A safe and effective vaccine is available. Vaccination is a series of 3 injections over a period of 6 months. Hepatitis B vaccine series must be offered at no charge to all staff who are at risk of an occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Hepatitis C Inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) Symptoms are similar to hepatitis B Causes chronic liver disease. No vaccine. No cure. Virus does not survive well outside of the body.

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus Destroys the immune system and can lead to the disease know as AIDS You cannot rely on symptoms to tell if a person has HIV/AIDS Symptoms may lie dormant for 10 years or more.

You can’t “catch” hepatitis B, C, or HIV from…. Working with or being around someone who has the disease Sweat, spit, tears, clothes, drinking fountains, phones, toilet seats, or through everyday things like sharing a meal Insect bites or stings Donating blood A closed-mouth kiss

Modes of Transmission Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted when there is direct contact with blood of an infected person through: Blood entering through open cuts, wounds or abrasions Blood splashes to mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth

Universal Precautions The practice of treating ALL human blood as though it is infectious. Key to prevention of infection. Use any time that there is a possibility of coming into contact with blood or other potentially infectious material. Includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand washing.

PPE Provided to staff at no cost. Available in nurse’s office or with first aid supplies. Includes: Gloves Gowns Eye protection

Hand washing Single most important aspect of infection control. Wash hands immediately after contamination with blood or body fluids and after removing PPE. Use soap and water to wash hands when available or alcohol based sanitizer if not. Always use soap and water if hands are visibly contaminated.

Disposal of Sharps Anything that can puncture your skin is considered a sharp. All contaminated sharps should be disposed of in a designated sharps container as soon as possible. Sharps containers can be found in the nurse’s office. Red biohazard bags are also available for disposal of blood saturated linens.

Decontamination Clean and decontaminate all equipment and environmental surfaces after contact with blood or body fluids Always wear PPE Absorb spill Apply 10% bleach solution or approved disinfectant Wipe up and allow to air dry

What is an exposure incident? Exposure is defined as a specific incident, while providing job duties, that results in blood or other potentially infectious materials “getting in” through: Non-intact skin Mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth)

What to do if an exposure occurs IMMEDIATELY: Wash exposed area with soap and water Flush blood splashes to mucous membranes with water Irrigate eyes with water or saline Report the incident to your school nurse and principal for follow up and to fill out a report.

Any questions? See your school nurse!

References Federal OSHA http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10051 TOSHA www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/tosha/ppts/bbp%20int2.ppt School Board Policy http://www.boardpolicy.net/documents/detail.asp?iFile=3191&iType=5&iBoard=57