Blood Borne pathogen and Universal precautions

1. Blood Borne pathogen and Universal precautions

2. What are Blood Borne Pathogens • Definition: microorganisms present in human blood and can infect and cause disease to those exposed to blood containing the pathogen • Examples include HIV, Hepatitis B &C, and syphilis

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Transmission at Work • Blood borne viruses at work are transmitted mostly by: • A contaminated item punctures the skin • Examples: needles • 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.”

10. 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.

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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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