Blood Borne Pathogens

1. Blood Borne Pathogens What You Need to Know Cynthia DiLaura Devore, MD, FAAP Carl M. Devore, MD, MPH

2. Why are we reviewing this topic? • Every employee needs to know how to stay safe in the workplace • In a school setting, there is a potential for exposure to blood and bloody body fluids that might be contaminated with a blood borne pathogen. • OSHA – the Occupational Safety and Health Organization (federal government) requires safety training for all employees

3. What are blood borne pathogens? • Viral infections that are transmitted from person to person via blood or bloody body fluid in the workplace are considered blood borne pathogens. • These diseases are not easy to “catch”, but once contracted, cannot be cured with medications, making prevention the primary priority • Examples of blood borne pathogens include • Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV), • Hepatitis B • Hepatitis C

4. Prevalence and Risk • In a school setting the prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C is low compared with other environments • The risk of contracting these diseases can be virtually eliminated by following simple precautions outlined by OSHA called “Standard Precautions”

5. OSHA Requirements for Employers • Offer pre-exposure Hep B vaccinations to anyone with routine duties that place an employee at risk of blood or body fluid exposure to a blood borne pathogen. Post exposure vaccines for all others which appears to work as well. (If you are unsure if your job qualifies, ask your supervisor.) • Offer personal protective devices, such as gloves, goggles, or masks, as a precaution. • Educate workers to use cautious work practices such as standard precautions and judicious avoidance to reduce risk of exposure

6. Standard Precautions • Treat everyone’s blood as though it is infected with a blood borne pathogen.

7. Judicious Avoidance • Use judicious avoidance for everyone • Stay away from blood, and call for help if you do not know how to protect yourself • Use barriers and personal protective devices whenever you encounter blood or a potentially infectious spill for everyone, or stay away and call for help • Stay away from spills if it is not part of your job description or training; call for help • Properly dispose of contaminated materials as hazardous waste or check with your supervisor

8. Hand Washing Use scrupulous hand washing with warm water (cold works, too) and soap when hands are dirty or contaminated, Scrub all hand surfaces for 30 seconds (sing Happy Birthday twice) and rinse well Use 60% or higher alcohol based hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available

9. What if I think I was exposed? • Wash contaminated area immediately and thoroughly as described • If eye splash, rinse eye with lukewarm water, water station water, or eye cup or eye bottle designed for that purpose for at least 5 min. • If mouth splash, rinse mouth repeatedly for at least five minutes • Seek medical attention or guidance from the school nurse or your medical provider that day • Notify your supervisor that day

10. Summary • Ask your supervisor if you are eligible for Hep B vaccine prophylaxis • Treat everyone as though they might have a blood borne pathogen • Avoid contact, use barriers, dispose of contaminated materials, and call for help • Use excellent hand washing with soap and water or 60% or higher alcohol based hand sanitizer • If you suspect an exposure, clean yourself carefully, seek medical guidance assistance that day • Notify your school nurse and supervisor immediately

11. Questions? • If you have any questions about blood borne pathogens, please contact your school nurse • If you have any questions about your job responsibilities, or your eligibility for Hepatitis B prophylaxis, please contact your supervisor