Blood Borne Pathogens Information
Bloodborne pathogens are micro-organisms that can cause disease when transmitted from an infected individual to another individual through blood and certain body fluids. They are capable of causing serious illness and death. The most common illnesses are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and AIDS (HIV).
There are many types of Hepatitis. Hepatitis is an infection and/or inflammation of the liver. The three most common types of Hepatitis are
Hepatitis A is not caused by bloodborne pathogens. Viral infection caused by the Fecal-oral route. Hand washing is the primary means of prevention.
Hepatitis B is caused by a bloodborne pathogen. spread by blood-to-blood contact or sexual transmission. All children are now required to have a series of three Hepatitis B vaccines to attend public schools in Oklahoma.
Hepatitis C is caused by a bloodborne pathogen. It is spread in the same ways as Hepatitis B. There is NO vaccine available.
For more information about Hepatitis click here: www.liverfoundation.org
For more information about AIDS click here: www.aegis.com, then click on the basics.
Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted when blood or body fluid from an infected person enters another person's body via needle-sticks, human bites, cuts, abrasions, or through mucous membranes. Any body fluid with visible blood is potentially infectious. Also, semen, vaginal secretions and saliva in dental procedures are considered potentially infected body fluids. Sweat does not transmit bloodborne pathogens.
The Hepatitis B virus can survive on surfaces at room temperature for at least a week.
The Hepatitis B series consists of 3 shots over a 6-month period. The shots are given in the upper arm, and have a very low incidence of side effects. In most cases, a person will become immune to Hepatitis B after 3 shots.
Oklahoma now requires all school-aged children to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Adults are highly encouraged to be vaccinated.
The school nurses and administrators determine which employees will be offered the free hepatitis B shots. The following personnel are included:
* school nurses
* health assistants
* district police
* AEP personnel
* select special education staff
* athletic trainer
Your insurance company may also pay for these shots.
KPS has developed a bloodborne pathogen Exposure Control Plan. A copy of this can be obtained from your school nurse. All employees have access to the exposure control plan.
An exposure means that a person has been in contact with or exposed to potentially infected blood or body fluids.
All blood and body fluids should be treated as if they are potentially infectious.
You cannot tell if a person is infected with a bloodborne disease by their appearance.
If you are involved in any situation involving blood or other potentially infected materials, make sure to follow all precautions to avoid getting another person's blood or body wastes on your skin or mucous membranes.
Standard Precautions are also know as Universal Precautions.
*Trash cans shall be emptied on a daily basis.
*Bathrooms, sinks, and drinking fountains will all be cleaned on a daily basis.
* Use sharps container (located in nurse's office) for disposal of needles, blades and lancets.
* Employees are trained in bloodborne pathogen safety so they can safely give first aid.
* Always wear gloves when giving first aid for wounds.
* Allow students to cleanse their own bloody wounds when possible.
* Wash hands as soon as possible after removal of gloves or other personal protective clothing or equipment.
* Immediately wash hands after accidental contact with blood or body fluids.
* Call the custodian to clean up body fluids.
* Wear gloves when emptying waste receptacles.
* Clean contaminated surfaces by first removing visible blood, then disinfect with an EPA registered germicidal cleaner (KPS supplies this to the school nurses and custodians)
* Broken glass shall be picked up using a broom and dust pan or with tongs. Broken glass is to be placed in a closed box before placing in trash.
* Dispose of sharps (hypodermic needles, lancets, scalpel blades, etc.) in red bio-hazard, leak proof and puncture resistant containers that are located in the nurse's office.
*Always wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, handling contacts, applying cosmetics or lip balm.
- the most common PPE - make sure to use them when needed. KPS provides gloves at no cost to the employee. All classroom teachers should have immediate access to gloves.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
* Gloves
* CPR masks - located in nurse's office
* Vinyl Aprons
* Face masks
* Goggles
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1. With both hands gloved, peel one glove off from top to bottom and hold it in the gloved hand. 2. With the exposed hand, peel the second glove from the inside, tucking the first glove inside the second. 3. Dispose of the gloves promptly. 4. Never touch the outside of the glove with bare skin. 5. Every time you remove your gloves, wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible.
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* Call the custodian to clean up blood or body fluid spills.
*Custodians will receive in-depth training by the school nurses.
*The EPA approves germicidal solutions to be used in the prevention of bloodborne pathogens. Only these approved products can be used by KPS personnel.
Who to contact and how to report an exposure incident
These guidelines are for all staff members who may have blood/body fluid exposure to non-intact skin or mucous membranes as a result of working with students.
Report all exposure incidents to the principal and the school nurse. KPS will provide a free and confidential medical evaluation to the exposed employee.
A significant exposure is defined as:
* Any puncture of the skin by a needle or other sharp object that has had contact with blood or body fluids
* Blood or saliva splattered onto mucous membranes of nose, mouth or eyes
* Contamination on open skin (cuts, abrasions, blisters, open rashes) with blood, vomitus, saliva, or urine. Bite wounds resulting in broken skin would be included in this category.
* A highly significant exposure is a large exposure of blood associated with a large bore needle with deep penetration/puncture.
What happens if I've been exposed?
* All exposed employees will receive a confidential medical evaluation and follow up which includes:
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-Necessary immunizations
-Blood testing
Please report all exposures to the school nurse so that an exposure report can be generated.
Obtaining consents for necessary testing
What can I do to minimize the chances of accidental exposure?
Ways to isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace
What is the Exposure Control Plan and how do I get a copy?
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Remember: Handwashing is the best way to avoid the spread of any infection!
Proper handwashing consists of washing your hands with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds, then drying. The instant get hand sanitizer or towelettes are adequate ways of cleaning your hands if you don't have access to running water and soap. Wash your hands frequently, and encourage your students to do the same. |