School District of Indian River County Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Program In Schools
Program Objectives To eliminate or minimize all exposures to bloodborne pathogens (HIV, HBV). To identify employees who are at risk of exposure to human blood and/or body fluids (other than their own). To notify exposed employees of the risks. To train exposed employees in the proper preventive measures. To ensure employee awareness regardless of exposure or risk potential.
Bloodborne Diseases Primary concern in a school setting are: AIDS / HIV no known cure Hepatitis B / HBV - vaccine There are others: Hepatitis C no known cure Other hepatitis strains
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by a virus called HIV. HIV attacks the immune system making it deficient in fighting infections and other diseases. Once infected, it may be several years before symptoms appear. Can be transmitted from infected mother to fetus. Virus is very fragile, will not survive very long outside the human body. Presently - no known cure.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) HBV is a virus that infects the liver which helps fights infections, stops bleeding, and filters toxins from body. Is very durable and can survive in dry blood for up to 7 days. Vaccine preventable and curable (must complete series of 3 inoculations to be effective).
Transmission Virus is transmitted from an infected person via blood, vaginal secretions or semen. Can enter bloodstream through a break in the skin or mucous membrane. Most common modes of transmission: - Sexual intercourse (unprotected) - Sharing needles
Myths About Transmission HIV & HBV are not spread through the air as are cold and flu germs. Can not be infected by using equipments or bathrooms used by infected persons. Contact with another persons perspiration. Infection from body contact during sporting events government researchers determine that risk is extremely small.
School Exposure Activities Administering first aid - Classroom especially during a lockdown or an emergency evacuation - Science Labs (broken glass, sharps) - Sports injuries - Field trips Accident clean up and disposal of waste Discipline and fight intervention
Protective Barriers and Controls Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Gloves Goggles Mask
Protective Barriers and Controls Spill Kits Clean Up and Disposal Biohazard Bags Sharps Disposal Needles and sharps in a separate, puncture proof container to be located in Health Room only.
Emergency First Aid Never touch blood or moist body substance with your bare skin; always use gloves when administering first aid. If disposable gloves are not available then improvise (paper, plastic bag) When removing contaminated gloves, etc., avoid touching parts that came in contact with the injured person/student. Store waste in bags properly marked. Disposal by an authorized company.
Accidental Exposure If blood or body fluids come in contact with eyes or other mucous membranes, immediately flush eyes for at least 15 seconds with water. If injured with a used hypodermic needle or any sharp object contaminated with blood or body fluid, allow wound to bleed out for a few seconds then wash with soap and water. Wash blood and body fluid off skin immediately with soap and water. IMPORTANT - Report exposure incident to supervisor and Human Resource immediately.
Student Exposure Prevention Isolate a bleeding or vomiting student from others. Avoid involving students in providing first aide to other students or employees. Students should not escort sick or injured students to the health center when they are bleeding or vomiting - Request assistance of Health Aide. When a student is at risk of exposure and it is unavoidable, ensure that the student properly uses the necessary personal protective equipment. Inform Human Resource of any student exposure to blood or body fluid (Accident Report or documentation).