OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS Bloodborne Pathogens are viral diseases that can infect a person if they are exposed Hepatitis B Hepatitis C HIV FOR INFECTION TO OCCUR: A germ Bloodborne Pathogens A vehicle to carry the germ - Blood A route for the germ to get into the body Infected Needle or other sharp object Broken skin exposed to infected blood Mucous membrane exposed to infected blood Germ Route Vehicle 1
EXPOSURE IN THE WORKPLACE Most exposures occur by: Stuck by a contaminated needle or other sharp object Contaminated blood splashed on their broken skins, eyes, nose or mouth You can protect yourself from exposure UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS A method of infection control in which all human blood and other potentially infectious materials are treated as if known to be infectious Universal precautions do not apply to feces, nasal secretions, sputum, sweat, tears, urine, or vomitous, unless they contain visible blood. Many people who have an infectious disease have no visible symptoms Some have no knowledge of their condition No one is immune to any of these viruses UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS INCLUDE: Engineering Controls isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace Ex: sharps disposal containers for contaminated needles Administrative Controls reduce the likelihood of exposure by altering the manner in which a task is performed Ex: rotating employees Personal protective equipment 2
HAND WASHING The single most effective method of preventing the spread of infection Before: Drinking or eating Handling clean utensils, equipment or food Before and After: Going to the bathroom After: Contact with any body secretions Handling soiled diapers, garments, or equipment Caring for children, especially those with discharges Removing disposable gloves Removing lab coat or smock PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Equipment used by an employee to protect from exposure, such as gloves or eye protection Gloves the most common PPE Gloves are to be worn whenever you are at risk for coming into contact with bodily fluids that may contain blood. Gloves are available in every first aid kit. HOUSEKEEPING Good housekeeping is EVERYONE S responsibility Clean equipment and work surfaces Use only district approved cleaners Dispose of broken glass and other sharps safely Disinfect the equipment used to sweep up contaminated material Dispose of infectious waste properly 3
TRASH DISPOSAL Puncture proof (SHARPS) container required for needles, syringes or broken glass with blood Do not break or recap needles place intact syringes with needles into container TRASH DISPOSAL Use Bio-hazardous (red labeled) bags to dispose of trash containing liquid blood or body excretions that may contain visible blood- if possible Use disposable plastic liners for all trash containers WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS AN EXPOSURE Wash exposed area(s) as soon as possible Call the FIN: (916) 801-9908 Report the incident to your supervisor Discuss the exposure with the physician If you have not had the Hepatitis B vaccine series, discuss with your doctor Hepatitis B vaccine can be given up to 24 hours after exposure and still be effective in preventing disease 4
YOUR RIGHTS IF EXPOSED Employees cannot be required to take blood test No one can be required to share results of AIDS/HIV tests Misdemeanor to disclose blood test results of HIV positives except by written authorization CH&S Code Chapters 1.11 & 1.12, Sections 119.21, 199.30, 199.31 & 199.37 Blood tests to detect AIDS virus may not be used to determine employability or insurability Employees may be required to have physical to determine that health is appropriate to work with children OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE POSITIONS HEPATITIS B VACCINATION AVAILABLE School Nurses Health Assistants High School Records Clerks Special Education Teachers / Inst. Assistantsproviding hygiene duties Other teachers Instructional Assistants Custodians Maintenance (Plumbers) Special Needs Teachers, Instructional Assistants, Bus Drivers / Attendants School Secretaries & Office Personnel School Security / Campus Monitors If you are insured through Kaiser or HealthNet through EGUSD, you can receive the vaccination from your primary care physician All others can receive the vaccination from Sutter Occupational Health Clinic by contacting Risk Management for referral at 686-7775 5