Bloodborne Pathogens At School
Introduction What are bloodborne pathogens? What diseases do they cause? How do you protect yourself from being exposed? With a little knowledge, you can guard your health and future.
Bloodborne Pathogens (BBPs) Disease-causing organisms found in the blood or body fluids of an infected person. Three pathogens of special concern HIV HBV HCV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Virus that causes AIDS Attacks the immune system There is no vaccine or cure Blood test to diagnose Increase number of HIV infected people living longer without symptoms due to better treatment.
Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) Virus Virus infection affecting the liver Symptoms range from mild to severe Many show no signs or symptoms HBV more easily transmitted Protective vaccine for HBV Most infected people will recover and be clear of the infection, others will become chronically infected.
Transmission How BBPs are NOT spread: Through air, like cold or flu. Through casual contact. Through coughing, sneezing, kiss on the cheek, hugs, drinking fountains, mosquitoes or food.
Transmission BBPs CAN be spread through: contact with an infected person s blood or body fluid containing visible blood through sexual transmission.
Transmission Dried HBV can survive on surfaces at room temperature for at least a week.
Entering the Body Intact skin provides a protective barrier BBP enters through doorway: Cut/scratch Sharing needles Razor nick Skin abrasion Dermatitis Acne
Entering the Body Can enter directly by contamination such as splash to eye, nose or mouth Can enter indirectly by contaminated hands touching mouth, eyes, nose or open cut.
Exposure Control Plan Universal Precautions Consider every person a possible carrier of a bloodborne pathogen and treat his/her blood and body fluids as if they were infected.
Protecting Yourself from Exposure When helping a person who is bleeding: Send for emergency personnel if necessary Protect yourself. Provide barrier, gloves best. NEVER reuse disposable or damaged gloves.
Protecting Yourself from Exposure Before an emergency occurs, know where a first aid kit is located. At minimum, this kit should include gloves, gauze, bandages and an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
Protecting Yourself from Exposure Now it is your turn to practice. Put gloves on
Removing Gloves Properly 1. Remove glove from one hand 2. Remove glove from second hand, tucking first glove inside 3. Throw away promptly. Never touch the outside of the glove with your bare skin.
Removing Gloves Properly 4. Wash hands with non-abrasive soap 5. Rinse completely and towel dry 6. The use of alcohol based hand sanitizer is acceptable, but needs soap and water as soon as possible.
Cleaning Up Always wear gloves Wear smock if needed Use disposable materials NEVER use hands to clean up sharp objects such as glass. Use broom and dustpan Use approved disinfectant solution
Cleaning Up If you empty garbage cans or laundry bins, always pick up and carry by the top. Never hold next to your body or support with your hand underneath Sharp objects can penetrate bags and cut you.
Cleaning Up If you find a syringe or needle: Use caution Do not break, bend or recap the needle Use a broom and dustpan to pick up and discard. If you stick yourself, wash with soap and water and report the incident to your supervisor!!!!!!! Seek medical help as soon as possible.
What to do if Exposed Don t Panic!!!! Wash with soap and water Flush eyes, nose, mouth with large amounts of water Report incident to your supervisor Exposure does not automatically mean infection
Frequently Asked Questions What if I need to give mouth-tomouth resuscitation? Use pocket mask found in AED accessory package. *no documented cases of BBPs passed through CPR
Frequently Asked Questions What if my protective equipment is penetrated by blood? Remove and replace immediately
Frequently Asked Questions What if blood or body fluids get on my skin? Wash with non-abrasive soap ASAP. Rinse completely and dry with and clean towel. Washing immediately and thoroughly reduces the chances of spreading potentially infectious material to other body parts or surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions What if blood or body fluids get in my eyes, nose or mouth Flush the area with running water ASAP
Frequently Asked Questions What if I am not near a sink or running water? Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer Since this is only a temporary measure, wash the area with soap and running water as soon a possible.
Additional Tips Keep soiled hands away from eyes, nose and mouth
Additional Tips ALWAYS wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses, applying cosmetics or lip balm.
Additional Tips Wear gloves whenever you may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
Additional Tips When assisting someone who is bleeding, try to get the person to stop the bleeding with direct pressure himself.
Conclusion Your risk of being exposed to bloodborne pathogens at school is low. Remember to use universal precautions if you do come into contact with blood (treat all as if infected)