BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS in the SCHOOL SETTING

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENSBLOODBORNE PATHOGENSin thein the

SCHOOL SETTINGSCHOOL SETTING

What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Diseases spread through contact with body fluids, blood, or blood products.

Most Common BBP’s

Hepatitis B (HBV)Hepatitis C (HCV)Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

(BBP’s)

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Affects the Liver

May cause jaundice, dark brown urine, and clay colored stools

Can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, or death

Can go unnoticed

Vaccine available

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Attacks the liver

Can cause chronic liver disease and death

No protective vaccine exists

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Attacks the immune system, destroying its ability to fight infection

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS

Infected persons may carry the virus for years with no symptoms

No cure at this time

You cannot tell if someone is You cannot tell if someone is carrying a BBP carrying a BBP just by looking at them!just by looking at them!

TransmissionHaving sex with an infected personSharing needles to inject drugs

In a school environment, it’s more likely transmission would be through:

Mucous membranesBroken skinAccidental injury with a

contaminated object

Exposure does not mean you’ll automatically be infected.

Most people exposed to BBP’s never become infected.

Know the risks!

Don’t be lazy or careless whenit comes to protecting yourself!

Personal Protective Equipment(PPE)

The first line of defense against BBP’s!

gloves eyewear shields protective clothing

PPE should:

Fit properly

Be in good repair, no cracks or tears

Be disposed of properly

Bandage cuts before putting on gloves

Disposable single-use gloves should never, ever, without exception be used more than once!

Heavy-duty utility gloves may be reused after thorough washing or decontamination.

Avoid rubbing your face while wearing gloves.

Proper Hand washing is important!

Once PPE is removed, always wash hands thoroughly after an incident:

Use running water instead of hand sanitizerHand sanitizer may be used until you get to a sinkUse non-abrasive soapBuild a good latherRub hands together for at least 15 secondsBe sure to get around fingernails and under ringsKeep fingers pointed downward as you rinse

so that the water will run off your handsDry with disposable towels

Engineering Controls

• Good HousekeepingClean desks, phones, and work area often

• Safe Work ProceduresFrequent hand washing or use hand sanitizerWear PPEDispose of contaminated sharps properlyCall custodians to clean up blood or body fluids Clean spills with an approved cleaning agentNever push down trash with hands or feet

Assess the situationA person with a minor cut should try to stop

the bleeding themselvesIf assistance is needed – use PPEIf exposure occurs – wash or flush with

water immediatelyIf CPR is needed and you are trained

– use a pocket maskReport any exposures or injuries

immediately to Health Office

Call or email the Nurse at your building.

Thank you for your participation.

Neosho R5 School District Health Services