UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS IN THE SCHOOL SETTING

Training Objectives

• To provide information regarding blood borne pathogens

• To assure that you have the necessary training to protect yourself and others when providing care to any student, whether or not the student is known to be infectious

Universal Precautions Basis and Concept

Universal Precautions are based on the concept that blood and certain body fluids, such as urine, stool, vomit, and saliva should be considered potentially infectious for pathogens.

Where are the risks? Playgrounds, classrooms, parking lots, sports, health rooms

Almost anywhere

School Employees’ Awareness It is important that personnel in the education setting be

aware of the potential risk of blood borne and infectious pathogens (disease producing agents or microorganisms).

Employees in the school setting can come in contact with blood or body fluids while performing their job duties since students of all ages sustain cuts, wounds, and nosebleeds.

It is essential for each employee to know the safe procedures that will minimize risk of transmission of disease.

Examples of PathogensDisease Producing agents or microorganisms

• Hepatitis B Virus-(blood borne)• Hepatitis C Virus-(blood borne)• HIV-(blood borne)Other pathogens:• Hepatitis A Virus• Salmonella Bacteria• Common Cold Viruses• Gastro intestinal Viruses

Disease Transmission

• Many diseases are carried by blood and body fluids. The three most serious are hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Blood borne pathogens can cause infection by entering the body in a variety of ways:

1. Open cuts 5.Knives2. Skin abrasions 6. Mucous Membranes3. Broken glass4. Needles

Parent Obligation to Notify School Personnel

A parent does nothave to inform the school if his/her child is positive for HBV, HCV, or HIV. This information is strictly confidential and provided on a need to know basis only.*Refer to District Communicable Disease Policy

Keys to Preventing Infection• Understand the risks in the workplace

• Know how to protect yourself & others

• Classroom first aid kits contain supplies needed to follow universal precautions.

• Cover your cough

How Do You Protect Yourself?• HANDWASHING!• Gloves/barriers• Disinfectant• Proper waste disposal• Keep work area clean• Treat all blood and body fluids as if they are

contaminated.• Don’t share toothbrushes, razors, or other

personal items

Treat all Blood and Bodily Fluids as if they are Infectious

1. Assure that soap, running water, and paper towels, gloves, and proper disinfectant solutions are available in the school environment (classroom first aid kits)

2. Always wash contaminated area immediately with soap and water

3. If mucous membrane splash (eye or mouth) or contamination of broken skin occurs, irrigate or wash area thoroughly

4. If a cut or needle stick injury occurs, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.

5. Report possible exposure to your Administrative Personnel

WASH YOUR HANDS…..• Nearly all experts on infection control agree that

hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections.

Wash your hands: Upon arrival of the day and before leaving for the day Before eating or handling food Before feeding a student or giving something they will put in their mouth Before and after restroom use or assisting a child with toileting, hygiene &

diapering After handling body fluids (mucous, blood, vomit) and after wiping nose, mouths

and sores. Before and after providing first aid After cleaning Before and after giving medication (Must be delegated by District RN to

administer meds) Before and after performing special health care procedures

HOW TO WASH

• Liquid soap is best• Use warm, running water• Rub hands vigorously for at least 20-30 seconds• Remember to wash all surfaces including thumbs,

back of hands, between fingers and around nails.• Rinse well, letting water drain from wrist to fingers• Dry hands then turn off faucet with paper towel• Discard towel properly

Antibacterial Gels

• Waterless antibacterial hand sanitizers are convenient for use when water and hand washing is not available. However they are for bacteria prevention only.

• Warm water and soap is the best, gels are better than not washing at all.

When to Wear Gloves When changing soiled clothing (diaper, underwear,

feminine hygiene) Providing mouth, nose, care, wound care If caregiver has broken skin on hands When cleaning up spill of blood (nosebleeds) or

body fluids and wastes along with soiled supplies Delegated procedures-dependent on staff job

description (g-tube feeds, suction, catheterization)

Cleaning or Disposing of Infectious or Bloody Material

• Wear gloves. Wipe up spill of blood or body fluids with a paper towel and dispose of material in trash. Double-bag the trash and dispose of immediately. Discard gloves.

• Clean and disinfect area with an approved disinfectant or bleach solution. Follow product labeling.

• Send all soiled clothing home with student in double bag.

Exposure Incident

If non-intact skin or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth) come in direct contact with blood, wash or flush area with water thoroughly.

Notify your building AdministratorMedical evaluation may be indicated

REVIEW

1. True or False: Bites from mosquitoes can transmit HIV, Heb B, C?

2. True or False: Cuts, sores, and breaks in the skin when exposed to infected blood can transmit Hep B, C and HIV

3. True of False: infectious blood splashed into the eyes or mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes) CANNOT transmit disease?

REVIEW

1. True or False: Parents are obligated to notify the school and teachers if their child is infected with HIV or Hep B, C?

2. How long does proper hand washing take?3. What should someone do immediately if his

or her skin or mucous membrane is exposed to blood or body fluid?

QUESTIONS????

CHOOSE HEALTH & SAFTEYTHANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!