Yorktown Community Schools Universal Precautions Training Program This program is designed for use by all employees of Yorktown Community Schools. The purpose is to educate and protect individuals from bloodborne pathogens in the workplace in accordance with OSHA standards. This program is required to be completed the first week of each school year (or at date of hire). *Please note the changes to the high risk classification for YCS employees. These changes were approved March 2018 and will begin with the 2018-2019 school year.

Why Universal Precautions? Every day at home and work there is the potential that you may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. These microorganisms can be carried by human blood or waste and can cause various types of infections and illness. Bloodborne pathogens are most commonly found in body fluids that visibly contain blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. Bloodborne pathogens can enter your body through: open cuts or abrasions mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, or nose acne or dermatitis Unless precautions are taken, you can be exposed and infections can be transmitted without your knowledge.

The Most Common Bloodborne Pathogens Are: HIV/AIDS – Although science continues to make strides in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, to date there is no known cure or immunization to prevent the spread of the disease. Hepatitis B – This disease is 100 times more contagious than HIV and it affects the liver. A vaccine is available to help prevent the spread of this disease; the vaccine is generally started at birth for all newborns and is now a requirement for all Indiana students. Hepatitis C – While Hepatitis C is more common than Hepatitis B, it is not as infectious and is most commonly spread through the use of needles. There is no current vaccine to prevent this disease.

Universal Precautions All human blood and body substances should be treated as if they are infectious. For this reason the CDC developed Standard Precautions or Universal Precautions to prevent the transmission of disease and illness.

Remember These Simple Guidelines Always use personal protective equipment. This includes latex or vinyl gloves, a mask, and/or a protective gown. The type and severity of the exposure will determine how much protection you may need. Gloves should ALWAYS be the minimum standard. Replace if they become torn or punctured. Never pick up broken glass by hand. Always dispose of needles and contaminated glass in a designated container. Don’t use your hands or feet to push down trash or garbage. Always carry trash bags away from your body to prevent accidental punctures. Always disinfect contaminated surfaces (CDC recommends 1:10 bleach and water).

WASH YOUR HANDS! Hand washing remains the most basic and fundamental component in the prevention of diseases. Proper hand washing should be the final step in the universal precaution process. After carefully removing gloves to prevent contact with your skin, wash hands as soon as possible with soap and water for 10-15 seconds. Rub hands vigorously and scrub all surfaces well. Rinse well. Dry hands. Be careful not to re-contaminate yourself by touching any infected surfaces.

Accidental Exposure To Bloodborne Pathogens At School Your risk to being exposed to contaminated body fluids at school is low; however, do not panic if you are exposed. Most exposures do NOT result in disease transmission. Immediately wash the exposed area with soap and water. If a contaminated substance gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with water or saline. Report the incident as soon as possible to your school principal or supervisor. You will then be directed about testing and follow-up steps.

Hepatitis B Vaccine The school corporation provides the Hepatitis B vaccine, free of charge, to employees who fall into a high risk category. Those employees determined to be at high risk by the school corporation include: School Corporation Nurse Clinic Nurses

Your safety and the safety of others is dependent upon your knowledge and use of Universal Precautions each and every time body fluids are present. If you have any questions regarding the basic steps to follow, please contact your school clinic.

Verification of Training To complete the Universal Precaution Training Session, please complete the survey and be sure to submit your response. Have a Healthy School Year!