Bloodborne Pathogens in the School Setting

What are Bloodborne Pathogens? (BBP) Viruses, bacteria and microorganisms that are carried in the bloodstream and cause disease in humans. Most common Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP): Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver” Most infectious bloodborne hazard Can survive outside the body for up to a week Vaccination for HBV is available and very effective HBV vaccine is required to attend school in Washington

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Long term effects include liver disease and death No vaccine is available but new treatments are developing Can survive outside the body at room temperature and live on surfaces for several weeks. Hep C is rarely spread through surface contact. 80% of those infected with HCV have no signs or symptoms

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) HIV attacks the immune system and can cause the disease known as AIDS Most commonly spread by sexual contact and sharing needles HIV is fragile and will not survive well in the environment Persons infected with HIV may not develop symptoms for 10 years or more

Transmission: How BBP enter your body BBP can be transmitted when there is direct contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) Accidental injury by a sharp object that pierces, punctures or cuts the skin Open cuts, nicks, abrasions,and mucous membranes of eyes, mouth and nose Indirect transmission such as touching a contaminated surface and transferring infectious material to your eyes, nose mouth or open skin.

Potential Risk of Exposure Specific job tasks and actions in the school setting that may expose staff members to BBP: Illness/injury care in classroom/hallway Rendering first aid Caring for sports injuries Assisting with nosebleeds Breaking up fights Cleaning up bloody waste/spills

Not OPIM unless blood is present Tears Feces or urine Saliva Nasal secretions Sputum Sweat Vomit

Universal (or Standard) Precautions Universal Precautions is “ the practice of treating ALL human blood as if infectious.” Apply when there is a possibility of coming in contact with blood or OPIM. Do NOT apply to the following unless blood is present: vomit, nasal secretions, urine, sweat and feces.

Handwashing Wash hands with soap and running water every time gloves are removed when skin/mucous membranes come in contact with blood or OPIM When hands are not visibly soiled or running water is not available, CDC approves the use of an antiseptic cleanser containing 60-95% alcohol.

HANDWASHING STEPS

Sharps Safety Anything that can puncture the skin is considered a sharp, including, needles, broken glass, razor blades and sharp equipment. You are at greatest risk of exposure to BBP when handling sharps Use caution when picking up broken glassware or handling contaminated needles. There is a sharps container located in the health room/clinic to dispose of contaminated needles.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the school - Gloves Gloves are the most widely used form of PPE. Check gloves before use (no small holes, tear or cracks) Remove gloves immediately after contact with blood or OPIM Wash hands after removing gloves NEVER reuse disposable gloves Gloves are included in classroom packet given out each year, also in emergency bag

Proper glove removal Remove gloves by turning the glove inside out as it is pulled over the hand. During the removal of the second glove, avoid touching the outer surface by slipping the fingers of the ungloved hand under the glove and pulling it inside out as it is pulled over the hand. Throw away promptly in a lined waste container. Never touch the outside of the gloves with your bare skin. Every time you remove your gloves, wash your hands with soap and running water as soon as you possibly can.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the school - Resuscitation barriers Avoid unprotected mouth to mouth resuscitation Pocket masks and barriers protect you from contact with victim’s body fluids. Resuscitation barriers are located in the first aid kits and AEDs Choose PPE appropriate to the task to be performed.

Cleaning and Decontamination of Blood Spills All surfaces that come in contact with blood must be absorbed, then decontaminated with appropriate cleaning solution. Bloody tissues and bandages can be disposed of in plastic lined trash cans and thrown away in the school dumpster. If the spill is large or you are not sure of how to proceed, please call the school custodian.

Playing it Safe If you are exposed to a BBP: Immediately wash the exposed area with soap and water or flush splashes to nose, mouth or skin with water. Irrigate eyes with water or saline. Report incident within 24 hours to Health Room staff or Amy Sassara in the district office noting the date, time and location of the exposure. File L&I report online: pswct.org See your primary provider for follow up, L&I pays

Post Exposure: School Responsibility Provide post-exposure medical evaluation/treatment: At no cost, confidential. Testing for HBV, HCV, HIV. Preventive or post-exposure treatment as indicated. Test blood of source person, if HBV/HCV/HIV status unknown, if possible. Provide exposed employee with copy of the evaluating healthcare professional’s written opinion within 15 days of completion of evaluation.

Exposure Control Plan To eliminate/minimize your risk of exposure Exposure determination Exposure controls Training and Hazard Communication Hepatitis B Vaccine Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up Recordkeeping Copies of your school’s plan is located: School Healthroom