It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year! It’s time for………………..? 1

All staff must attend an annual inservice. Why are we telling you? Federal and state regulations (OSHA) require that school personnel be educated about bloodborne pathogens to protect their health in the workplace. All staff must attend an annual inservice. 6

What are bloodborne pathogens? Disease-causing organisms found in the blood or body fluids of an infected person People can look and feel fine and still spread the pathogen without knowing that they are infected. Blood is the single most important source of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C virus in the workplace.

Hepatitis and HIV The Hepatitus B virus (HBV) causes serious liver disease. It poses a greater risk to you at school than either the Hepatitis C virus or HIV, since it is more easily transmitted. The Hepatitus C virus (HCV), like HBV, causes serious liver disease. HIV attacks a person’s immune system, eventually destroying his or her ability to fight infection. Many people with HIV go on to develop AIDS.  Your chances of becoming infected are very small, but it could happen.

Contracting a Bloodborne Pathogen To actually contract HBV, HCV, or HIV, the virus must get inside your body. To get through your skin, the virus needs a “door way” into the body: A cut A razor nick A skin abrasion Dermatitis Acne Indirect transmission happens when you touch a contaminated object or surface and then transfer the infection to your: Mouth Eyes Nose Non-intact skin

Universal Precautions Consider every person a possible carrier of a bloodborne pathogen. Treat his or her blood or body fluids as if they were infected. Wash hands thoroughly and often.

Hand-Washing One of the best ways to prevent infection is by washing your hands frequently. Wash with soap and warm running water for at least 30 seconds. Wash hands often and encourage young ones to wash theirs too.