VISTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS VISTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT To advance slides, use right arrow. To go backward and review slides, use left arrow.

Bloodborne pathogens Your safety is in your hands

Bloodborne pathogens Bodily fluids, especially those visibly contaminated with blood, are capable of causing disease. The most common ways pathogens can enter your body, in a school setting, are through a cut in the skin, through your eyes or mouth.

Who, What & Why? Who are the employees that are most at risk? What protects employees from occupational risk exposure? Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, although infrequent,does happen at school.

VUSD employees

Occupational Health and Safety Association Bloodborne Regulation (29 CF 1910.1030) Applies to all persons who may reasonably anticipate contact with blood or other potentially infectious body fluids

HBV, HCV & HIV Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Exposure to a bloodborne pathogen places employees at risk for: Contracting the above diseases Becoming very ill In some cases may be fatal

HIV vs Hepatitis B HIV Hepatitis B Transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk Virus lives outside the body for only a few hours No vaccination available Hepatitis B Transmitted through blood, semen and vaginal secretions Virus lives outside the body for up to 7 days Contaminated surfaces are a major factor in the spread of HBV. Up to 100 times easier to catch than HIV Vaccinations available – 3-4 doses

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) HIV attacks your body’s ability to protect itself against disease Initially no visible signs of having the virus Most people with HIV develop AIDS There is no vaccination for HIV

Hepatitis B Poses a greater risk to school personnel than HIV Approximately 1.25 million people in the US carry HBV HBV causes serious liver disease Acute symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain and weight loss While most people recover from HBV infection some become chronically infected.

Hepatitis C Virus Chronic infection with HCV is much more common than with HBV Symptoms may not occur for many years after the infection HCV also causes a serious liver disease There is no vaccine

HIV, HBV & HCV The following substances do not spread the HBV, HVC and HIV viruses unless blood is present: Feces Nasal congestion Saliva Sputum Sweat / tears Urine Vomit

How do I protect myself? The most effective means of protecting yourself is by using a hand sanitizer or by vigorous handwashing with warm soap and water. An HBV vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself from Hepatitis B. Wear gloves whenever handling blood or anything that might have blood in it or on it.

When to Wash Before eating Before handling clean equipment or utensils Before and after assisting with feeding After assisting with toileting or diapering After contact with any body secretions After handling soiled diapers, garments or equipment After removing disposable gloves

Universal Precautions Assume that every exposure to blood and body fluids is a risk. Universal precautions are required by OSHA to prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens while providing first aid or health care

Personal Protective Equipment

Gloves Wear disposable gloves when handling any fluids requiring universal precautions. Always check gloves for holes. No latex gloves to be used. Risk of allergy!

Gloves Take hold of first glove at wrist. Fold it over and peel it back, turning it inside out as it goes. Once the glove is off, hold it with your gloved hand. To remove the other glove, place your bare fingers inside the cuff without touching the glove exterior. Peel the glove off from the inside, turning it inside out as it goes. Use it to envelope the other glove.

Never reuse gloves!

Vaccination Best way to avoid contracting HBV is to be immunized against it. Vaccine provides 90% protection for 7 or more years. Also 70-88% effective when given within one week of exposure. OSHA requires vaccinations be made available to all employees with occupational exposure Employees must sign a form if they choose to decline vaccine.

If you’re exposed to blood If skin contact, wash off with non-abrasive soap and water. If blood gets in your eyes or mucous membranes, immediately flush eyes with large amounts running water for at least fifteen minutes.

Safe clean up Blood spills should be cleaned up promptly with a freshly prepared disinfectant solution of bleach. ( ¼ cup bleach to 1 gallon cold water.) Bleach retains germicidal ability for 24 hours. Use disposable towels. Wear gloves.

The Exposure Control Plan Ensures that employees are : Aware of potential hazards from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Advised of the appropriate procedures to avoid exposure.

Report the Exposure Complete accident report as soon as possible after incident Turn it in to your supervisor and follow their instructions Remember that most exposures do not result in infection