DePaul’s Exposure Control Overview

DePaul’s Exposure Control Policy DePaul is committed to providing a safe, healthy and therapeutic environment for consumers, staff, visiting family members and friends. Through education and adherence to strict guidelines, DePaul helps protect both you and those around from getting or spreading an infection.

What is an infection? An infection results when germs invade the body. They multiply in the body and can cause a variety of illnesses which can be spread to others

What symptoms could indicate an infectious illness? Fever Vomiting or diarrhea Rashes, open wounds or sores

What is the definition of universal precautions? Universal precautions are simple infection control measures that reduce the risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens through exposure to blood or body fluids among patients and health care workers. Under the “universal precaution” principle, blood and body fluids from all persons should be considered as infected.

How can you follow universal precautions? Wash your hands frequently and if they accidentally become contaminated with blood/body fluids. This is the single most important procedure to prevent infection. Hands should be washed thoroughly and immediately with soap and the warmest possible running water.

Now lets watch a hand washing video.

If you need to restart this video, click on the video square. To advance to the next screen, click in a white area of the screen.

If you need to restart this video, click on the video square. To advance to the next screen, click in a white area of the screen.

Wear gloves when handling blood specimens, blood-soiled items, body fluids, excretions and secretions, as well as surfaces, materials, and objects that may have had contact with fluids. Now lets watch a video on proper use of gloves

If you need to restart this video, click on the video square. To advance to the next screen, click in a white area of the screen.

Practice using gloves correctly while being supervised

Change bandages if they become wet or soiled. Exercise caution to avoid accidental punctures or cuts from sharp instruments Do not recap, bend, clip, remove or break needles after use. Immediately dispose of needles, syringes, blades, etc., into puncture ‑ resistant sharps containers For resuscitation, use protective devices, mouth protectors, pocket facemasks, or other ventilation devices

Avoid contact with potentially infectious material to open skin lesions. Handle soiled linen as little as possible. Use gloves and leak proof bags if necessary. Items with blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be placed in a container which prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage, transport. The container must be labeled or color-coded as shown in this picture. Appropriate containers are provided at each site. DePaul contracts with and appropriate service for disposal of contaminated material. The worksite bust be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Employees will follow the method of decontamination outlined in the exposure control plan.

Hepatitis B vaccination Hepatitis B vaccination will be made available to all staff by DePaul at the time of employment. Staff can accept or decline the vaccination. If at anytime the staff decided to have the vaccination it will be made available within 10 days of the request. If the staff decline the Hepatitis B vaccine they must sign a declination statement. Post Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up Following a report of an exposure incident staff will see the medical doctor of their choice for evaluation and follow-up. A staff injury report will be filed with Human Resources to provide needed information and to ensure the payment of medical bills. Please sign the Exposure Control form and hand it into your supervisor

Further information on OSHA’S regulation on Bloodbourne Pathogens ) is available online at pathogens/index/html DePaul’s Exposure Control Plan is available to staff in each program. If you would like a copy it can be requested through your supervisor or from the Quality Management Department At this time please direct any questions you may have to your trainer.