Standard Precautions

Purpose:

The increasing prevalence of blood borne pathogens and infected body fluids (including HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and MRSA) increases the risk that school staff will be exposed to infected blood/body fluids from students and staff, especially when blood and body fluid precautions are not followed. These precautions should eliminate or minimize the risk of student and staff exposure to contaminated bodily fluid.

Protocol for Standard Precautions

1. Blood and bodily fluids of all students and staff should be considered infectious.
   Handwashing is crucial to preventing the spread of infection.
2. Prior to and following contact with any individual.
   • Immediately, if contact with any body substance onto skin or mucous membrane occurs.
   • After removing contaminated gloves or other barrier devices
3. Barrier devices (non-latex gloves, protective eye wear and clothing) should be used when contact with infectious material is possible either directly or by spatter or splash.
   • Handling or cleaning of blood or bodily fluid (blood, vomitus, urine, feces, saliva, wound drainage including wet dressings and laundry).
   • When potential contact with bodily fluids is anticipated.
   • Additional precautions should be taken if splashing of body substances is anticipated, or if contact with eyes or mouth is expected (goggles, gown).
4. Be aware of cuts, sores or other broken skin areas. Any cut, sore or other broken skin area should be covered with an appropriate dressing.
   • This is especially important for those participating in gym, athletics or any activity that involves skin to skin contact. Any open cut, scrape, abrasion, or other opening on the skin should be covered with an appropriate dressing.
5. Spills of body substances should be cleaned immediately.
   • Contact custodial staff for clean up, if possible.
   • If custodial staff is unavailable, the CDC recommends the following:
     • Wear gloves.
     • Mop up the spill with paper towels or other absorbent material.
     • Using a solution of one part household bleach in ten parts of water, wash well.
     • All contaminated supplies (except for needles, syringes and other sharp objects) should be placed in a plastic bag and then sealed. This bag should be placed in a second bag, which is also sealed. The double bagged waste can then be disposed of.
     • Needles, syringes and other sharp objects should be placed in a puncture proof container, sealed, double bagged and brought to the health dept. for proper disposal
6. Any needle stick injury or cuts with contaminated sharp objects should be managed following CDC guidelines
   • Wash the area immediately.
   • Report the incident to the school nurse.
   • Seek medical attention