Download Universal Precautions - Lake Station Community Schools

Universal Precautions
INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN THE SCHOOL SETTING
There is a possibility that one could be exposed to any of the following
infectious diseases in the school setting. To name a few: the common cold,
influenza, impetigo, ringworm, head lice, chicken pox, streptococcal sore throat,
measles, etc. Many of these diseases are passed from person to person, from
contact with contaminated articles, or through the air or body fluids.
Two serious infectious diseases need to be brought to your attention
yearly by requirement of Indiana state law, they are: AIDS/HIV infection and
Hepatitis B. These diseases are bloodborne diseases which can be spread
by the blood and body fluids containing the disease of an infected person.
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
HBV and HIV are not spread through casual contact or through the air.
An individual cannot get it by shaking hands, sitting next to someone, giving
blood, eating food or drinking water. A bloodborne pathogen, such as HBV,
Hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV are serious infectious agents which are present in
blood as well as other body fluids such as semen and vaginal secretions of
infected individuals. While there are a number of diseases caused by
bloodborne pathogens HBV, HCV, and HIV infection are the most common.
The precise risk of HIV transmission during exposure to open wounds or
mucous membranes such as eyes, ears, nose and mouth to contaminated
blood is not known. However, scientific evidence suggests extremely low but
not zero.
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The Hepatitis B and C viruses can cause dangerous inflammation of the
liver. Some infected individuals become carriers and suffer long-term
consequences. Eventually an infected person can suffer from liver disease
and liver cancer. HIV is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS weakens the immune system, making a person
susceptible to infections that their immune system normally would fight off.
There is no known cure for AIDS.
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Although the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not
give exact statistical information on transmission of HBV through open wound
or mucous membrane exposure, CDC does state that these exposures
account for a small proportion of reported cases of Hepatitis B infection in the
United States.
Therefore, teachers, students, coaches, athletes and officials must
understand while it is theoretically possible for HIV and HBV to be transmitted
by blood from one individual through the open wound or mucous membrane of
another individual, the probability of this occurring during school activities is
low. The chance of transmission of HIV and HBV in this manner however is
not zero. Precautions should be taken to ensure that no transmission can
occur. See Universal Precautions page.
WAYS OF TRANSMITTING HIV/AIDS AND HEPATITIS B
1. Sharing intravenous needles and/or syringes with someone who is infected.
2. Penetrating the skin with instruments used to penetrate the skin with
someone who is infected, such as those used in tattooing, acupuncture
and ear piercing or razors.
3. Sexual activity with someone infected with the disease.
4. Direct contact of infected blood with broken skin.
5. Direct contact of mucous membranes of the eye, nose, mouth with the
blood of an infected person.
6. Sharing toothbrushes. (Bleeding gums).
8. Receiving a blood transfusion or blood product from someone who is
infected (since 1985 this risk is extremely low--approximately 1 chance
in 68,000).
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7. Being born to an infected mother.
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HOW CAN AIDS/HIV INFECTION, HEPATITIS B
AND OTHER INFECTIONS BE PREVENTED?
There is no vaccine to prevent AIDS/HIV infection. There is a safe and
effective vaccine to combat Hepatitis B. Abstaining from activities which lead
to the transmission of these diseases is the best prevention.
SIGNS
Anywhere in the school setting it is not possible to know who carries an
infectious disease. Carriers do not always show outward signs of infection and
are often not aware of being infected or show any symptoms.
Signs of HEPATITIS B
Flu like symptoms
Other signs
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Tiredness
Loss of appetite/weight
Mild fever
Aching muscles or joints
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
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Yellow-colored skin or eyes
Dark-colored urine
Light-colored bowel movements
HOW TO PROTECT ONESELF
Observing the principles of Universal Precautions will help protect you
from AIDS/HIV infection, Hepatitis B and many other infectious diseases.
OSHA Exposure Control Plan Compliance Issues for Lake Station
Community Schools is available upon request.
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UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS are steps recommended by the U.S.
Disease Control to be used to reduce the risk of infection. Taking “Universal
Precautions” means taking routine care in handling blood and body fluid
containing blood of all persons.
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If you feel you have experienced an exposure incident, (specific eye,
mouth, other mucous membranes, non-intact skin, contact with blood or other
potentially infectious materials), wash and flush the area immediately and contact you immediate administrator. IMMEDIATELY CALL maintenance for
assistance for ALL body fluid spills.
Free testing available HIV clinic please call 755-3044 or 755-3661 for
appointment. Clinic are held on Wednesdays only.
Please review the Universal Precautions on the next page (page 5), then fill
out the required information on page 6, sign it and return it to your building
secretary no later than the end of September.
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Thank you.
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UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS
Procedure for Handling
Blood and Other Potentially Infectious Material
1. Put on disposable or utility gloves.
2. Use paper towels to absorb spill; then place used
towels in appropriate leak- resistant bag. *
3. Flood spill area with a freshly-prepared bleach solution**
(less than 24 hours old), or with a hospital-grade EPA-approved
tubuculocidal disinfectant.
4. Clean flooded area with paper towels or put on drying agent and
sweep.
5. Place used paper towels and other debris in appropriate leakresistant bag.
6. Remove soiled disposable gloves by turning inside out. If
wearing utility gloves, remove and then disinfect appropriately.
7. Place closed bag in appropriate waste container.
* Only use bags with biohazard symbol when spill is extensive and blood (liquid or
dried) can be released from the paper towel or other materials when handled. These
bags must be disposed of according to the Indiana Infectious Waste Rule.
** Bleach Solution = 1 part bleach to 10 parts water
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8. Immediately wash hands with soap and running water for
10 seconds or more.
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LAKE STATION COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
2500 PIKE STREET
LAKE STATION, IN 46405
I __________________________, an employee of the Lake Station Schools in
Full name
the position of ___________________________, have received the 2012-13
Infectious Disease update Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, and the Universal Precautions
and understand all procedures of safety in dealing with blood borne pathogens.
I was supplied with baggie containing a pair of vinyl or latex gloves, gauze, and
alcohol pre packs to clean my hands, and Band-Aids which will be carried with me
at all times during recess duty and to remain with me in my classroom for cases of
necessity.
All new staff is required to view videos “Blood borne Pathogens” and “Simple
Common Sense”. Other staff members wanting to review the videos are welcome
to do so.
Please check options:
____ I need to schedule a date and time before October 1st to review the above videos.
____ I have already viewed the above films and I fully understand the use of Universal
Precautions in dealing with blood borne pathogens.
______________________________
Signature
___________________
Date
**To be completed and returned to your building secretary by the end of September
at the latest.
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If you are interested in information regarding the Hepatitis vaccine, please see the
school nurse.
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