Download CS-700 Body Fluids and Bloodborne Pathogens

Title:
Procedure No.:
CS-700
Body Fluids and Bloodborne Pathogens
Effective Date:
11/1/2016
Custodial Services
Supersedes No.:
11/1/2015
Page No.:
1 of 1
Introduction
These procedures are in support of district policies EBBA – and EBBA-R – PREVENTION OF
DISEASE/INFECTION TRANSMISSION.
Purpose
At times, custodians will be required to clean up body fluids. It is necessary to follow proper cleaning
procedures to thoroughly disinfect the area in order to minimize any possible contamination risks and to
protect against possible disease/infection transmission.
Handling Body
Fluids
All blood and other body fluids should be considered as potentially infectious because of their ability to
cause disease in humans. No distinction may be made between blood and other body fluids from
individuals with a known disease or infection and from those individuals who are asymptomatic
undiagnosed individuals, and/or known to be free of pathogens.
Taking universal precautions means that staff assume that all body fluids are infectious and use the
appropriate personal protective equipment. Universal precautions should be followed in all situations
where contact with blood or body fluids may or will occur.
When responding to an incident or emergency, staff need to make every effort to protect themselves
first. There may be one exception. An employee may choose to temporarily and briefly, under rare and
extraordinary circumstances, forego the use of personal protective equipment. Good judgment must be
used in doing so and with knowledge that this would pose an increased risk to one’s safety.
Potentially
Infectious Body
Fluids
Blood is the single most important source of infection. Other body fluids that may cause disease include,
but are not limited to, the following:
•
Semen
•
Drainage from cuts or scrapes
•
Vaginal fluids
•
Respiratory secretions, including nasal discharges
•
Feces
•
Any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood
•
Urine
•
Vomit
•
Saliva
In situations where it is impossible to differentiate between body fluids, anything should be considered
as potentially infectious.
Cleaning Body
Fluids
Custodial staff must follow the procedures below in cleaning up all body fluids:
Procedure
Maintenance
The district custodial manager, or designee, shall maintain these procedures.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Locate the body fluids and isolate the immediate area if necessary.
Put on disposable gloves and use disposable items whenever possible.
Sprinkle absorbing agent on the fluids. Let the agent sit until all fluid is absorbed.
Use a broom and dustpan to sweep up the absorbing agent.
Discard the absorbing agent into a plastic bag. Never discard into a sink or other drain.
Clean the contaminated area with a fresh solution of disinfectant using paper towels or a
disposable mop.
7. Discard the paper towels or disposable mop into the plastic bag.
8. Clean the broom and dustpan in a fresh solution of disinfectant.
9. Discard the gloves into the plastic bag.
10. Secure the opening of the plastic bag with a tie or by tying the bag itself.
11. Dispose of the plastic bag directly into the trash dumpster.
12. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and hot water.