Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne Pathogen Inservice Information
The basis of all our Bloodborne Pathogens guidelines is using UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS. If we remember to handle all blood and all body fluids as if they are infectious, we are practicing universal precautions and protecting others and ourselves in doing this.
REMEMBER THE IMPORTANCE OF HANDWASHING!
If you are away from a water source, have alcohol wipes,
baby wipes, antiseptic towelettes, or alcohol gel available.
ALWAYS have disposable gloves with you in case there is an incident of blood or body fluid spillage. A good way to be sure they are available is to carry a pair in a 35-mm film canister or in a pill bottle in your pocket. If you are known to be allergic to latex, vinyl gloves will be provided for you.
In School District Unit 10, we do not generate enough bloody waste to require the use of red biohazard bags in the classroom. Biohazard waste disposables are located in the Custodian closets and Health services. However, to protect others and ourselves from exposure to any body fluid waste, we double bag this to be disposed of in the dumpster.
If there is an incident where you feel you have been exposed to someone else's blood or body fluid through an open area on your skin or through a splatter into your mouth, nose, or eyes, this is considered an EXPOSURE INCIDENT. You should first wash or flush this area well with water (or for eyes, eyewash). You should then report the incident to your school nurse, so that the appropriate follow-up will be offered to you at that time, including medical evaluation if indicated. The nurse will handle follow-up of the exposure. (If follow-up is indicated, it should be initiated immediately. A delay in prompt follow-up could invalidate test results, as there could have been other possible contacts in the interval between the initial incident and actual testing.)
If you follow these quidelines, you will be protected in the event
a contact with blood or body fluids occurs.