Blood Borne Pathogens

1. Blood Borne Pathogens Jim Ned CISD 2009-2010

2. Law • Legislation was passed in 1999 requiring all public school districts to implement blood borne pathogen exposure control plans according to OSHA guidelines. • Requires school districts to provide blood borne pathogen training to all employees at the beginning of each school year.

3. Objectives Our objectives are to: • Educate employees about Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP) • Train employees how to protect themselves • Continue the safety and good health of all employees • Fulfill the law

4. What are Blood Borne Pathogens? • Blood Borne Pathogens are disease producing microorganisms that can be present in human blood and cause diseases in humans • Hepatitis B • Hepatitis C • HIV

5. Hepatitis B • Causes inflammation of the liver; sometimes leading to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, cancer or even death. • Poses greatest risk of transmission because it can live on surfaces for up to 1 week • Each year 5,000 people die from chronic liver disease & liver cancer caused by Hepatitis B • Vaccine available; 3 shot series completed over 4-6 months. Required for all students

6. Hepatitis B • Transmitted by contact with contaminated blood and/or body fluids. • Needle sticks/needle sharing • Open wounds, cuts or scrapes • Sexual activity • Mother to child during childbirth • Splashing into un-intact skin or mucous membranes of eyes, nose, or mouth • Blood transfusions (rare)

7. Hepatitis B • Symptoms: Jaundice (yellow eyes & skin due to build up of toxins in bloodstream) Fatigue Abdominal Pain Loss of appetite Tarry stools 50% of people infected have no symptoms

8. Hepatitis C • Causes similar results and symptoms as Hepatitis B. • Spread through contact with blood/body fluids • 85% of people with Hepatitis C have chronic infection. • Leading cause of liver transplants • Approximately 3 million people in US affected

9. Hepatitis C • 75% of people have no symptoms for more than 20 years while liver damage is occurring. • Up to 100,000 people die annually from Hepatitis C related liver disease • Can be transmitted during tattooing & body piercing • No vaccine, No cure

10. HIV • Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the virus that causes AIDS. • Body’s immune system loses ability to fight off infection. • 900,000 infected in US according to CDC • Transmitted through blood/body fluids • Persons are living longer with the disease due to many anti-viral drugs, but many strains are showing resistance • No Vaccine, No Cure

11. Hepatitis ANot considered a BBP, but worth being aware of • Hepatitis A • Transmitted via fecal/oral route and does not lead to chronic (long-term) liver disease like Hepatitis B & C. • Although liver does become inflamed and swollen it usually heals completely without liver damage. • Once you’ve had Hepatitis A, you develop a lifelong immunity and cannot get it again. • Vaccine currently available and is required to start school

12. How Do We Protect Ourselves? • Practice Universal/Standard Precautions: • All blood and body fluids (except sweat) are to be considered infected with a BBP. • Assume everyone is infected and protect yourself.

13. Protection • Follow universal precautions • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • Cover open wounds, cuts, abrasions • Wash hands • Get recommended immunizations • Hepatitis A • Hepatitis B The school district provides Hepatitis B vaccination to those employees who are at high risk. See your campus principal or school nurse for more information.

14. Personal Protective Equipment Use a barrier device when coming into contact with ANY body fluid. Gloves • Be aware if you have a latex allergy • Be careful not to touch soiled gloves when removing Goggles Mask WASH YOUR HANDS!!!!

15. What to do if you’re exposed • Do Not Panic • Immediately wash affected area • Remove any contaminated clothing • Report immediately to your campus nurse, principal, or supervisor!!!! • Exposure doesn’t mean infection. A large dose of the virus must enter the bloodstream and overcome your body’s natural defenses first.

16. Other Considerations • Never eat, drink, smoke, apply make-up or contacts, where exposure is likely • Call custodians to clean all blood/body fluid spills quickly • Always dispose of sharps (needles), or broken glass in proper container. Use broom/dust pan to pick-up broken glass, never use hands. • Never attempt to compact trash with hands or feet.

17. Don’t Forget • Exposure occurs when an infected individual’s blood or body fluids comes in contact with your un-intact skin or mucous membranes. • If you contract a BBP you risk spreading it to your family. Protect yourself

18. Occupational Exposure Jim Ned CISD has identified the following job classifications to be at risk of exposure to BBP: school nurse, custodian, coach, and special education (with students who bite frequently). The vaccine is offered to these employees at no cost to them through the Abilene/Taylor Co. Health Department, unless: 1) the employee has previously received the complete Hepatitis B vaccination series, 2)antibody testing has revealed that the employee is immune, or 3)that the vaccine is contraindicated for medical reasons. Employees who decline the Hepatitis B vaccine must sign a declination statement. Employees who initially decline the vaccine but later elect to receive it may have the vaccine provided to them. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like more information regarding Blood Borne Pathogens or receiving the Hepatitis B vaccination series please contact the school nurse.

19. Thank you “Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.” -Buddha