Bloodborne Pathogens

1. Bloodborne Pathogens Fast Facts for Schools

2. Introduction • Even though your job at school carries minimal risk, it is important for you to be reminded about bloodborne pathogens and how to stay safe. • Bloodborne pathogen training is an annual requirement for everyone. At the conclusion of this presentation, you will need to complete the quiz to validate training. • This training includes what a bloodborne pathogen is, how you can be exposed, ways to prevent or minimize exposure, and what you should do if you are exposed

3. Fast Fact # 1Definition • Bloodborne pathogens are disease-causing germs found in the blood and body fluids of an infected person • You can not tell if a person is infected with a germ just by looking at them. People can look and feel fine for years without knowing they are carrying a bloodborne pathogen • You should treat all blood and body fluids as infectious and take steps to protect yourself. This is known as practicing universal precautions.

4. Fast Fact # 2The Usual Suspect – Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) • Attacks the immune system, eventually destroys a persons ability to fight infection • A person may carry the virus and live a normal, healthy life for years • Some people with HIV go on to develop AIDS for which there is no cure

5. Fast Facts # 3 The Usual Suspect – Hepatitis (HBV) • Hepatitis B & C are viral infections that affect the liver and are more common than HIV infection • Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, & abdominal pain • Hepatitis can lead to liver failure, liver cancer, or death • A vaccine is available to help protect against hepatitis B but not for hepatitis C • Hepatitis B virus can live outside the body at room temperature for at least a week

6. Fast Facts # 4 Transmission of HIV & Hepatitis • HIV and Hepatitis B & C are transmitted in the same way - through contact with an infected person’s blood, body fluid, or through sexual transmission • Intact skin provides a natural protective barrier against bloodborne pathogens • Germs need a “doorway” to get through the skin such as a cut, scratch, skin abrasion, or mucus membranes

7. Fast Fact # 5 Exposure Control Plan • Required by OSHA and lists the potential hazards of each job and how to reduce risks of exposure to blood and body fluids • If you think you have been exposed to HIV or hepatitis, do not panic. Most exposures do not result in disease transmission. • Richmond County Schools “Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens” is policy # 7260 and can be found on the website www.richmond.k12.nc.us by clicking on Policies and Plans and then selecting Richmond County Schools Policy Manual

8. Fast Fact # 6Steps to Take if Exposed • Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. • If blood or body fluids enter eyes, nose, or mouth flush with running water • Immediately, or as soon as possible, report the incident to your supervisor. This way any post-exposure treatment can begin right away • Consult policy # 7260 for information • Follow your supervisors instructions exactly regarding follow-up care, testing, counseling, and any other required steps. • Additionally, please contact a school nurse if you have any questions regarding steps to take if exposed

9. Fast Fact # 7Bleeding Emergency • First, send someone to call for emergency personnel if necessary • Cover cuts or skin abrasions on your hands with bandages prior to putting on gloves • Always protect yourself by putting on gloves prior to touching blood or body fluids of another person • When assisting someone who is bleeding, try to get the person to stop the bleeding by using direct pressure

10. Fast Fact # 8Glove Removal • Removing gloves correctly is important to prevent accidental exposure. • When removing gloves: Carefully peel one glove from the top of the wrist to the fingertips, then hold it in the gloved hand. With the exposed hand, peel the second glove off, tucking the first glove inside the second. Dispose of the used gloves and never touch the outside of a glove with your bare skin. Wash your hands with soap & water. Dry thoroughly. Use of an alcohol-based sanitizer is acceptable too.

11. Fast Fact # 9Cleanup of Blood or Body Fluids • Always wear gloves to protect your hands from contact exposure • If there are large amounts of blood, wear a smock to protect your clothing • Use disposable materials, such as paper towels or cat litter, to absorb blood • Use a broom & dustpan to clean sharp contaminated objects, such as glass • Dispose of all materials appropriately

12. Fast Fact # 10Garbage Removal • When emptying garbage cans, always pick up and carry bags by the top • Never hold garbage bags against your body or place a hand underneath to support them • Sharp objects can penetrate garbage bags and cut you

13. Conclusion • In today’s working world, approximately 6 million workers are at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Of those 6 million, many are health care workers and public safety officials • But another large group at risk to exposure are you, our teachers and educational workers • Please complete the “Bloodborne Pathogens Quiz” located on the school website and forward to your school nurse • Please contact a school nurse for any questions or concerns regarding bloodborne pathogens

14. Test Time • Now take the “Bloodborne Pathogens Quiz” and turn it into your school nurse