Universal precautions (UP) are intended to prevent transmission of infection, as well as decrease the risk of exposure for employees and students. It is not currently possible to identify all infected individuals, thus precautions must be used with every individual. UP pertain to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) containing blood. These precautions do not apply to other body fluids and wastes (OBFW) such as saliva, sputum, feces, tears, nasal secretions, vomitus and urine unless blood is visible in the material. However, these OBFW can be sources of other infections and shall be handled as if they are infectious. The single most important step in preventing exposure to and transmission of any infection is anticipating potential contact with infectious materials in routine as well as emergency situations. Based on the type of possible contact, employees and students shall be prepared to use the appropriate precautions prior to the contact. Diligent and proper hand washing, the use of barriers, appropriate disposal of waste products and needles, and proper decontamination of spills are essential techniques of infection control. All individuals shall respond to situations practicing UP followed by the activation of the school response team plan. Using common sense in the application of these measures will enhance protection of employees and students.
Hand Washing
Proper hand washing is crucial to preventing the spread of infection. Textured jewelry on the hands or wrists shall be removed prior to washing and kept off until completion of the procedure and the hands are rewashed. Use of running water, lathering with soap and using friction to clean all hand surfaces is key. Rinse well with running water and dry hands with paper towels.
Hands shall be washed before physical contact with individuals and after contact is completed.
Hands shall be washed after contact with any used equipment.
If hands (or other skin) come into contact with blood or body fluids, hands shall be washed immediately before touching anything else.
Hands shall be washed whether gloves are worn or not and, if gloves are worn, after the gloves are removed.
Barriers
Barriers anticipated to be used at school include disposable gloves, absorbent materials and resuscitation devices. Their use is intended to reduce the risk of contact with blood and body fluids as well as to control the spread of infectious agents from individual to individual. Gloves shall be worn when in contact with blood, OPIM or OBFW. Gloves shall be removed without touching the outside and disposed of after each use.
Disposal of Waste
Blood, OPIM, OBFW, used gloves, barriers and absorbent materials shall be placed in a plastic bag and disposed of in the usual procedure. When the blood or OPIM is liquid, semi-liquid or caked with dried blood, it is not absorbed in materials, and is capable of releasing the substance if compressed, special disposal as regulated waste is required. A band-aid, towel, sanitary napkin or other absorbed waste that does not have the potential of releasing the waste if compressed would not be considered regulated waste. It is anticipated schools would only have regulated waste in the case of a severe incident. Needles, syringes and other sharp disposable objects shall be placed in special puncture-proof containers and disposed of as regulated waste. Bodily wastes such as urine, vomitus or feces shall be disposed of in the sanitary sewer system.
Clean up
Spills of blood and OPIM shall be cleaned up immediately. The employee shall:
- Wear gloves.
- Clean up the spill with paper towels or other absorbent material.
- Use a solution of one part household bleach to one hundred parts of water (1:100) or other EPA-approved disinfectant and use it to wash the area well.
- Dispose of gloves, soiled towels and other waste in a plastic bag.
- Clean and disinfect reusable supplies and equipment.
Laundry
Laundry with blood or OPIM shall be handled as little as possible with a minimum of agitation. It shall be bagged at the location. If it has the potential of releasing the substance when compacted, regulated waste guidelines shall be followed. Employees who have contact with this laundry shall wear protective barriers.
Exposure
An exposure to blood or OPIM through contact with broken skin, mucous membrane or by needle or sharp stick requires immediate washing, reporting and follow-up.
Always wash the exposed area immediately with soap and water.
If a mucous membrane splash (eye or mouth) or exposure of broken skin occurs, irrigate or wash the area thoroughly.
If a cut or needle stick injury occurs, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
The exposure shall be reported immediately, the parent or guardian is notified, and the person exposed contacts a physician for further health care.
Approved 1/22/01 Reviewed 5/20/15 Revised 4/25/05
