BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS FOR SCHOOL STAFF
2022-2023
Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens does occur in the school setting.  Blood is the number one source of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV viruses in the workplace.  Your risk of contracting one of these viruses at school is low, most likely because your contact with blood is infrequent.  But when the need arises, you must be prepared to deal with blood safely.  
Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV spread most easily through direct contact with infected blood.  They also spread through contact with other potentially infectious materials, including semen and vaginal secretions, as well as any other body fluid or tissue containing visible blood.  Feces, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, sputum, sweat, tears, and saliva are not included unless they contain visible blood, but can be causes of other diseases.
In our society, bloodborne viruses are most commonly transmitted through sharing needles to inject drugs or by having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person, or from mother to unborn child before or during birth.  Hepatitis C was also spread through blood transfusions prior to 1992, when the screening was perfected.  
At work, you can be exposed to bloodborne pathogens if:
• Blood or other potentially infectious materials contact your broken skin or the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose, or mouth
• A contaminated sharp object punctures your skin
You cannot become infected with these viruses through casual contact, coughing, sneezing, a kiss on the cheek, a hug, or from drinking fountains or food.
Your school’s Exposure Control Plan, if one is in place, details safety guidelines you must take to protect yourself from exposure.  These safety measures are based on The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and the CDC guidelines.  Research shows that these safety precautions have decreased the number of exposures on the job.  Universal Precautions are required by OSHA to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens when providing first aid or health care.  It means treating all blood and body fluids as though infected with bloodborne pathogens.
• Always wear gloves when you anticipate touching blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces
• Avoid touching the outside of contaminated gloves when removing them, then wash your hands
• Discard used gloves or other contaminated materials in an appropriate container
• Wash hands and other skin surfaces immediately after contact with blood or body fluids
Hand washing is your main protection against contracting an infection or transmitting it to others.  Wash with non-abrasive soap and running water for at least 15 seconds.  Rinse.  Dry with a paper towel and discard.  Then turn off the faucet with a clean paper towel.  The CDC recommends use of waterless alcohol antiseptic hand rubs if your hands are not visibly soiled.  Apply the product to the palm of one hand, rub your hands together covering all hand surfaces and fingers until hands are dry.
• Disinfect any contaminated surfaces or objects with an appropriate germicidal agent
• Pick up broken glass with a broom and dustpan – not your hands
• Always use a barrier protection if you have to provide CPR or first aid to a victim
Although infrequent, risky situations do happen at school.  Accidents, playground scrapes, bloody noses, fights, athletic injuries, and violent episodes all have the potential for blood exposure.  Regard blood and visibly bloody secretions as infectious.  Use universal precautions for all first aid emergencies.  Keep first aid and spill kits readily accessible.  The kit should include gloves, gauze, bandages, a germicidal agent, and disposal bags.  It is a great idea to have a portable one handy for playground duty and field trips.  
If you are exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials, immediately wash affected skin with soap and water.  Flush eyes and exposed mucous membranes with large amounts of water.  Then report the exposure to your supervisor immediately, so that post-exposure evaluation, counseling, and any necessary treatment can begin right away.  Remember that most exposures do not result in infection.