Blood borne pathogens Objectives List three most common blood borne pathogens, (BBP’s) Identify appropriate actions to reduce risk of exposure to (BBP’s) Describe how to respond if someone is exposed. Your Role and Responsibilities Minimize the risk of BBP exposure for students, your co-workers and yourself. Take proper precautions When an incident occurs, respond quickly and correctly. Blood Borne Pathogens Blood Borne Pathogens are microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria that are carried in the blood and can cause disease. There are many different bloodborne pathogens including malaria and syphilis but Hepatitis B (HBV) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are the two diseases specifically addressed by the OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard. Universal or Standard Precautions Standard/Universal precautions- are precautions applied to all students and school employees, at all times and are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from both recognized sources of infection in the school environment. Applies to: All students, teachers, school employees Major Pathogens HIV-Human immunodeficiency virus which causes AIDS HBV the Hepatitis B virus. HBC the Hepatitis C virus HIV-Human immunodeficiency virus AIDS, or aquired immune deficiency syndrome, is casued by a virus call the human immuniodeficiency virus or HIV. Once a person has been affected with the virus, it may be many years before the AIDs actually develops. HIV attacks the body’s immune system, weakening it so that it cannot fight other deadly diseases. The HIV virus is very fragile and will not survive very long outside the human body. It is primarily of concern to employees providing first aid or medical care in situations involving fresh blood or other potentially infectious materials. HIV It is estimated that the chances of contracting HIV in a workplace environment are only 0.4%. However, because it is such a devastating disease, all precautions must be taken to avoid exposure. HBV- Hepatitis B “Hepatitis” means “inflammation of the liver” and as it name implies, Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver. While there are several different types of Hepatitis, Hepatitis B is transmitted primarily through blood to blood contact. Hepatitis B initially causes inflammation of the liver, but it can lead to more serious conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. The Liver Liver HBV The Hepatitis B virus is very durable, and it can survive in dried blood for up to seven days. For this reason, the virus is the primary concern for employees such as housekeepers, custodians, etc. and other employees who may come in contact with blood and potentially infectious materials. Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis C virus a virus that affects liver cells. You cannot get Hepatitis C from casual contact with someone such as hugging or kissing. You can get Hepatitis C if you come in contact with the blood of someone that has Hepatitis C. Transmitted The primary ways that blood borne pathogens are transmitted is through sexual activity or the sharing of needles used for drug use. In the school setting blood is the primary way that these pathogens is transmitted. Transmitted Exposure Risk Blood or contaminated body fluids spray or splash into the mouth, nose or eye (mucous membrane). Blood or contaminated body fluids break through the integrity of the skin. (cut, scratch, etc.) Accident or injury with a sharp object, (needle or broken glass). Blood may get on your skin but if there is no openings, as mentioned above the skin barrier will protect you from the bloodborne pathogens. Ways to prevent transmission Wear gloves when you are in contact with blood and body fluids. Wash your hands after wearing gloves. Wash your hands immediately, if you come into contact with blood and body fluids. WASH YOUR HANDS (handwashing is the number one way to prevent the spread of pathogens.) Clean spills appropriately Treat everyone the same and like they have an infection that can be transmitted. Use proper cleaner (bleach or a cleaner that states it will kill the virus needed) Clean the area immediately Let the surface air dry Dispose of cleaning supplies properly Every classroom should have a spill kit. Exposure Control Plan The district exposure control plan can be accessed on the district webpage or a copy can be obtained by calling Sandy England at Monroe County Board of Education, 270-487-5456 If you have been exposed to blood or body fluids use the contact information above. Other pathogens of concern MRSA- Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus-a potentially dangerous type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause skin and other infections. Seasonal Flu- respiratory illness spread through droplets from people with the flu when they cough, sneeze or talk. Hand Washing is the main prevention for the spread of these two pathogens. Bloodborne Test True or False 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Blood is the primary way that blood borne pathogens are transmitted in the workplace?___ Handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of pathogens?____ HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the most common bloodborne pathogens? ____ If you come in contact with blood and body fluids you can access the exposure control plan via the website? _______ You can let blood air dry and clean it later? ___ Good hygiene practices can help reduce your risk of blood borne pathogens? ____ Blood borne pathogens have to have a route of entry into the body, through a break in the skin or through mucous membranes? _____ Blood borne pathogens is an annual training?__ I have reviewed the blood borne pathogens power point as part of the annual training and completed the above test. __________________________________________________/___________________/________ Signature Date Work site If you have questions related to the above information or would like additional training, contact Sandy England, 270-487-5456, Ext. 2124 or e-mail (sandy.england@ monroe.kyschools. us)