Strongsville High School Athletic Training Service
Blood Borne Pathogen Policy
The Strongsville Athletic Training Service adheres to the practice of “Universal
Precautions” as outlined by O.S.H.A. (Occupational Safety and Health
Administration). This is necessary to ensure that all necessary procedures are taken
to minimize health risks to patients, staff, and visitors.
This standard applies to all athletic department members (facility personnel,
coaches, managers, strength and conditioning staff, and the athletic training staff)
who, under normal daily tasks, may anticipate contact with blood and other
potentially infectious material containing organisms such as HIV, HBV, and HBC.
Universal Precautions require all staff members working in the athletic training
facility to treat all patients’ blood and other potentially infectious material (OPIM) as
though it is infected with HIV, HBV, HBC or other blood borne pathogens. Universal
precautions and infection control must be practiced at all times to minimize the
chance of exposure to HIV, HBV, and HBC.
HIV, HBV, HBC and other blood borne pathogens can be present in the following:
1. Body fluids, which include saliva, vaginal secretions, cerebral spinal fluid,
synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and amniotic fluids, and any other
body fluid containing visible blood.
2. Unfixed tissues and/or organs, other than skin
3. Blood, which is the primary concern with exposure and transmission of HIV,
HBV, and HBC in the occupational setting.
Universal Precaution Procedures:
1. Gloves, disposable or otherwise, must be worn whenever the possibility of
exposure to blood or other fluids exists.
2. Sharp items (scalpels, needles, etc.) must be handled with extreme caution to
prevent accidental injury or exposure. After use, these items must be placed
in puncture resistant containers as soon as possible for proper disposal. DO
NOT attempt to recap, bend, or break needles or blades.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (gowns, masks, goggles) is appropriate in the
anticipation of splattering or splashing of blood. Although this is not a
common occurrence, these items must be worn when there is a possibility of
potentially infectious materials in the area of the eyes, nose, or mouth.
4. Hands and other skin surfaces must be washed and decontaminated
immediately after contact with each patient. Hands must be washed in soap
and warm water for a period of 30 seconds. Disposable towelettes
Strongsville High School Athletic Training Service
or instant hand sanitizing lotions should be used if access to soap and water is
not immediately available.
5. Materials contaminated with blood or other body fluids must be handled with
gloves. The material must be removed as soon as possible and must be
placed in an area or container designated for cleaning or disposal of blood
contaminated material. Waste containers and bags must be present at all
practices or events. These items can be found in the athletic training room or
individual team athletic training kits.
6. Surfaces contaminated with blood or other infectious material must be
decontaminated immediately with the proper solution, spray, or wipes, which
can be found in the athletic training room.
7. Report all incidents regarding blood borne pathogens to the Athletic Training
staff for proper treatment and record keeping as soon as possible.
The Strongsville High School Athletic Training Room has a Biohazard Bin and a Biohazard
Sharps Container. Any potentially infectious material must be disposed of in the Biohazard
Bin and any sharp materials must be disposed of in the Biohazard Sharps Container. There
are also red Biohazard Bags available for any potentially infectious material presented
outside the Athletic Training Room. All of the containers are emptied out periodically for
proper disposal.