Chapter I - Health and Safety

Part 2.0 Illness or Accident

Section 2.3 Blood-Borne Pathogens

Policy Statement:

Blood-Borne Pathogens

School staff shall maintain a worksite that is clean, sanitary and stocked with appropriate blood-borne pathogens emergency response supplies and materials.  Staff will wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times when blood-borne pathogens are present and will follow the policies and procedures outlined in the school's Emergency Response Plan related to school emergencies.  Post treatment actions include bandaging/cleansing the Source Individual and cleansing/changing his/her clothing.  Additionally the location where the injury occurred and the treatment area (and any area in-between when appropriate) must be cleansed with appropriate cleansing agents to eliminate entirely the risk of infection/contamination to other persons.  Caregivers must cleanse themselves and discard or cleanse PPE to eliminate entirely the risk of infection or contamination.

Objects discarded must be either triple bagged and labeled, or bagged in bio-hazard bags available at the school office.  They must be disposed of immediately or incinerated if possible.

Blood-borne Pathogens policies and procedures shall be posted in the school office.

Exposure Control Plan

All exposure to blood or other blood borne pathogens as defined in OSHA blood borne pathogens regulations (1910.1030) require PPE as defined in section 1910.1030b.  This includes protective synthetic exam gloves, eye protection and masks and the employment of Universal Precautions as defined in section 1910.1030b.  PPE is available at the school office.  Source individuals (persons from whom the blood or pathogen originated) must be isolated from others and cleanse themselves with soap and water when appropriate.  Contaminated Sharps may not be recapped using the two-handed technique and must be disposed into the Sharps container at the school office.  Contaminated pens, pencils or other objects must be brought to the school office and discarded after they penetrate the skin of a Source Individual.

Exposure Determination

Both instructional and administrative staff members have minimal occupational exposure risks to blood borne pathogens both in the classroom and on the playground.  Risks are not associated with specific job functions or duties as assigned but are the result of accidents or injuries sustained by Source Individuals in the regular operation of a school.  Expected risks include cuts, abrasions, bloody noses and needle sticks associated with the needs of diabetics or persons in anaphylactic shock (EPI pen).

Evaluation

For non-routine school injuries, appropriate administrators and instructional staff will review the incident's Accident Report and determine actions to be taken to prevent future injuries of the same type.  School administrators will initiate the review.

Supportive Research: SR I-2.3 OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Info Sheet