BLOOD BORNE PATHOGEN GUIDELINES
The concern over blood borne pathogens has sparked a renewed interest in infection control. Two specific areas of concern are HBV, t he Hepatitis B virus which can lead to Hepatitis B (a liver infection) and HIV, the human immuno-deficiency virus, which leads to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). The nature of our profession and the occasional accidents associated with education, recreation and sports may require close contact with an accident victim’s blood and/or body secretions. Knowing who is an "AIDS case" is irrelevant. Anyone can be carrying the AIDS virus and not know it . The Center for Disease Control estimates that there are 10 cases unreported for each single case reported. Therefore, precautions need to be taken with everyone (men, women and children). The transmission of the AIDS virus by fluids through broken skin dictates that disposable gloves be worn and other precautions taken to prevent skin contact with body fluids. Personnel should be gloved when treating accident victims who are bleeding or have other body fluids apparent. Other precautions referred to as "Universal Precautions" which prevent the spread of the AIDS virus and other infectious agents should be followed as well. The guidelines listed below have been developed to protect personnel as well as the injured party against HBV, HIV and/or other blood borne communicable diseases. These represent prudent practices for all club members to follow.
1. Wear disposable gloves to prevent skin contact with the patient’s blood or body secretions. Fresh wounds are most susceptible to infection through contamination, but all wounds should be protected. Disposable gloves are kept in the first aid kits, as well as, with the Building Supervisor, in the pool. In the Service Center, emergency phone boxes, security assistant note books and the Fitness Center not book. All Outdoor Clubs are responsible for checking out a First Aid Kit from the Service Center for their practices, games, and other outdoor outings.
Before gloves are used the following procedures should be followed. Air should be blown into the glove to be sure it does not have a leak. After the glove has been used it is important to rinse blood off the tip of the thumb and index finger before removing the gloves. After washing the thumb and index finger, the person should use those two fingers to grab behind the surface and begin pulling off inside out so that a clean surface is exposed. The thumb and index finger from that hand should grab behind that surface and begin pulling off the other glove. The glove should be slowly worked off so that the clean inside surface is being used to remove the glove completely. When the gloves are completely removed, only the under surfaces should be showing. The hands should then be thoroughly washed.
2. Use a pocket mask or other barrier device for ventilatory resuscitation. This reduces the likelihood for exposure to the patient’s secretions and provides better oxygenation to the patient.
3. If possible, avoid exposing the skin or mucous membranes to the patient’s blood or other body fluids. Exposed surfaces should be washed off with soap and running water as soon as practical. This action will limit the length of out exposure to any potential pathogens.
4. When possible wear eye protection (goggles or glasses) whenever the patient is losing a large amount of blood/secretions which increases the chances of splashing or splattering. This should prevent any contaminates from entering the eyes. The goggles must be disinfected and cleaned after each use.
Once the care of the victim has been transferred to the hospital or other personnel, the following prudent practices should be followed:
1. Notify the HPER Building Service Center at extension 575-6382 to have them assist in the disposal of the contaminant.
2. All towels, sheets and other items used that may have blood on them should be put in the red biohazard bag.
3. Bandages and other one-time use items used in the response should be placed in the red biohazard plastic bad and disposed of properly.
4. Clothing which has been contaminated with blood or body fluids should be laundered in a 1:10 household bleach solution or equivalent. Do not handle the clothing excessively or sort the clothes.
5. Wash hands as soon as possible after providing patient care and after handling contaminated materials. This is the most effective means of infection control. Be sure to use lots of soap and running water.
6. Accidental injuries such as: cuts, needle sticks or body fluids splashed into mouth or eyes, which may result in possible exposure to infectious diseases, should be recorded and reported to your supervisor. Any Club Member exposed to blood/body fluids should seek medical advice and/or treatment immediately.
7. Disposable gloves should be worn when cleaning and while handling possible infectious materials.
8. Large spills need to be contained. This can be done with paper or regular towels. The 1:10 bleach solution or equivalent can be poured onto the items used to contain the spill. Dispose of the items in the manner stated above.
9. When blood comes in contact with the floor or carpeting, proper measures should be taken to remove it. A 1:10 bleach solution or equivalent should be used on hard surfaces. This 1:10 household bleach (or equivalent) should be left on the contaminated area for five minutes. If the stain or blood is spilled on carpeting the Hazardous Materials Office or campus police should be contacted to identify a proper cleaning agent that will not ruin the carpeting. It is important to keep people clear of that area until the disinfecting has been completed.
These guidelines are intended to provide the best possible infection control for personnel without interfering with the efficient provisions of emergency first aid.
Location of protection equipment:
Protection glasses are available in the Service Center. Rubber gloves and CPR masks are available at the Service Center, in the first aid kits, emergency phone boxes, security assistant note books, and Fitness Center note book in the HPER building.
Intramural/Recreational Sports STRONGLY ENCOURAGES each club to verify that at least two of their members are currently certified in CPR/First Aid. These individuals should be at every practice and/or match.
