3031 R&P

GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL

AND WORKPLACE PREVENTION AND

CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

3031 R&P

4031 R&P

4031 R&P

6750 R&P

6750 R&P

These guidelines assist in the prevention and control of communicable diseases and conditions, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and Hepatitis B.  They are based on current medical knowledge and will be revised as further medical and/or legal information becomes available.  The Wake County Public School System intends to maintain a safe environment for students and employees which respects confidentiality and human dignity.  Detailed procedures concerning bloodborne pathogens are found in the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan, Standard Procedure 106 of the Safety and Security Program Procedures Manual.  This document, effective April 1, 1993, is available in every school.

3031.1

4031.1

6750.1

A.

Guidelines must be followed whenever the potential exists for exposure to blood or other body fluids.  No distinction is made between body fluids from persons with a known disease or those from a person without symptoms.  Every individual must take personal precautions to reduce his/her own risk of infection and the risk of transmitting infection to others.

B.

Equipment and supplies to carry out these guidelines, available from the warehouse, will be located at each school in areas where accidents are most likely to occur.

C.

Body fluids of all persons should be considered to contain potentially infectious agents.  “Body fluids” include blood, semen, drainage from scrapes and cuts, feces, urine, vomitus, respiratory secretions (e.g., nasal discharge), and saliva.  Germs may be carried by individuals who have no symptoms of illness but who may be at various stages of infection: incubating disease, mildly infected, or chronic carriers of certain infectious agents.  Transmission of communicable disease is more likely to occur from contact with infected body fluids of unrecognized carriers than from contact with fluids from recognized individuals because simple precautions are not always followed.

D.

Any student exposed to body fluids should be reported to the parent and to the principal.  The principal shall report such exposure on the accident report from 2903.

E.

When possible, direct skin contact with body fluids should be avoided.  Disposal or reusable gloves are recommended when hand contact with body fluids is anticipated (e.g., treating bloody noses, handling clothes soiled by incontinence, cleaning small spills).  Used disposable gloves should be put in a plastic bag or lined trash can.  The bag must be secured and disposed of daily.

F.

Skin exposure is defined as prolonged contact with large amounts of blood or other body fluids especially when the exposed skin is chapped, abraded, or has dermatitis.  Extraordinary care should be taken to prevent injuries from needles and other sharp instruments which might be contaminated.  No attempt should be made to recap, bend, break, or otherwise manipulate needles or other sharp instruments.  Disposable needles or other sharp instruments should be placed in appropriate containers.

G.

If unanticipated skin contact with body fluids occurs in emergencies when gloves are not immediately available, hands and other exposed skin areas should be washed vigorously with soap under a stream of running water approximately fifteen (15) seconds.  Soap suspends easily removable soil and microorganisms allowing them to be washed off.  Rinse under running water.  Use paper towels to thoroughly dry skin.

H.

When there is an employee exposure to body fluids, the exposed employee must contact the school system’s safety officer and follow appropriate OSHA reporting regulations as specified in section 12.0 of the Standard Procedure 106.

I.

Observing universal precautions should not inhibit emergency first aid.  Direct mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should always be performed where required in emergencies.  Mouthpieces should be available for individuals properly instructed in their use.  Persons not familiar with the use of mouthpieces should not attempt to use them, as improper use will lead to poor resuscitative efforts.

J.

Clothing and other non-disposable items, e.g., towels used to wipe up body fluid, should be rinsed and placed in plastic bags.  If presoaking is required to remove stains, use gloves to rinse or soak the item in cold water prior to bagging.  Clothing should be sent home for washing.  The most important factor in laundering contaminated clothing is elimination of potentially infectious agents with soap and water.  Using bleach will further reduce potential danger.  Clothing soaked with body fluids should be washed separately from other items.  If the materials is not colorfast, add ˝ cup of non-Clorox bleach (e.g., Clorox II, Borateem) to the wash cycle.

K.                 

Daily disinfecting of counter tops is required where any body fluid spill might have occurred.  A 10 percent (10%) solution of sodium hypochlorite with available chlorine (1/4 cup of household bleach in 1 gallon of water) should be used.  This solution needs to be prepared fresh each day it is needed.

3031.2

4031.2

6750.2

The system supports and provides health education for employees, students, and the general public who should be given current information regarding prevention and transmission of communicable diseases.

3031.3

4031.3

6750.3

Reportable communicable diseases are listed in the Health Services Handbook (revised 9/91) p. 54.

Legal Reference: Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 CFR 1910, 1030

Adopted: April 1993

Revised: August 17, 1998

Revised: September 27, 1999