"Universal Precautions" is an approach to infection control. According to the concept of universal precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV and other blood-borne pathogens. (29 CFR 1910.1030 (b))

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be found in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. Other body fluids such as feces, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, sputum, and saliva may contain infectious germs that cause other diseases. It is not always possible to know when blood or body fluids are infectious; therefore, all body fluids shall be handled as if infectious.

All students and staff shall routinely observe the following Universal Precautions in order to decrease the risk of occupational exposure to infectious disease:

1. Wear disposable latex gloves, or their equivalent, whenever you might come in contact with blood, other body fluids, or contaminated items or surfaces. This includes but is not limited to caring for nosebleeds or cuts, cleaning up spills, or handling clothes soiled by blood or body fluids. Do not reuse gloves. Correct glove removal is essential to decreasing occupational risk. Remove used gloves by grasping the outside of one glove with the other gloved hand. Carefully remove this glove and hold it with the fingers of the remaining gloved hand. Place the fingers of the ungloved hand inside the remaining glove at the wrist. Remove this glove by turning it inside out as it is pulled from the second hand. At no time should an ungloved hand touch the outside of either glove. This is best reviewed as a visual demonstration. Please contact your school nurse if you are unfamiliar or unsure of your technique. Dispose of used gloves in a lined waste container. Gowns or smocks should also be worn if you anticipate soiling of clothes by body fluids or secretions.
2. Wash your hands and any other contacted skin surfaces thoroughly for 15 to 30 seconds with dispensable soap and warm running water, rinse under running water, and thoroughly dry with disposable paper towels:
   1. Immediately after any accidental contact with blood, body fluids, drainage from wounds, and/or contact with soiled garments, objects or surfaces.
   2. Immediately after removing gloves, gowns or smocks.
   3. Before eating, drinking or feeding.
   4. Before handling food, cleaning utensils or kitchen equipment.
   5. Before and after using the toilet or diapering.

      When running water is not available, use an approved antiseptic hand cleanser and clean towels or antiseptic towelettes . This should be followed by soap and running water, as soon as feasible.

3. Clean blood contaminated surfaces and equipment with an approved germicidal disinfectant. Use disposable gloves and disposable towels, whenever possible. Disinfect mops or other nondisposable items immediately after use.
4. Properly dispose of contaminated materials and label them as a biohazard.
   1. Place blood, body fluids, gloves, bloody dressings and other absorbent materials into appropriately labeled plastic bags or lined waste containers.
   2. Place needles, syringes and other sharp disposable objects in leak-proof, puncture-proof containers.
   3. Bag soiled towels and other laundry. Presoak with disinfectant and launder with soap and water.
   4. Dispose of urine, vomitus or feces in the sanitary sewer system.
5. Do not care for others' injuries if you have any uncovered bleeding or oozing wounds or nonintact skin conditions.
6. Use a mouthpiece, resuscitation bag, or other ventilation device, when readily available in place of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Staff shall immediately report any exposure incident or first-aid incident in accordance with the District's Exposure Control Plan or other procedures.

(cf. 4119.42 - Exposure Control Plan for Bloodborne Pathogens)