In an educational setting, the school district is required to identify the personnel whose job duties expose them to blood and potentially infectious body fluids. These generally include nurses, office managers, custodians, instructional and clerical assistants, coaches, and teachers.
Not every school staff member is occupationally exposed to blood borne pathogens while performing his or her job. However, it is important for everyone in an educational setting to understand the dangers of infection and the safe procedures to minimize risk.
Blood borne pathogen training is offered on an annual basis and is required every year for identified personnel. District nurses provide this training to CUSD employees. All personnel are provided with an annual workshop that includes lecture/discussion and showing of a video. The contents of these trainings include:
- Blood Borne Diseases
- Workplace Transmission through Accidental Injury and Indirect Transmission
- Universal Precautions and Reducing Risk
- Limiting Hazards
- Personal Hygiene including Handwashing
- Protective Equipment including Resuscitation Devices, Gloves, and Glove Removal
- Good Housekeeping Procedures
Scenario
A primary student suddenly becomes ill in class and vomits on the floor of the classroom. Specific procedures must be followed to eliminate the possible hazard of body fluid exposure. The procedures include:
- Teacher keeps students away from potential hazard
- Teacher contacts main office
- Main office removes student to nurseís office and contacts lead custodian
- Custodian is responsible for cleaning up all body fluid spills
- Custodian uses protective equipment such as gloves, apron, protective eyewear, etc.
- Custodian removes body fluid from floor
- Custodian sanitizes floor
- Custodian cleans and decontaminates all equipment and environmental working surfaces exposed to body fluids
- Custodian removes gloves and disposes in appropriate biohazard container
- Custodian washes hands with antibacterial soap