what is a blood born pathogen (bbp)?

In accordance with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 81, Subchapter H, and Analogous to OSHA Blood borne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030)

byJoan Schleeweis-Connor BSN, MS,

Dianne Reid RN MS Kathy Rossman RN NCSN

What is a blood born pathogen (BBP)?Blood borne pathogens are infectious materials in blood that can cause disease in humans.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer or death. Virus can survive dried on surfaces for up to one week. There is a protective vaccine *

Symptoms: Abdominal pain Joint pain Fatigue Loss of appetite Itchy skin

Hepatitis C

People can carry the disease for years and not know it.

Mild symptoms Fatigue Fever Joint pain Lack of appetite

HIV HIV attacks the immune system People can carry the virus and be symptom free HIV can develop into AIDS

Swollen lymph nodes Fever /night sweats Headaches / muscle pain Lack of energy/ loss of appetite

Yellow skin Dark urine

Potential risks for exposure Spray, splash into mouth,

nose, or eye

Contact with breaks in skin, even tiny ones that can not be seen like with chapped hands

Accidental injury with a scissor, paper cut a sharp object or anything that can break the skin

Hepatitis B Vaccine

“Immunization is the most effective means of preventing Hepatitis B infection” CDC

Series of 3 injections produces an antibody response in 90% of healthy adults.

Most common side effects: Pain at injection site (3%-29%) Low grade fever (1%-6%)

Employee Tasks which may cause exposure

Breaking up fights

Assisting with nose bleeds, cuts, abrasions

Cleaning up bloody waste

Bites that break the skin

First aid administration

Universal Precautions

People can carry a blood borne virus for years and have no symptoms thus may not be aware.

You may have an unknown break in your skin.

You may also have an unknown blood borne disease and precautions protect your students

All blood or bodily fluids anyone comes into contact with are to be assumed potentially infectious.

The 5 Universal Precautions1. Use hand sanitizer. Wash hands frequently. When an

exposure occurs, wash hands correctly and thoroughly.

2. Avoid contact with body fluids and sharp objects.

3. Use gloves and other protective equipment when you anticipate exposure to bodily fluids.

4. Clean work surfaces regularly with approved product.

5. Dispose of hazardous material safely.

Hand Washing Hand washing is far

less glamorous than hi tech interventions, but it is known to be the single most important thing we can do to reduce the spread of disease

Hand Washing Steps

Hand Sanitizer Application

Protective Measures Use gloves – single use, disposable

Gloves should fit smoothly, no rips

Remove gloves so that they are inside out. Bare skin should not make contact with outside (contaminated) glove side.

Gloves and other soiled items must be disposed of in a leak proof puncture resistant lined container

Always wash hands after wearing gloves

Face shields, goggles, smock or apron may also be used to avoid contact with body fluids

If Exposed to Bloody Fluids Wash hands immediately.

Flush your eyes, nose or mouth with running water if exposed

Inform the school nurse Fill out MIIA incident report from school

nurse.

Medical evaluation & treatment options Local city or county health department Private physician Local hospital emergency room

If An Injury Occurs Be calm, pause and think, reassure the injured

person.

Observe the severity of injury.

Minor cuts/scrapes- verbally instruct the student to self administer first aid

If you administer first aid, first put on a pair of gloves.

After first aid, wash your hands carefully.

Key Points All body fluids may have blood borne diseases. Wash hands to protect yourself. Notify custodial services to clean up body fluid

spills.

You will see bodily fluids this year!

Be ready, stay safe!

Questions are Encouraged If you have any

questions or concerns about this program, please contact your school nurse or Kathy Rossman RN 251-5155