BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS POLICY AND PROCEDURE
HBV IMMUNIZATION AND PREVENTION TRAINING
Before engaging in a treatment where exposure to human blood and/or Other Potentially Infectious Materials is probable or possible, each student, trainer or therapist must present either evidence of HBV immunisation against hepatitis B virus disease (HBV) and undergo training to prevent or minimise exposure. Each person should check with their local GP or Health Clinic about such costs and must produce evidence of such costs for reimbursement. Students, Trainers or Therapists who want to forego such immunisation must sign a formal disclaimer statement.
DEFINITIONS
Bloodborne Pathogens‐ pathogenic microorganisms present in the human blood and other body fluids which can cause disease in humans.
Potentially Infectious Material‐ include:
1. human body fluids including; semen, vaginal secretions, pleural fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva.
2. any body fluid/excretion that is contaminated with blood.
Universal Precautions ‐ Strict adherence to standard precautions is required in all treatment situations.
All staff and students are required to use appropriate personal protective equipment whenever contact with blood or other infectious material is expected. Personal protective equipment includes, but is not limited to, gloves, masks, gowns, face shields, and eye protection.
WASH HANDS before and after all contact with clients. Consider all blood, visible bloody secretions and fluids and genital secretions from ALL CLIENTS to be infectious.
GLOVES are required for all anticipated contact with human blood, body fluids, or mucous membranes.
CHANGE GLOVES and wash your hands after each procedure and before contact with another Client.
WEAR MASK OR GOGGLES when blood or body fluids may splash into your face.
WEAR WATERPROOF APRONS when blood or body fluids may soak through a cloth gown.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for properly disposing of any sharps or infectious materials you have used in designated containers.
Definition of blood and body fluids (for blood borne pathogens):
Human blood and blood products
Semen and vaginal secretions
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid.
Saliva in dental procedures (assume blood contamination)
Any bodily fluid visibly contaminated with blood (especially from spots)
Notice that other body excretions such as saliva, urine, stool, vomitus, and respiratory secretions are not included on this list (unless visibly contaminated with blood). However, many of these excretion present other infectious hazards.
Bloodborne and Body Fluid Exposure Policy and Procedures
Needle Prick or Cross contamination Procedure
Immediately wash wounds and skin sites that have been in contact with blood or body fluids with soap and water or flush mucous membranes with water. (No evidence exists that using antiseptics for wound care or expressing fluid by squeezing the wound further reduces the risk of Blood borne pathogen transmission; however, the use of antiseptics is not contra-indicated). Or after any exposure, the first thing to do under every circumstance is to tend to the exposure to minimize your contact to blood or body fluid. Wash the area with soap and water for five minutes, or if a mucosal exposure, rinse with water or saline for five minutes.
Any other first aid should be begun as needed, e.g., direct pressure to the wound. DO NOT irrigate the wound.
Immediately inform your manager or another member of the team.
Attend your nearest hospitals Accident and Emergency Department which is Manchester Royal Infirmary for care.
Help and Advice Contact Numbers for staff
A & E Hospital 24 Hour service 0161 276 1234
Medical Advice 111
