3.16.1.6: Universal Blood Precautions
- Page ID
- 41697
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Universal Blood Precautions Policy
Purpose
This policy ensures that all staff members follow universal precautions when handling blood and bodily fluids to reduce the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and maintain a safe environment for children and staff.
Policy Statement
All staff are required to use universal precautions when handling blood or bodily fluids that may contain blood, regardless of whether an infection is known to be present. This includes treating all blood as potentially infectious and adhering to proper hygiene, cleaning, and disposal protocols.
When to Use Universal Precautions
Staff must use universal precautions in the following situations:
- When administering first aid for cuts, scrapes, or nosebleeds.
- When cleaning up spills of blood or bodily fluids.
- When handling items contaminated with blood (e.g., clothing, tissues, or bandages).
- When assisting children with injuries that may involve blood exposure.
Steps to Follow for Universal Precautions
- Prepare
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after any procedure involving blood or bodily fluids.
- Put on disposable gloves before coming into contact with blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated items.
- Contain and Clean
- If treating an injury, stop the bleeding with a clean, disposable material (e.g., gauze or tissue).
- Use a disposable absorbent material to clean up any blood spills immediately.
- Clean the affected area with an appropriate disinfectant solution (e.g., 10% bleach solution or EPA-approved disinfectant).
- Dispose of Materials Properly
- Place soiled gloves, gauze, tissues, and other disposable items in a sealable plastic bag before disposing of them in a lined trash container.
- For larger items (e.g., clothing or reusable materials), place them in a sealed bag and send them home with the child or transport them for proper laundering.
- Disinfect Equipment and Surfaces
- Thoroughly disinfect any tools or surfaces that came into contact with blood or bodily fluids using a recommended disinfectant solution.
- Remove Gloves Safely
- Remove gloves by peeling them off inside out, taking care not to touch the outside surface.
- Dispose of gloves in a sealable bag and wash hands immediately after removal.
- Document the Incident
- Record the incident in the center’s injury or health log, noting the child’s name, date, and brief description of the event.
- Notify parents/guardians of any incidents involving their child.
Handling Exposure
- If a staff member or child is exposed to blood or bodily fluids:
- Wash the affected area immediately with soap and water.
- Rinse mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth) with clean water if exposed.
- Report the exposure to the director or supervisor.
- Seek medical evaluation if necessary, following public health guidelines for exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Staff Training and Supplies
- Staff will receive annual training on universal blood precautions, including proper glove use, cleaning procedures, and exposure response.
- The center will maintain adequate supplies of gloves, disinfectants, disposable cleaning materials, and sealable bags in all classrooms and first aid kits.
Compliance
Adherence to this policy is mandatory. Failure to follow universal precautions may result in corrective action, as it impacts the health and safety of children and staff.