BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS TRAINING MODULE
This training module is provided to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in accordance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.1030 and 56 Ill. Adm. Code 350. This module will provide bloodborne pathogens information including epidemiology, modes of transmission, methods to reduce exposures and other pertinent information as outlined in the Exposure Control Plan.
NDSEC is required to perform an exposure determination concerning which employees may incur occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials during their job duties. The following Job Classifications have been identified to have occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens; these include all staff assigned to NDSEC or district programs:
| Teachers | Adapted Physical Education Teachers |
| Teacher Assistants | Job Coaches |
| Speech Pathologists | Van Drivers |
| Occupational Therapists | Vocational Coordinators |
| Physical Therapists | Program Administrators |
| Social Workers | Student Service Assistants |
All other NDSEC hired employees |
|
These employees must complete this training at the time an employee is assigned to tasks where exposure may occur and annually thereafter. To receive credit for completing this training module read this training module and click the link at the end to take the online test.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) are microorganisms in human blood capable of causing serious illnesses and chronic disease. The most significant BBPs are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HBV).
HIV Facts
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV cannot live very long outside the body and therefore, is not transmitted through daily activities such as shaking hands or from toilet seats, drinking fountains or doorknobs. Having AIDS means that the HIV virus has weakened the immune system to the point at which the body has difficulty fighting infection. These illnesses are referred to as opportunistic infections or diseases. In 2005 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that over one million people in the
HBV Facts
HBV is about 100 times as infectious as HIV. It is very durable and can survive in dried blood for at least seven days. Symptoms can last from a few weeks to several months and include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting and joint pain. About 30% of the people infected with HBV never develop these symptoms. Chronic liver disease occurs in about 6% of infected individuals. There is an immunization series for HBV which has significantly decreased the number of new cases in the
HBV Immunization Series
NDSEC offers the HBV immunization series at not cost to all employees who may have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material. The HBV immunization series is performed by a licensed healthcare professional and is available within 10 days of the initial assignment. Exceptions include an employee who has received the series previously, had antibody testing showing immunity or for other medical reasons. An employee can choose to sign a waiver and decline the HBV immunization series. If an employee initially declines and then requests the immunizations at a later date they will be provided by NDSEC at no cost.
HCV Facts
HCV was not identified until 1989 and is also known as the silent epidemic. Liver failure from HCV is the leading cause of liver transplants in the
Bloodborne Pathogen Transmission
Body fluids that should be considered infections for BBPs and capable of transmitting:
Blood
Semen
Vaginal secretions
Breast milk
Body fluids containing visible blood
Body fluids that are not known to carry infectious BBPs:
Sweat
Tears
Saliva
Urine
Feces
BBPs are most commonly transmitted through:
Sexual contact
Needle sharing
Blood transfusions
Areas of unbroken skin (open sores, cuts, abrasions, acne or damaged skin such as blisters)
Mucous membranes (eyes, nose and mouth)
Mother to baby at birth
DID YOU KNOW...
the number one type of exposure to BBP in schools is a bite. If you are in doubt as to whether you had an exposure, be sure to ask a school nurse or your physician.
The Infection Chain
The chain of infection is a model which describes the process of infection. Each link in the chain must be present for an infection to occur.
Infectious Agent – These are hazardous biological materials that present a risk or potential risk to health. Examples include BBPs, Influenza, head lice, strep-throat, pink eye, etc.
Reservoir – This is where the disease lives inside your body. For example, the reservoir for pertussis is inside the mouth and throat.
Portal of Exit – This is how the disease is spread from the infected person. For example, pertussis is spread through the air in droplets produced during sneezing or coughing.
Mode of Transmission – This is how the disease moves from one person to another. For example, pertussis is spread when a person infected with pertussis coughs or sneezes.
Portal of Entry – This is how a person becomes infected with a disease. For example, pertussis can be inhaled or ingested by a person.
Susceptible Host – This depends on the individual’s reaction to the disease. For example, even though someone was infected with pertussis, immunity to the disease can last up to 10 years from their last infection or immunization.
One break in the chain can prevent infectious diseases from spreading. The easiest way to break the infection chain is by HAND WASHING. Properly washing your hands after working with students, after using the restroom and before and after eating can decrease your chances of infection.
Hand Washing Procedure
- Use warm water - not hot, not cold.
- Wet both hands and wrists well before applying soap.
- Apply liquid soap to palms first (about 1 tsp.).
- Lather well; spread lather to back of hands and wrists.
- Continue scrubbing for a minimum of 20 seconds paying careful attention to fingernails and between fingers.
- Rinse hands and wrists well to remove all soap and detergent.
- Dry completely.
- Turn off faucet using disposable towel to avoid recontamination of clean hands.
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS
Universal precautions are practices and procedures that provide the first line of defense in the prevention of contact with blood and other body fluids. They are the best protection against BBPs.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 
PPE includes vinyl gloves, goggles, heavy-duty utility gloves, CPR resuscitator shields, antiseptic wipes, convenience bags and sharps containers. NDSEC provides PPE to employees at no cost. The purpose of PPE is to restrict blood or other potentially infectious fluids from contact with skin or mucous membranes. They should always be used when there is potential exposure to a BBP.
Disposable Vinyl Gloves
Gloves are needed for contact with any potential BBP such as when administering first aid, cleaning spills, and handling sharp objects such as needles. The proper size gloves should fit hands snugly. When possible, wash hands before putting on gloves.
Procedure for Removing Gloves:
Place finger of one gloved hand on the wrist of the other gloved hand. Peel the glove from the wrist to the fingers so that the glove is inside out.
- Place the inside-out glove in the palm of the gloved hand.
- Peel the remaining glove in the same manner (from wrist to fingers) while folding the first glove into this one.
- Gloves should never be reused and disposed of immediately.
- Wash hands after removing gloves.
Goggles
BBPs can be transmitted through the thin membranes of the eyes so it is important to protect them. Anytime there is a risk of splashing or vaporization of contaminated fluids, goggles or other eye protection should be used to protect the eyes. Splashing can occur when cleaning up a spill, during laboratory procedures, or while providing first aid or medical assistance.
Good Housekeeping
Infectious substances can be anywhere including countertops, desks, toilets, sinks, and trash containers. Clean work areas reduce the potential for exposure to BBPs.
Spill Clean Up Procedure
- Wear disposable gloves. If utility gloves are used, decontaminate with soap and water and appropriate disinfectant.
- Absorb spill with paper towels or other similar material.
- Clean area of the spill with soap and water.
- Disinfect using appropriate solution (usually a ratio of
- Dispose of waste in a proper container.
- Bloody towels can be disposed of in regular, lined waste containers. However, if towels are saturated or dripping with blood, they must be disposed of as infectious waste. Infectious waste containers must be labeled using the Biohazard Waste symbol.
- Items contaminated with blood or other body fluids such as feminine hygiene products and diapers need to be disposed of in plastic/paper lined containers.
- Wash hands after each exposure.
- Contact the Exposure Control Officer for the building (if NDSEC building contact the NDSEC Exposure Control Officer:
Personal Hygiene
Activities such as eating, drinking, applying cosmetics or lip balm and handling contact lens are prohibited in areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of exposure to BBPs. Also, food and drink should not be in close proximity to blood or other body fluids.
Employees are required to physically cover all exposed skin lesions, abrasions or cuts to protect themselves and others from potential BBP exposure.
Sharps Handling Procedure
Sharps include needles, broken glass or any object that may puncture the skin.
- Disposable gloves should be worn when handling sharps.
- Use mechanical devices such as tongs, or a dustpan and broom to pick up contaminated sharps and avoid direct contact. Do not pick up contaminated sharps by hand.
- Reusable sharps such as scissors and knives need to be decontaminated immediately or placed in an appropriate container.
- Do not bend, break or recap needles or other sharp objects.
- Dispose of sharps in approved sharps containers. These containers need to be puncture resistant, labeled with a BIOHAZARD symbol, and leak proof.
- Notify maintenance to properly dispose sharps containers according to hazardous waste procedures.
Sharps containers must be closed prior to removal or replacement to prevent spills or protrusion of contents during handling.
Safety First
- Always wear gloves
- Use caution when handling sharp objects and trash
- Don’t smash down trash with hands or feet
- Wash hands
- Stay calm
EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
The Exposure Control Plan (ECP) was developed to reduce the risk of exposure to BBPs and comply with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.1030 and 56 Ill. Adm. Code 350. Copies of the ECP are available in the Human Resources Department, and the NDSEC classrooms.
Post Exposure Information
If an employee is exposed to a BBP, NDSEC is responsible for evaluating the incident. It’s important that the employee’s supervisor be notified immediately to ensure the most comprehensive and protective treatment. NDSEC is responsible for providing a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up after an exposure incident. The employee will be referred to the NDSEC affiliated clinic or the employee’s own health care professional.
BBP Exposure Procedure
Immediately wash exposed area or flush eyes, nose or mouth with running water at sink.
- Contact your supervisor and the Exposure Control Officer immediately. Staff in district buildings should contact the building Exposure Control Officer. Staff working in NDSEC buildings should contact Jerome Mason .
- Obtain from the public network the “Employee Accident and Injury Investigation Form” and the “Authorization for Medical Records and Reports” forms. These forms should be completed with your supervisor and submitted within 24 hours to the Human Resources Department at NDSEC. The fax number is 894-5960.
- If necessary obtain medical follow-up through the NDSEC affiliated clinic or employee’s own personal health care professional within 24 hours of the exposure. The employee must indicate to the medical provider that this is a workman’s compensation claim.
- The preferred NDSEC affiliated Clinic is:
630-894-8404
(Located across from the Stratford Square Mall)
References:
The Centers for Disease Control (2007). A glance at the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Retrieved
The Centers for Disease Control (2007). Basic information. Retrieved
The Centers for Disease Control (2005). Hepatitis B fact sheet. Retrieved
The Centers for Disease Control (2005). Hepatitis C fact sheet. Retrieved
U. S. Department of Labor. Regulations (Standards – 29 CFR) Bloodborne pathogens –
1910.1030. Retrieved