Procedures for “Clean Up” and Exposure to Body Fluids
The Department of Health indicates that precautionary measures need to be followed when exposure to body fluids exists. Of particular concern is the cleaning of blood, but precautions should be taken for all body fluids. The following procedure is to be followed:
- When assisting a person who is bleeding or who has a toileting problem, plastic gloves must be worn. Body excretions should be disposed of in a plastic lined container (plastic bag). Hands must be washed with soap immediately following procedure. If this occurs on bus, on playground or other area where sink is not available, use a towelette, then wash as soon as possible.
- a. When cleaning body fluids from a floor or surface area, wear plastic gloves. A solution of 90% water, and 10% household bleach should be poured on the substance. (The solution should not be premixed). Do not splash. The solution should set for approximately one minute. Careful sponging or mopping to eliminate splatter should follow. Use of the sewer is acceptable for disposal of waste of this nature. Hands must be washed with soap immediately following clean-up. If the surface will be damaged from the bleach solution, chemical germicides that are approved for use as “hospital approved disinfectants” when used at recommended dilutions may be substituted. The use of dry powder which is poured over substance first in order to coagulate the substance is permitted, but procedure should always include bleach or disinfectants.
b. Cleaning of toilet facilities also requires the use of plastic gloves and disinfectant or bleach and washing of hands with soap.
c. Each waste paper basket, (including classrooms) will be lined with a plastic bag. - a. Disposable trash liners, gloves, bleach and disinfectant will be available through both the health office and the custodian.
b. A kit including towelettes and plastic gloves will be kept in the glove box of each school bus as well as in Principal’s office. A kit will be made available for noon aides and teachers to carry on the playground, field trips, etc. Kits will also be available in the office of the athletic director for use by coaches and P.E. teachers. - These regulations should be posted in the health office, faculty room, main office, athletic director’s office, gymnasium, swimming pool, cafeteria, locker room, custodian’s area and bus garage.
- As new staff and substitutes are employed, Building Principals and supervisors of maintenance and transportation will inform them of these procedures.
- Responsibilities and Distribution of Materials
a. Building Principals will be responsible to ensure that these regulations are posted as indicated.
b. Supervisors of departments as well as Principals will ensure that certified and instructional staff involved follow procedures. The Director of Custodial Services and the Transportation Supervisor will ensure compliance by respective subordinate individuals.
c. Materials will be ordered by Building Principal or designee, through the Building Custodian’s office. Kits, including plastic gloves and towelettes will be kept in a zip lock bag and distributed by the Principal or designee, (e.g. school nurse).
d. Each first aid kit which is distributed to teachers and other staff will include plastic gloves and towelettes.
Authority:
- Center for Disease Control – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), August 21, 1987/Vol. 36/No.2S. “Recommendations for Prevention of HIV Transmission in Health Care Settings”, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Public Health Services, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, 30333.
- American Health Consultants, Federal Registrater, October 30, 1987, Part II Dept. of Labor, Office of the Secretary, Joint Advisory Notice; Dept. of Labor/Dept. of Health and Human Services; HBV/HIV; Notice.
- State of New York Dept. of Health Memorandum; Public Health Series 85-111, Nov. 8, 1985 “ Infection Control Guidelines”; Health Facilities Series 84-21, March 15, 1984 “Interpretation of Dept. of Health Regulation 405.3(b) (5), Handling of Potentially Infectious Waste.
Note: Prior regulation, Procedures for “Clean Up” and Exposure to Body Fluids, 4191(a), (b)
March 29, 1988
January 25, 1999