Emergencies on Campus Involving Blood or other Body Fluids

If you witness a medical emergency (i.e. illness, injury, or accident) on campus, notify the campus police department immediately and inform them of the problem. The emergency number for the police is 6-7777. They will be responsible for notifying the proper emergency personnel (campus nurse, fire department, ambulance, etc.). If you feel that the situation is extremely urgent, call 911 and then the campus police. If the victim(s) is bleeding, and you are the first responder, it is very important that you follow several crucial steps to protect yourself and others from contracting any bloodborne pathogens.

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What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Bloodborne Pathogens are microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria carried by body fluids (blood, reproductive fluids, etc). Two of the most dangerous bloodborne pathogens are HIV - the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and HBV - the Hepatitis B Virus. HIV causes AIDS that attacks the body's immune system. There is no vaccine and no cure for AIDS. HIV is NOT transmitted by casual contact, such as touching or sharing utensils or facilities. It is most often spread by sexual contact or shared IV drug needles, however, the transmission from infected blood, body fluids, or other infectious materials is possible.

The ABCs of Hepatitis

Hepatitis B virus infects the liver. It is less well-known than HIV, but much more contagious. It can severely damage the liver, leading to serious illnesses like cirrhosis or cancer, and even death. There is a vaccine available that helps protect you from contracting hepatitis B. There is another form of hepatitis that is also a bloodborne pathogen - Hepatitis C. This pathogen also infects the liver and is carried via blood and/or blood transfusions. There is no vaccine available for hepatitis C, however, all donated blood is currently screened for C. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious and sometimes fatal liver disease. It is found in the stool of infected persons and is usually spread through person-to-person contact or through contaminated food and water.

Risky Occupations

There are some occupations (police, healthcare, emergency responders, etc.), that carry a substantial risk of infection from bloodborne pathogens. In order to avoid exposure, these workers must follow a set of protective guidelines referred to as universal precautions. Even if your job doesn't expose you to body fluids, there is always a chance that someone around you will cut themselves and require your assistance. Universal precautions should always be practiced by everyone that comes in contact with other people's body fluids.

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UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

Universal Precautions is a program designed to protect workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens (HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C). Since often it is not known who is infected with a bloodborne pathogen, all body fluid related spills should be considered potentially infectious. Body fluid spills include: blood, reproductive fluids, and bodily fluids contaminated with blood. It is important for all workers/students to assess his or her own risk of exposure during routine job duties and take the appropriate precautions.

KEY ELEMENTS OF UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

1. Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
2. Effectively cleaning blood/body fluid spills
3. Proper disposal of biohazardous waste
4. Hepatitis B vaccination
5. Appropriate response to occupational exposures
6. Exposure Control Plan

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Gloves should be worn when …

1. There is contact or potential for contact with blood and/or body fluids
2. There is contact or potential for contact with mucous membranes, non-intact skin
3. There is contact or potential for contact with items/surfaces soiled with blood and/or body fluids
4. Change gloves after contact with each exposure incident
5. Wash hands after gloves are removed

Glove availability:

• A variety of sizes are available from your supervisors
• Latex-free gloves are available for anyone allergic to latex
• Utility gloves should be worn when cleaning restrooms

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CLEANING UP BLOOD/ BODY FLUIDS

1. Secure spill area
2. Locate a spill clean-up kit
3. Wear gloves during clean up
4. Pour an adsorbent material over the spill
5. Use a scoop to pickup material
6. Wipe blood up with an absorbent towel
7. Apply a disinfectant to the area
8. All cleanup supplies may then be placed in a red bag for incineration

CLEANING UP GLASS AND BLOOD/BODY FLUIDS

• Wear double gloves or utility gloves when glass is involved in a blood/body fluid spill.
• Pick up the glass with a mechanical device, such as forceps, or you could scoop the glass up with cardboard. (DO NOT USE YOUR HANDS TO PICK UP THE GLASS!)
  
• Place the broken glass into a needle-disposal (sharps) container
  
• Follow steps above for cleaning up blood/body fluid spills

BIOHAZARDOUS (MEDICAL) WASTE

The following items are considered biohazardous or medical waste:

1. Microbiological waste (i.e., laboratory specimens)
2. Pathological waste (i.e., human tissue, by-products of autopsy)
3. Human blood and blood products (DISPOSABLE items that are saturated with blood or body fluids)
4. Sharps containers

All medical waste should be placed into a red bag and delivered to Facility Services (BSB-33), which in turn will be incinerated (burned).

More info on potentially infectious medical waste

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