Blood & Body Fluid Exposure

BLOOD AND BODY FLUID EXPOSURE

Policy:

Contact with body fluids (i.e. blood, urine, saliva in dental procedures) or any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood should be avoided if possible. An exposure means a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, or non-intact skin, contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials

Procedure:

If you are exposed:

• If contact is made with skin, immediately WASH area with soap and tepid water for 10 minutes. Do not break skin with vigorous rubbing.
• If contact is made with eyes, immediately flush eyes with tepid water or eyewash.
• Notify your supervisor and Safety and Security.
• OBTAIN medical help, especially if there is contact with broken skin, such as a cut or other open wound.

Clean-up:

• Items saturated with blood are to be double bagged with sturdy plastic bags, preferably red. If possible, the words “Bio Hazard” should be written on bag. A small amount of blood (i.e. tampon/pad or band-aid) can be disposed of in regular waste.
• Discard sharp objects (i.e. glass, needles) in a puncture-resistant, leak proof, red or biohazard-labeled container.
• Do not touch contaminated materials or objects; use disposable rubber gloves or other type of protective barrier between skin and object.
• Contaminated surfaces should be decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant, immediately or as soon as feasible.
• Call Safety and Security and/or Buildings and Grounds for proper disposal of contaminated materials.