• Section 1 - Purpose
• Section 2 - Glossary
• Section 3 - Policy
• Section 4 - Procedures
• Section 5 - Guidelines
• Contact with Blood, Body Fluids or Tissues

Section 1 - Purpose

(1) Any person whose work or studies brings them into physical contact with human blood, body fluids or tissues should exercise universal precautions and infection control procedures.

Section 2 - Glossary

(2) Nil.

Section 3 - Policy

(3) Refer to the HIV-Aids and Hepatitis Policy.

Section 4 - Procedures

(4) Nil.

Section 5 - Guidelines

(5) All blood and blood products should be regarded as infectious at all times.

Contact with Blood, Body Fluids or Tissues

(6) The precautions which should be observed are as follows:

1. avoid contact with blood or bodily fluids, especially if one has open cuts or unhealed wounds. Intact skin is regarded as an effective barrier against blood-borne infecting agents;
2. use disposable gloves for direct contact with blood or body fluids. Hands should be washed immediately after gloves are removed. Hands and other skin surfaces should be washed immediately and thoroughly if contaminated with blood or other body fluids;
3. place contaminated waste material in a plastic bag, labelled 'Contaminated Waste'. Seal carefully and dispose of in accordance with the documented procedures for the School or Section;
4. floors desks, equipment and other contaminated items should be thoroughly cleaned with detergent and water and then washed with a 1:5 dilution of household bleach in water or other suitable disinfectant;
5. soiled clothing can be washed or dry cleaned as usual; and
6. report any accident involving blood (including all needle stick injuries) immediately to your supervisor or the staff member in charge of the area or class where the accident occurs.