universal precautions for health and safety

Occupationally acquired infection with HBV in dental workers has been documented (4), and two possible cases of occupationally acquired HIV infection involving dentists have been reported (5,26). During dental procedures, contamination of saliva with blood is predictable, trauma to health-care workers' hands is common, and blood spattering may occur. Occupational health and safety is regulated in Canada in each of the fourteen jurisdictions (provincial, territorial and federal). Some jurisdictions may have also developed specific modifications of infection control guidelines. Occupational exposure may occur in many ways, including needle stick and cut injuries. Health care workers employed in certain occupations are assumed to be at high risk for blood-borne infections due to their routinely increased exposure to body fluids from potentially infected patients.

Occupational health should be focused on preventing exposure of human workers to the infection. Unless sheep are known to be free of the Q fever agent, protective clothing, including gloves, masks, and other protective items should be worn by those having contact with birth tissues or fluids, where titers of the agent are likely to be highest.

Hepatitis B is not transmitted by casual contact. For example, hospital employees who have no contact with blood, blood products, or blood- contaminated fluids are at no greater risk than the general public. Hepatitis A is generally non-fatal and has no long term effects. However, hepatitis B and other strains of the hepatitis virus are severely debilitating, and can cause chronic infection leading to potentially fatal liver disease in later life. Hepatitis B can also survive in dried blood for periods of one week or more. Any surfaces that have dried blood (desks, floor, confiscated knives, etc.) could be a potential source of exposure.

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cytomegalovirus, and other viral infections are readily preventable through the use of basic protocols. A blood-borne pathogen exposure control plan for schools is mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration .

Gloves should always be available to health care workers who wish to use them for phlebotomy. In addition, the following general guidelines apply: Use gloves for performing phlebotomy when the health care worker has cuts, scratches, or other breaks in his/her skin. Gloves should be changed anytime their usefulness as a barrier becomes compromised. Trying to wash or autoclave latex disposable gloves may damage the glove's integrity, so they should not be reused.

Needlestick injuries don’t have have to happen. The best way to prevent needlesticks and cuts from sharps is to eliminate contact with them. Needles shall not be bent, sheared or recapped. Sharps containers shall be available in the area where sharps are being used.

Materials have been included based on publication date and perceived relevancy, and includes those publications from 1993-2004. Materials stored will be kept so as to prevent the contact of incompatibles and protected from breakage that could result from improper storage on unstable or overcrowded shelves.

Employees who are anticipated to provide infrequent CPR/First Aid duties as a secondary condition of their employment will not be offered the Hepatitis Vaccine. However, if they perform a CPR/First Aid duty and are exposed, they will be offered the vaccine within 24 hours of the exposure. Employee Health staff at McCosh Health Center will administer the vaccination series and provide any necessary medical follow-up as a result of exposures. Employers place a biohazard label on all portions of contaminated) Tj T* -0.3962 Tc 0.3962 Tw (equipment that remain to inform employees, service representatives,) Tj T* -0.29 Tc 0.29 Tw (and/or the manufacturer, as appropriate.