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1320-15 | Blood Borne Pathogens Regulation

Date Approved:
Date Reviewed/Amended:

The School District will base its decisions upon the advice of the School Medical Officer at Northern Health.

Introduction:

Current medical research concludes that blood-borne pathogens cannot be transmitted in the course of the usual interactions in the school setting and there is no significant safety hazard to others in the school setting from individuals with blood-borne pathogen infections. Hence, the student must not be restricted from the school based solely on the diagnosis. Nor should the student be restricted from using school equipment, supplies or facilities. It is important that general hygienic practices be observed.

It is important for the psychological well-being of the student that the student remain within the school system as long as possible. Illness-challenged students should be encouraged to pursue activities which their condition allows. A student infected with a blood borne pathogen should not, therefore, be removed from school unless this has been recommended by the School Medical Officer.

Definitions of Blood Borne Pathogens:

AIDS – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

This is the most severe manifestation of the HIV infection. When an individual is diagnosed with AIDS, they are infected with HIV, and the immune system is so damaged that other diseases (called "opportunistic infections or OIs") develop.

HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus

This is the virus that causes AIDS.

HBV (Hepatitis B) and HCV (Hepatitis C) Pathogens

These are the viruses responsible for Hepatitis B and C, inflammations of the liver spread by blood and serum driven fluids, and by direct contact with blood fluids.

Communication and Confidentiality:

Should an employee become aware that a student has a blood borne pathogen, the employee will immediately inform the Principal who in turn will inform the Superintendent or designate.

The Principal will arrange to meet with the parents or guardians of the students to review this regulation and advise who will be confidentially informed of the student’s medical condition.

The identity of school employees or students infected with blood-borne pathogens shall be kept confidential. Dissemination of information shall be restricted to:

  • those who work directly with the student;
  • the school Principal and those who the Principal deems should be informed; and
  • the Superintendent of Schools and those who the Superintendent deems should be informed.

In deciding who should be informed, the Principal and the Superintendent shall seek the cooperation and assistance of the School Medical Officer.

Guidelines for Contact with Blood or Body Fluids:

  1. Contact with blood or body fluids should be avoided where possible and, if it is reasonable, the injured person should care for themselves under supervision; e.g., apply pressure to a bleeding wound.
  2. When contact with blood or body fluids is necessary, disposable, single-use gloves should be worn (latex or rubber gloves are adequate).
  3. If the patient's blood or body fluid gets on the hands or body of the first-aid attendants, it should be washed off with soap and water as quickly as possible. If it gets in the eye, it should be rinsed immediately under running water.
  4. Dressings and materials used to cleanse or cover wounds should be disposed of in a plastic, bag-lined, covered receptacle. The entire plastic bag should be removed at the end of each day and the receptacle relined.
  5. An effective disinfectant is normal household bleach diluted 1:10 in water and left for 10 minutes on any blood spills on floors or furniture prior to cleaning up (hot water and soap used on areas where bleach would cause damage). Disposable paper towels should be used to clean up such spills and discarded as above. Disposable gloves should be worn for cleanup.
  6. A puncture-proof sharps container should be available at each school to discard contaminated objects that could puncture or cut skin.