The following policy will be reviewed with you at the Orientation.
POLICY
All reasonable effort will be made to assure clients and co-workers are protected from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
PROCEDURES
All procedures involving blood or other potential infectious materials (OPIM) will be performed in such a manner as to minimize splashing, spraying, or the generation of droplets.
Food and drink may not be kept in refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets, or on countertops where blood or OPIM could be present.
Eating, drinking, applying cosmetics, or handling contact lenses are prohibited in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Staff and volunteers who have a common communicable disease (cold, rhinitis, etc.) will take the following precautions:
Avoid client contact, if possible.
Use good hand washing techniques.
Avoid excess talking, coughing or sneezing while near clients.
Staff with active respiratory infection will wear a mask during client contact.
Cover mouth with tissue or crook of elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Dispose of used tissues promptly in a waste receptacle.
Staff and volunteers with dermatitis and/or skin lesions will be discouraged from handling equipment. They must wear gloves and cover area with long sleeves if indicated or take precautions to decrease the likelihood of contamination.
Clinic staff who have bloodborne infection (such as HIV, Hepatitis B or C) will take the following precautions:
Refrain from performing invasive procedures.
Utilize good hand washing techniques.
Avoid contact with clients with communicable diseases.
Use plastic bags to dispose of soiled tissues, band-aids, tampons, sanitary napkins, and soiled gloves. Close and secure the bag tightly and dispose.
Staff and volunteers with a fever or tuberculosis, which may pose a risk to a pregnant client, will not have direct contact with a client. If a worker has tuberculosis (or thinks they might have tuberculosis), they cannot come to You Medical or volunteer in any capacity until that person is totally cleared by the Health Department as fully treated and non-contagious.
Staff and volunteers who may have a contagious condition may contact the healthcare professional in charge. If it is determined that the condition may pose a risk to a client, she/he will be asked to go home for the day or to not report to You Medical that day.