Health & Safety > Infection Control > Procedure for managing exposure to blood or body fluids
Authorised by CQI Sub Committee
Revised Date: 22 August 2016
Overview
Information in this procedure is obtained from the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services online publication The Blue Book. It has been adapted to suit a community services situation.
This procedure covers exposure by anyone in the workplace to blood or body fluids and includes splashes into/onto mucous membranes or bare intact skin.
•Body fluids that pose a risk for blood-borne virus transmission are blood, serum, plasma and all biological fluids visibly contaminated with blood
•uterine/vaginal secretions or semen.
Occupational hazards for community services workers from blood or body fluid incidents include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus.
Exposure is an injury that involves direct skin contact with a body fluid listed above and there is compromised skin integrity such as an open wound, abrasion or dermatitis, or if there is direct mucous membrane contact such as into the mouth. For exposure to skin, the larger the area of skin exposed and the longer the time of contact, the more important it is to verify that all the relevant skin area is intact.
Immediate action
Treatment protocols should include removal of contaminated clothing and thorough washing of the injured area with soap and water. An antiseptic could also be applied. Affected mucous membranes should be flushed with large amounts of water. Eyes should be flushed gently, while open.
The exposed person must report any occupational exposures immediately to a manager.
Document the incident and include:
•date, time and type of exposure
•how the incident occurred
•name of the source individual (if known)
Managers should assist the person who has been exposed to the blood or body fluid to report to a general medical practitioner or the Emergency Department at the nearest hospital. The medical staff will then advise on further procedures if needed.