EBBA
INFECTION CONTROL POLICY
Purpose
The Ashburnham-Westminster School District strives to protect the safety and health of children and youth in our care, as well as their families, our employees, and the general public. Staff members will cooperate with the public health authorities to promote these goals.
Policy
All employees are required to consistently follow infection control guidelines in all settings and at all times, including on playgrounds and school buses. This includes the routine observance of universal precautions to prevent exposure to disease-causing organisms. Schools in this district will conform to the standards and recommendations put forth by the Center for Disease Control for the prevention of blood-borne and other infections. Equipment and supplies needed to apply the infection control guidelines will be maintained and kept reasonably accessible. The building principal and his/her designee shall ensure that the precautions are implemented, cause training for all students and staff, and investigate, correct, and report on instances of lapse.
School staff members are expected to alert the individual responsible for health and safety if a student or staff member has a health condition or displays a behavior that presents a reasonable risk of transmitting an infection.
If a situation occurs at school in which a person might have been exposed to an infectious agent, such as an instance of blood to blood contact, school authorities shall adhere to the post-exposure procedures and protocols.
Definitions
Blood-borne Organisms
Microorganisms carried by human blood and other body fluids. The most common are the hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV or AIDS).
Body Fluids
Blood, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, vaginal secretions, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, semen, any body fluid that is visually contaminated with blood, and all body fluids in situations in which it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids. These precautions also apply to other body substances such as saliva, sputum, feces, tears, vomit, nasal secretions, and urine.
Mucous Membrane
Tissue that covers the eyes and the inside of the nose and mouth, along with certain other parts of the body.
Staff
School personnel covered by this mandate include superintendent, principals, directors, teachers, food handlers, aides, custodians, school bus drivers, nurses, doctors, or other individuals whose duties official or voluntary, bring them into regular direct contact with students.
Universal Precautions
The usual and ordinary steps that all school staff are required to take, which are designed to specifically prevent direct skin or mucous membrane exposure to particular body fluids as well to prevent accidents involving sharp instruments (such as needles) contaminated with these fluids. The term “universal” indicates that these precautions should be taken at all times in all situations.
Regulation: EBBA-R1 Infection Control Regulations and Procedure
First Reading: 08/06/02 Second Reading: 09/10/02 ADOPTED: 09/10/02 Reviewed: 07/28/15