Background

Hygienic practices are required to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious diseases following contact with blood or other body fluids.

Procedures

1. Use dressings and tissues to minimize direct contact with blood, other body fluids and wounds. Whenever possible, protective disposable gloves shall be worn.
2. When cleaning up body fluids, protective disposable plastic gloves shall be worn.
3. If any part of the skin comes in contact with body fluids, it shall immediately be washed with a disinfectant or hot, soapy water.
4. Exposure of open skin lesions and eye and mouth areas to body fluids shall be avoided.
5. Appropriate disinfectants (e.g. 1:9 dilation of household bleach in water) shall be used in cleaning body fluids from floors, walls, and clothing. The Health Authority can be contacted if there is doubt as to which disinfectants or cleansers are to be used.
6. The person doing the cleaning is to use disposable materials such as paper towels, if at all possible. If a mop is used, it shall be rinsed in disinfectant.
7. All disposable articles soiled with body fluids (e.g. paper towels) shall be placed in a plastic container, which shall be sealed and disposed of immediately.
8. Non-disposable articles, such as clothing and linens visibly soiled with blood or other body fluids, are to be rinsed in cold water and then machine-washed in hot water with ordinary household laundry detergent, including bleach (or dry cleaned). The person who is rinsing the clothes is to wear necessary protective coverings.

Legal Reference:
Sections 17, 20, 22, 65, 85 School Act
Health Act
Safety Standards Act
Workers’ Compensation Act
Communicable Diseases Regulation
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation