Universal Precautions

0600-500.10 | Revision Date: 07/01/14

Overview

This policy details the hygiene practices to be used by DCFS staff in order to prevent or minimize risk of infection by blood-borne pathogens and other communicable diseases.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Policy

Procedure

Reducing the Threat of Infection

All Staff Responsibilities

ARA Responsibilities

Regional Office Responsibilities

Approvals

Helpful Links

Statutes

Version Summary

This policy guide was updated from the 12/05/11 version, as part of the Policy Redesign, in accordance with the DCFS Strategic Plan.  The title has been changed from “Reducing the Threat of Infection by Blood-Borne Pathogens and Communicable Diseases: Universal Precautions” to “Universal Precautions.”

POLICY

Universal precautions are an aggressive, standardized approach to infection control, which treats all human blood and certain body fluids as if they were known to contain blood-borne pathogens. This approach is designed to prevent transmission of blood-borne pathogens as well as contraction of Staph infections and MRSA.

Employees may face occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. In such cases, employers “shall establish and implement an effective Exposure Control Plan which is designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure,” per the California Code of Regulations.

DCFS staff may be required to change diapers or clean up after children.  To ensure the safety of children and staff, staff must follow the procedures outlined in this policy guide, both in the office and in the field.

PROCEDURE

Reducing the Threat of Infection

All Staff Responsibilities

1. If bodily fluids spill on surfaces such as counter tops or floors:

1. Wear disposable gloves.

2. Clean up the spill with paper towels.

3. Place used paper towels in a plastic trash bag.

4. Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectant spray to disinfect the surface.

5. Allow surface to air-dry.

6. Place gloves in plastic trash bag and tie off the bag.

7. Dispose of the plastic bag in the covered trash container provided for this purpose.

8. Wash hands with soap and water, including between fingers and under fingernails.

• If there was skin contact with the bodily fluids, wash the affected area with soap under running water for at least 20 seconds.

2. If a diaper needs changing:

1. Use the diaper changing surface and cover the surface with a paper mat.

2. Wear disposable gloves.

3. Place the soiled diaper and mat in a plastic trash bag.

4. Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectant spray to disinfect the surface.

5. Allow surface to air-dry.

6. Place gloves in plastic trash bag and tie off the bag.

7. Dispose of the plastic bag in the covered trash container provided for this purpose.

8. Wash hands with soap and water.

3. If bodily fluids soil your clothing:

1. Wash clothing separately at home.

2. Use normal wash cycle and add ½ cup regular or non-chlorine bleach.

4. If a child bites you and it breaks the skin:

1. Wash the area immediately with soap and water.

2. Inform your supervisor of the injury as soon as possible.

3. Consult with a physician.

5. If providing a child with food or other edibles:

1. Do not allow more than one child to share the same piece of food

2. Wash baby bottles, dishes, and utensils together in hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

3. Do not share baby bottle nipples unless they are sterilized between uses.

6. If a child puts a toy into their mouth:

1. Wash the toy in soap and water before another child uses it.

ARA Responsibilities

1. Maintain (or designate someone to maintain) the following hygiene supplies. 

• Disposable gloves

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered disinfectant spray

• Paper towels

• Disposable paper mats

• Disposable diapers

• Small plastic trash bags

• Closed trash container

2. Collaborate with the Public Health Nurse to facilitate routine and appropriate use of supplies.

• Disposable supplies are for one-time use only and are never to be reused or shared.

Regional Office Responsibilities

1. Maintain a non-porous diaper changing surface and a closed trash container for used plastic trash bags.  These are not to be used for any other purpose.

Back to Procedure

APPROVALS

None

HELPFUL LINKS

Statutes

California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5193 – Addresses occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.