Childhood Illnesses Communicable Diseases

Universal Precautions for Handling Body Fluids

Whenever handling body fluids or items contaminated with body fluids, be sure to:

✔ Wear disposable gloves when you are likely to have contact with blood or other body fluids (e.g., vomitus, urine, feces, or saliva). ✔ Remove glove by grasping the cuff and pulling it off inside out. ✔ Wash hands thoroughly. (Lather for at least 30 seconds.)

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✔ Dispose of contaminated materials properly. Seal soiled clothing in plastic bags to be laundered at home. Dispose of diapers by tying them securely in garbage bags. Place broken glass in a designated container.

✔ Clean all surfaces with an approved disinfectant or chlorine bleach solution (check product label and mix fresh daily). ✔ Subsidize the cost of hepatitis B immunizations for all employees.

How and When to Wash Hands

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Pull down paper towel.

● Turn on the water; wet hands and wrists under warm, running water. ● Apply soap and lather hands to loosen dirt and bacteria. ● Rub hands and wrists vigorously for a minimum of 20 seconds. Friction helps to remove microorganisms and dirt. (Have children sing the entire ABC or similar song while rubbing their hands with soap.) ● Pay special attention to rubbing soap on the backs of hands, between fingers, and around fingernails ● Rinse hands thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and soap. Hold hands higher than wrists to prevent recontamination. Leave the water running. ● Dry hand and arms carefully with paper towel. ● Use the paper towel to turn off water faucets. (This prevents hands from becoming contaminated again) ● Open bathroom door with paper towel and discard it in an appropriate receptacle.