Administrative Procedures

Administrative Procedure 160

Universal Precautions

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.
2. When cleaning up body fluids, protective gloves are to be used.
3. If any part of the skin comes in contact with body fluids, it should immediately be washed
       with disinfectant or hot soapy water.
4. Appropriate disinfectants (ie: 1:9 dilution of household bleach in water) shall be used in
       cleaning body fluids from floors, walls, and clothing.  The Regional Health Authority can
       be contacted if there is doubt as to which disinfectants or cleansers should be used.
5. The person doing the cleaning should use disposable materials such as paper towels.
       If a mop is used it should be rinsed in disinfectant before being reused.
6. All disposable articles soiled with body fluids should be placed in a plastic
       waste container.
7. Non-disposable articles such as clothing and linens, which are visibly soiled with blood or
       other body fluids, should be rinsed in cold water and then machine-washed in hot water, with
       laundry detergent and bleach or dry cleaned.

Reference
Section 85, 87, 108, 109, Education Act, 1995
Occupational Health and Safety Act,
Public Health Act

Created
April 14, 2009

Revised
June 2009
November 2013
August 2023