2.2 Universal Precautions

Coming into contact with blood or body fluids of other people, even of children, causes a risk of a potential infection. Protect yourselves by taking Universal (Standard) Precautions.

Always wear latex, vinyl or rubber gloves (disposable) when handling spills of body fluids or attending to a person with cuts, or open scrapes or wounds.

Always clean and disinfect spills promptly. Once finished, remove and dispose the gloves in a manner to prevent further contamination and wash your hands.

Disposable gloves should be readily available by the First Aid station, in the washroom and by the diaper station.

Apply Universal Precaution when you find syringes or used condoms in a park, school yard or playground.

Your local Environmental Health Unit will give you information on safe disposal procedures.

Use gloves, and a pair of tongs to pick up these items and discard syringes in a puncture proof container with a lid. Discard them as advised by your local Health Unit and when finished wash your hands.

Teach children to never touch syringes and condoms or other hazards, and if they find one, to tell an adult about them immediately.

If you experience a needle-stick injury get emergency medical attention within two hours of the injury!

If a child experiences this injury, immediately seek medical attention by calling an ambulance and notify the parents.

If you work in a licensed facility a serious Incident Report must be completed and brought to your local licensing office as soon as possible.