2-05/010.15 General Precautions to Reduce the Risk of Exposure to Communicable Diseases



Extreme caution should be exercised when conducting searches and dealing with any sharp object that may be contaminated. Sharp objects, such as needles, may be contaminated and must be disposed of or held as evidence. The sharp object should be placed in a puncture-resistant container and appropriately labeled.

An employee that is bleeding or has any open wound or a skin lesion should avoid direct contact with another person’s blood or other bodily fluids. If the employee’s broken skin is on the hands, disposable gloves should be used when handling another person’s blood or other bodily fluids.

Any equipment or clothing that comes in contact with possible contaminated substances or persons should be disposed of, or properly decontaminated as soon as practical

Employees who come in frequent physical contact with inmates should wear disposable gloves routinely during such procedures.

Locations which have been severely contaminated by blood or other bodily fluids should be secured or contained until the arrival of appropriately equipped personnel.