5. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS (UP), as designated by the Center for Disease Control are identified by the code UP (for Universal Precautions). UP apply to blood and other body fluids containing visible blood, tissues, semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid and amniotic fluid. UP do not apply to feces, nasal secretions, sputum, sweat, tears, human breast milk, urine or vomitus unless they contain blood.]:

a. Consider all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. (UP)

b. Make full use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to include the following:

i. Use gloves when handling blood, blood products or other fluids for which UP are applicable (UP).

ii. Use masks, safety goggles and/ or face shields for procedures that may involve splashing of blood or body fluids, creation of aerosols (or droplets of blood or body fluids) or exposure of mucous membranes or eyes, nose or mouth to same. (UP)

iii. Use gowns, aprons, lab coats, coveralls and other protective body clothing needed to prevent exposure of body parts to blood, blood products or body fluids (UP). Note: Use protective caps, hoods and footwear in order to prevent exposure of head, hair or feet to blood or blood products (as may occur in autopsy) when required.

iv. Use pocket masks or noncontact resuscitation bags or other regulation devices to resuscitate a patient to minimize exposure that may occur during emergency mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. (UP). Note: Remove contaminated PPE immediately or as soon as possible after completion of tasks or as soon as contaminated. Remove all PPE before leaving the work area.

v. Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves and immediately after contact with blood or blood products. Minimize splashing and splattering during hand washing. (UP)

vi. Be conscious of accident prevention in order to prevent injury from sharp items: (UP)

(1) Be aware when using or disposing of needles, scalpels and other sharp items,

(2) Be aware when using or cleaning instruments or devices after procedures.

(3) Do not bend, break or recap needles.

(4) Dispose of contaminated needles or sharps in a nearby specially designed puncture proof container immediately after use.

(5) Do not pick up broken glass that may be contaminated directly with one's fingers.