Safety Guidelines for Secondary Interschool Athletics in Alberta

APPENDIX P - UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS RE: BLOOD & BODILY
FLUIDS
Disposable waterproof gloves (latex or vinyl) should be worn when in contact with blood, blood
products, other body fluids, open wounds or sores (non-intact skin) and items or surfaces soiled with
blood or other body fluids.
Mouthpieces, pocket masks or other ventilation devices should be readily available in those settings
where the need for resuscitation can be anticipated. However, the risk of infection is so slight that no one
should hesitate to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if such equipment is not available.
Open wounds should be covered prior to competition or practice. If a bleeding injury occurs during the
competition or practice, the individual must be removed from the competition until the bleeding has
stopped. The wound should be cleansed with an antiseptic solution and securely covered before the
individual can return. Should blood appear on the participant’s uniform or equipment, which is exposed
to other participants, the uniform/equipment must be either changed or cleaned before participation can
resume.
Hands (and any skin surface) contaminated with blood or other body fluids should be washed
thoroughly as soon as practicable. To wash hands, use plain soap and vigorously rub together all
surfaces of lathered hands for at least 10 seconds. Rinse thoroughly under a stream of water. After
treating an open wound or cleaning a blood stained surface, gloves should be removed and hands
washed with soapy water before continuing.
Spills of blood or other body fluids and contaminated surfaces and equipment should be cleaned
promptly with detergent and water, using disposable towels. The area should then be disinfected with a
bleach solution and left to dry. The bleach solution should be a dilution of household chlorine bleach
mixed one part bleach to nine parts water. The solution must be prepared fresh daily. When using, wear
gloves to prevent skin irritation. Chemical germicides approved for use as hospital disinfectants can also
be used to clean surfaces.
Linen and clothing that have been soiled with blood or other body fluids may be washed with regular
laundry.
Sources: Workplace Health and Safety, Precautions for Workers Exposed to HIV, Alberta Human
Resources and Employment; Alberta Colleges Athletic Association HIV Policies and Procedures; Sport
Medicine Council of Alberta HIV Education Materials
Safety Guidelines for Secondary Interschool Athletics in Alberta - February 2012 93