File: EBBA - Prevention of Disease/Infection Transmission

NOTE: While Colorado school districts are not required by law to adopt a policy on this subject, CASB believes this policy contains the content/language that reflects "best practices." However, the district should consult with its own legal counsel to determine appropriate language that meets local circumstances and needs.

(Handling Body Fluids)

All schools must provide a sanitary environment and must establish routines, recommended by appropriate health professionals, for handling body fluids.

All school district personnel must be advised of and follow routine procedures regarding handling body fluids. These procedures must provide simple and effective precautions against transmission of diseases to persons potentially exposed to the blood or body fluids of another. These procedures must be standard health and safety practices developed in consultation with medical personnel. No distinction may be made between body fluids from individuals with a known disease and individuals without symptoms or with an undiagnosed disease.

The procedures must be published as school district regulations and distributed to all staff on a regular basis. Training and appropriate supplies must be available to all personnel including those involved in transportation and custodial services.

In addition to ensuring that these health and safety practices are carried out on a district-wide basis, special emphasis must be placed in those areas of school district operation that potentially present a greater need for these precautions. Under no circumstances may students be directed or knowingly be allowed to handle body fluids other than their own.

(Adoption date)

LEGAL REF.: 6 CCR 1010-6, (department of public health and environment rules governing schools)

CROSS REFS.: GBGA, Staff Health (And Medical Examination Requirements)

JLCC, Communicable/Infectious Diseases

JLCE, First Aid and Emergency Medical Care

NOTE: See "Guidelines for Infectious Diseases in Child Care and School Settings: Guidelines for Child Care Providers, School Nurses and Other Personnel" published by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Visit CDPHE's Division of Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology's website, www.cdphe.state.co.us, or call 303-692-2000 to access these guidelines and other information applicable to schools.