Purposes for Protection

Page 2

Professionals who work closely with individuals who may at some point experience an illness or injury that has any potential to pose a risk for the transfer of bloodborne pathogens must know about standard and universal precautions to keep themselves and others safe. Children experience illnesses and injuries at a higher rate than adults due to underdeveloped immune systems, physical maturation, and hygiene practices. Child care professionals must assist children in not only preventing these illnesses and injuries but also being prepared to respond to them safely.

Some common incidents where protection and precautions are needed:

• A child vomits
• A child falls and gets a scrape or larger injury
• There is a natural disaster where people are injured or killed
• A child loses a tooth
• A child has a bloody nose
• There is an outbreak of an illness
•  A child is bitten, and the skin is broken
• A staff member or child is severely injured or becomes very ill

While you may have never experienced these types of situations, they are fairly common in child care programs. Child care professionals are the first line of defense, prevention, and response when an event does occur. In some situations, medical assistance or emergency services will be necessary but, in most cases, universal precautions should be taken, and the incident reported. 

The overall goal of this training is to provide professionals with accurate information to follow universal precautions in order to keep all children and adults in their workplace safe and healthy. Keep in mind your state's specific guidelines and regulations to ensure adherence to quality standards.

More information can be found at "Most Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor"

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
​2. Purposes for Protection
3. Bloodborne Pathogens
4. Transmission of Germs
5. Hepatitis B
6. Hepatitis C
7. Hepatitis (1/5)
8. HIV
9. HIV/AIDS Awareness (2/5)

10. Bloodborne Risks 
11. Bloodborne Pathogens (3/5)
12.  Standard Precautions
13. Proper Handwashing
14. Personal Protective Equipment
15. Gloves
16. Personal Protective Gear (PPE)
17. Cleaning
18. Sanitizing versus Disinfecting

19. Using Bleach-Water
20. Disinfecting, Sanitizing, Cleaning
21. Cleaning up Bodily Fluids
22. Safety Considerations
23. Universal & Standard Precautions (4/5)
24. Reactions to Exposure
25. Reviewing Bloodborne Pathogens
26. Final Quiz
Parking Lot