403.3R4 Communicable Diseases Guidelines for Maintaining a Safe, Healthful School Environment

Code No.: 403.3R4

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES GUIDELINES FOR MAINTAINING A SAFE, HEALTHFUL SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

These guidelines and procedures should be followed regardless of the presence or absence of a student or employee known to have an infectious disease.

A.  All facilities should make provisions for personal and environmental cleanliness.

1. Allow sufficient time for hand washing after using the toilet and before eating meals and snacks.
2. Provide ready access to hand washing facilities. These should include hot and cold running water and liquid soap in a workable dispenser.
3. Provide disposable paper towels. The use of cloth towels is discouraged; however, if cloth towels are used, discard them with other contaminated linens after each use.
4. Maintain storage areas for linens, utensils, equipment, and disposable items. These areas must be separate from areas used for storage of soiled items.
5. Keep soiled disposable items in covered waste receptacles lined with disposable plastic bags. At the end of each day, the plastic bags are to be sealed and discarded. DO NOT REUSE.

B.  Hand washing is the most important technique for preventing the spread of disease and should be done frequently. Proper hand washing requires the use of soap and water and vigorous washing under a stream of running water for at least 10 seconds. Rinse under running water. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry hands.

1. Before drinking, eating or smoking.
2. Before handling clean utensils or equipment.
3. Before and after handling food.
4. Before and after assisting or training a student in toileting and feeding.
5. After going to the bathroom.
6. After contact with body secretions, such as blood (including menstrual flow), urine, feces, mucus, saliva, semen, tears, drainage from wounds, etc.
7. After handling soiled diapers, menstrual pads, garments, or equipment.
8. After caring for any student, especially those with nose, mouth, eye, ear or other body secretions.
9. After removing disposable gloves.

C.  All employees should practice specific hygienic principles designed to protect themselves and others from infection.

1. Maintain optimum health through effective daily health practices such as adequate nutrition, rest, exercise, and appropriate medical supervision.
2. If an employee has a cut or an open lesion on his/her hands, disposable gloves should be worn when providing direct care for any student where there is contact with bodily excretion or secretions.
3. Avoid rubbing or touching eyes.
4. Refrain from kissing or being kissed by students.
5. Wash hands frequently.
6. Avoid the use of jewelry such as rings, dangling bracelets and earrings during working hours.
7. Use one's own personal care items such as combs, fingernail files, nail clippers, lipsticks, and toothbrushes.

Approved 9-13-93       Reviewed 5-15-2023        Revised  6-17-2019