According to OSHA (2015), there is no direct risk of contagion or infectious disease from being near human remains if not directly involved in recovery or procedures that require handling remains. Viruses associated with human remains do not pose a risk to someone walking
nearby, nor do they cause significant environmental contamination. The smell of human decay is unpleasant; however, it does not create a public health hazard (OSHA, 2015).
CDC STANDARD PRECAUTIONS
The following information is summarized from the 2007 CDC Guidelines for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings and is referenced in Title 13 Law and Public Safety, Chapter 26 (Siegel et al., 2007). ● Standard Precautions are based on the principle that all blood; body fluids; secretions; excretions, except sweat; nonintact skin; and mucous membranes may contain transmissible infectious agents. ● Standard Precautions include hand hygiene; use of gloves, gown, mask, eye protection, or face shield, The New Jersey Administrative Code: Title 13 Law and Public Safety, Chapter 26, contains a number of sections that include references to OSHA and CDC guidelines. These sections are included below, and the applicable OSHA and CDC guidelines are listed as referenced. This one-hour course does not include all of Chapter 26, but it should be reviewed in its entirety at the website included on the reference page (New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, 2016).
depending on the anticipated exposure; and safe injection practices. ● Equipment or items in the environment contaminated with infectious body fluids must be handled in a manner to prevent transmission of infectious agents. This includes containing heavily soiled equipment and properly cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing reusable equipment.
● Education and training on the principles and rationale for recommended practices are critical elements of Standard Precautions. THE NEW JERSEY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE: TITLE 13 LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY, CHAPTER 26
13:36-5.6: Equipment requirements 10) For each licensee and trainee, protection, apparel and/ or equipment as required by all applicable standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Agency (OSHA) and N.J.A.C. 7.26-3A, the Department of Environmental Protection regulations, which implement the Comprehensive Regulated Medical Waste Management Act, N.J.S.A. 13.1E-48.1 et seq (New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, 2016).
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: OSHA 29 CFR PART 1910: BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
Personal protective equipment Provision: When there is occupational exposure, the employer shall provide, at no cost to the employee, appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, gloves, gowns, laboratory coats, face shields or masks and eye protection, and mouthpieces, pocket masks, or other ventilation devices (OSHA, 2014). PPE refers to a variety of barriers and respirators, used alone or in combination, to protect mucous membranes, airways, Gloves Gloves are used to prevent contamination of when: ● Anticipating direct contact with blood or body fluids, mucous membranes, nonintact skin, and other potentially infectious material. ● Having direct contact with remains colonized or infected with pathogens transmitted by the contact route, such as VRE, MRSA, RSV. ● Handling or touching visibly or potentially contaminated equipment and environmental surfaces (Siegel et al., 2007). Gloves manufactured for health care purposes are subject to FDA evaluation and clearance. Nonsterile disposable medical gloves are made of a variety of materials, including latex, vinyl, and nitrile. The selection of glove type is based on a number of factors, including the task that is to be performed, anticipated contact with chemicals and chemotherapeutic agents, latex sensitivity, sizing, and facility policies for creating a latex-free environment. For contact with blood and body fluids during nonsurgical procedures, a single pair of gloves generally provides adequate barrier protection. CDC studies have shown that
skin, and clothing from contact with infectious agents. The selection of PPE is based on the nature of the interaction or the likely mode of transmission. Hand hygiene is always the final step after removing and disposing of PPE. The following sections highlight the primary uses and methods for selecting PPE equipment (OSHA, 2014).
vinyl gloves have higher failure rates than latex or nitrile gloves (Siegel et al., 2007). Either latex or nitrile gloves are preferable for procedures that require manual dexterity or will involve more than brief contact with potentially infectious materials. Heavier, reusable utility gloves are indicated for such activities as handling or cleaning contaminated equipment or surfaces. During contact with remains, transmission of infectious organisms can be reduced by adhering to the principles of working from “clean” to “dirty,” and confining or limiting contamination to areas essential to the procedure. It may be necessary to change gloves if interaction also involves touching portable computer keyboards or other mobile equipment. Gloves must not be washed for subsequent reuse because microorganisms cannot be removed reliably from glove surfaces and continued glove integrity cannot be ensured. Glove reuse has been associated with transmission of MRSA and gram- negative bacilli (Siegel et al., 2007). When gloves are worn in combination with other PPE, they are put on last. Gloves that fit snugly around the wrist are preferred for use with an isolation gown because they cover the gown cuff and provide a continuous barrier for arms,
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