General policy

GOOD HYGIENE PRACTICE

Handwashing is one of the most important ways of controlling the spread of infections, especially those that cause diarrhoea and vomiting, and respiratory disease. The recommended method is the use of lose with a tissue. Wash hands after using or disposing of tissues. Spitting should be discouraged.

Personal protective equipment (PPE). Disposable non-powdered vinyl or latex-free CE-marked gloves and disposable plastic aprons must be worn where there is a risk of splashing or contamination with blood/ body fluids (for example, nappy or pad changing). Goggles should also be available for use if there is a risk of splashing to the face. Correct PPE should be used when handling cleaning chemicals.

Cleaning of the environment, including toys and equipment, should be frequent, thorough and follow national guidance. For example, use colour-coded equipment, COSHH and correct decontamination of cleaning equipment. Monitor cleaning contracts and ensure cleaners are appropriately trained with access to PPE.

Cleaning of blood and body fluid spillages: All spillages of blood, faeces, saliva, vomit, nasal and eye discharges should be cleaned up immediately (always wear PPE). When spillages occur, clean using a product that combines both a detergent and a disinfectant. Use as per manufacturer’s instructions and ensure it is effective against bacteria and viruses and suitable for use on the affected surface. Never use mops for cleaning up blood and body fluid spillages – use disposable paper towels and discard clinical waste as described below. A spillage kit should be available for blood spills.

Laundry should be dealt with in a separate dedicated facility. Soiled linen should be washed separately at the hottest wash the fabric will tolerate. Wear PPE when handling soiled linen. Children’s soiled clothing should be bagged to go home, never rinsed by hand.

Clinical waste Always segregate domestic and clinical waste, in accordance with local policy. Used nappies/pads, gloves, aprons and soiled dressings should be stored in correct clinical waste bags in footoperated bins. All clinical waste must be removed by a registered waste contractor. All clinical waste bags should be less than two-thirds full and stored in a dedicated, secure area while awaiting collection.

Sharps should be discarded straight into a sharps bin conforming to BS 7320 and UN 3291 standards.
Sharps bins must be kept off the floor (preferably wall-mounted) and out of reach of children.

SHARPS INJURIES AND BITES

If skin is broken, encourage the wound to bleed/wash thoroughly using soap and water. Contact GP or occupational health or go to A&E immediately. Ensure local policy is in place for staff to follow. Contact your local HPU for advice, if unsure.

ANIMALS

Animals may carry infections, so wash hands after handling animals. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines for protecting the health and safety of children should be followed.

Animals in school (permanent or visiting). Ensure animals’ living quarters are kept clean and away from food areas. Waste should be disposed of regularly, and litter boxes not accessible to children. Children should not play with animals unsupervised. Veterinary advice should be sought on animal welfare and animal health issues and the suitability of the animal as a pet. Reptiles are not suitable as pets in schools and nurseries, as all species carry salmonella.

Visits to farms. Please contact your local environmental health department who will provide you with help and advice when you are planning a visit to a farm or similar establishment

VULNERABLE CHILDREN

Some medical conditions make children vulnerable to infections that would rarely be serious in most children, these include those being treated for leukaemia or other cancers, on high doses of steroids and with conditions that seriously reduce immunity. Schools and nurseries and childminders will normally have been made aware of such children. These children are particularly vulnerable to chickenpox or measles and, if exposed to either of these, the parent/carer should be informed promptly and further medical advice sought. It may be advisable for these children to have additional immunisations, for example pneumococcal and influenza.

FEMALE STAFF – PREGNANCY

If a pregnant woman develops a rash or is in direct contact with someone with a potentially infectious rash, this should be investigated by a doctor. The greatest risk to pregnant women from such infections comes from their own child/children, rather than the workplace.

Chickenpox can affect the pregnancy if a woman has not already had the infection. Report exposure to midwife and GP at any stage of exposure. The GP and antenatal carer will arrange a blood test to check for immunity. Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, so anyone who has not had chickenpox is potentially vulnerable to the infection if they have close contact with a case of shingles.

German measles (rubella). If a pregnant woman comes into contact with german measles she should inform her GP and antenatal carer immediately to ensure investigation. The infection may affect the developing baby if the woman is not immune and is exposed in early pregnancy.

Slapped cheek disease (parvovirus B19) can occasionally affect an unborn child. If exposed early in pregnancy (before 20 weeks), inform whoever is giving antenatal care as this must be investigated promptly.

Measles during pregnancy can result in early delivery or even loss of the baby. If a pregnant woman is exposed she should immediately inform whoever is giving antenatal care to ensure investigation.

All female staff under the age of 25 working with young children should have evidence of two doses of MMR vaccine.

The above advice also applies to pregnant students.

IMMUNISATIONS

Immunisation status should always be checked at school entry and at the time of any vaccination. Parents should be encouraged to have their child immunised and any immunisation missed or further catch-up doses organised through the child’s GP.

For the most up-to-date immunisation advice www.immunisation.nhs.uk, or the school health service can advise on the latest national immunisation schedule.

This is the UK Universal Immunisation Schedule. Children who present with certain risk factors may require additional immunisations. Some areas have local policies – check with your local HPU.

Staff immunisations

All staff should undergo a full occupational health check prior to employment; this includes ensuring they are up to date with immunisations. All staff aged 16–25 should be advised to check they have had two doses of MMR.

• For references visit www.hpa.org.uk
• Information produced with the assistance of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
• Source: Health Protection Agency – www.hpa.org.uk