The Value of Using Universal Precautions
Universal Precautions in the Classroom
By: Retha Edens-Meier, Ph.D.
We find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic and are reminded by the news media to wash our hands and avoid touching our faces. It is imperative at this time for all of us to use universal precautions in our homes, workplaces, and especially medical facilities to interrupt the spread of COVID-19. When our society establishes a “new normal”, using universal precautions must become second nature.
In 2003, two of my colleagues (Dr. Nikki Murdick and Dr. Barbara Gartin) and I published a paper, Preventing Infection In The Classroom: The Use Of Universal Precautions. While relevant in 2003 it is especially relevant today. Our paper explains why the use of universal precautions is important in preventing the spread of pathogens by using the following approaches:
1) the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection
2) proper handwashing techniques
Although we did not address social distancing within our paper, this approach is very important in breaking the mode of transmission of highly contagious respiratory diseases, such as COVID-19.
As a general overview, our paper explains how to put on and remove non-latex gloves to avoid contamination. Gloves are worn to provide protection to both the person wearing the gloves and to the person receiving help. Both individuals, as well as the surrounding area, can become contaminated if gloves are improperly removed.
Our paper also includes a step-by-step process on proper handwashing. A valuable reminder is to avoid touching the faucet handles, paper towel dispensers, door handles, or any other public objects after hand washing since unsterilized surfaces are sources of potential pathogens.
In addition, we present directions for preparing a 1:10 bleach solution, one of several disinfectant solutions recommended by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to disinfect surfaces contaminated with blood and other body fluids. Finally, we provide an example of a classroom scenario and explain what to do if a potential biohazard event, such as losing a tooth, occurs within a classroom. Although losing a tooth or having a bloody nose, which are major contributions of our paper, cannot and should not be compared with a pandemic, the use of universal precautions is important in our world today and moving forward.
In addition, we provide a brief description of infectious agents and how they are spread. Pathogens are infectious agents that can cause diseases including certain types of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and prions. Pathogens can be transmitted via airborne, contact (direct, indirect, droplet), and vector-borne. In order to spread infection, a source, host, and mode of transmission are required. We must break the mode of transmission to interrupt the spread of pathogens. We do this by correctly and consistently using universal precautions, including PPE, proper handwashing techniques, and social distancing.
The current pandemic will greatly shape our future social norms including how we greet and interact with one another. As we transition from the stay-at-home order back into classrooms, the role of our school personnel in preventing the spread of diseases will be of significant value. A starting point is to have a plan and be prepared to respond to potential pathogens. Our paper provides a plan and explains what teachers and students can do in case of a potential biohazard event to prevent the spread of potential pathogens and maintain a safe learning environment. The use of universal precautions, including proper handwashing techniques, wearing PPE, and using appropriate disinfecting solutions are more important than ever for the safety of everyone worldwide.