BJOC 3.2 - Universal Precautions for the Detention officer

Terminal Performance Objective (TPO):

Terminal Performance Objective (TPO):

Given the need for student comprehension, the student will explain techniques and practices regarding the prevention and control of infectious diseases in a jail facility in accordance with the Basic Jail Officer Reference Textbook.

BJOC 3.2 - Universal Precautions for the Detention Officer

Enabling Objectives (EO’s):

Enabling Objectives (EO’s):

As a result of this instruction, the student will be able to:

3.2.1        Identify personal protective equipment that can be utilized in the correctional setting.

3.2.2        Identify methods of disposing of contaminated items and equipment.

3.2.3        Identify methods for utilizing decontaminates and disinfectants.

3.2.4        Identify procedures to be followed when exposure or suspected exposure to blood borne infections occurs.

3.2.5        Identify the most common infectious diseases in the jail and how to prevent the spread of these diseases.

3.2.6        Identify conditions that facilitate the spread of TB in a correctional facility.

3.2.7        Identify general symptoms that could possibly indicate TB disease.

3.2.8        Identify screening methods used in correctional facilities to detect TB.

3.2.9        Identify officer precautions regarding MRSA issues.

3.2.10    Identify the three main sources of the spread and infection of MRSA in a jail.

3.2.11    Identify provisions of O.C.G.A. 42-1-7 that requires notification to transporting officers that a prisoner has an infectious or communicable disease.

3.2.12    Identify procedures to be taken when transporting a prisoner with a blood borne and/or airborne infectious diseases.

 1) Disposable gloves;  2) Eye protection or protective face clothing; 3) Protective body clothing.

If in the officer’s professional judgment, using PPE would prevent them from performing a needed medical or emergency procedure or would pose an increased hazard to their safety or the safety of others.

 Officers should remove all potentially contaminated personal equipment prior to leaving their work area or the incident site.

Contaminated equipment should be placed in a designated container.  Items within these containers should be collected for storage, washing, decontamination or disposal. 

The Centers for Disease and Control have recommended _____________as the best decontaminate.  They recommend a solution ratio of _______.

The Centers for Disease and Control have recommended chlorine bleach as the best decontaminate.  They recommend a solution ratio of 10:1.

Any jail officer who suspects exposure to blood borne infections shall immediately report the incident to their supervisor and seek medical attention.

Jail officers should immediately wash the areas with warm water and soap and a bleach solution 1:10.  In the case of exposure of the mucous membranes, flush the area with warm water.

Conditions that facilitate the spread of TB are common in correctional facilities.  Many prisons and jails are old structures with inadequate ventilation systems, problems with overcrowding and by the immobility of inmates within the facilities.  In jails, these conditions are further worsened by the unpredictability of inmates’ length of stay.  All of these factors place both inmates and staff at high risk for acquiring TB infection. 

  __________________can spread TB infection to large numbers of inmates, visitors, and officers.

1.      A single case of TB can spread TB infection to large numbers of inmates, visitors, and officers.

Identify the general symptoms of TB disease:

The general symptoms of TB disease may include: (Question #10)

·         lethargy

·         weakness

·         weight loss

·         loss of appetite

·         fever, and/or

·         night sweats.

A chest x-ray should always be done within 72 hours of a positive TB skin test reading.

 OCGA 42-1-7  |   Any state or county correctional institution, municipal or county detention facility, or any facility as defined in Code Section 37-3-1 shall notify any state or local law enforcement agency required to transport an inmate or patient if such inmate or patient has been diagnosed as having an infectious or communicable disease.  Notification shall be limited to the fact that such inmate or patient has an infectious or communicable disease and whether such disease is airborne or transmissible by blood or other body fluids; provided, however, that the specific disease shall not be disclosed. 

 The most important precaution is to provide the inmate with a supply of tissues and a disposable container such as a paper bag.

 If the inmate has a vigorous, productive cough, the inmate and/or the transporting officer should wear a properly fitted disposable surgical mask or a particular respirator.

 Identify six precautions for an officer to utilize when regarding MRSA issues.

1.       Practice good hand hygiene. Encourage inmates to practice proper hand washing as well.

2.      Encourage inmates to take regular showers with soap and warm water.

3.      Discourage sharing of personal items such as towels, razors, and toothbrushes.

4.      Be observant. Encourage inmates with skin lesions to follow up with the healthcare staff as soon as possible.

5.      Use personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever you expect to have contact with an inmate’s blood or body fluids.

6.      Disinfect contaminated portable equipment, such as hand cuffs, leg irons, belly chains, pagers, and radios.

7.      Use contact precautions - gown and gloves - for wound care.

8.      Wear gloves when handling dirty laundry.

Identify the objects and surfaces that MRSA can survive on.

MRSA can survive on objects and surfaces such as linen, sinks, floors, medical equipment, and all surfaces commonly touched by the hands of inmates, officers, and healthcare staff. Appropriate application of surface disinfectants is recommended for environmental cleaning when MRSA is a concern.

Identify the three main conditions that can lead to a spread of the MRSA infection.

a)     Direct contact: To contract MRSA or other staph infection, you first must get the bacteria on your skin or in your nose.

b)     Lack of hand washing: Another condition that can lead to spread of MRSA and other staph is lack of hand washing.

c)     Cuts and scrapes: MRSA and other staph need to get into the skin before an infection occurs, often through a scrape, scratch, or wound.