Infection control in schools and nurseries
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 liquid soap, water and paper towels. Always
wash hands after using the toilet, before eating or handling food,
and after handling animals. Cover all cuts and abrasions with water proof
dressings.
- Coughing and Sneezing easily spread infections. Children and adults should
be encouraged to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue. Wash
your hands after using or disposing of tissues. Spitting should be
discouraged.
- Cleaning of the environment, including toys and equipment should be
frequent, thorough, and follow national guidance e.g. use colour coded
equipment, COSHH, correct
decontamination or cleaning equipment. Monitor cleaning contracts
and ensure cleaners are appropriately trained with access to Personal
Protective Equipment PPE (see below)
- 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
which combines both a detergent and a disinfectant. Use as per manufacturers
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.
- Personal Protective Clothing (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. (E.g. 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.
- Laundry
should be dealt with in a separate dedicated facility. Soiled linen should
be washed separately at the hottest wash fabric will tolerate. Wear PPE
when handling soiled linen. Soiled children's clothing should be bagged
to go home, never rinse 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 foot operated bins. All clinical waste must be removed by a registered
waste contractor. All clinical waste bags should be less than 2/3rds full
and stored in a dedicated, secure area whilst awaiting collection.
SHARPS INJURIES AND BITES
If skin is broken make wound bleed/wash thoroughly using soap
and water. Contact GP or occupational health or go to Accident and Emergency
immediately. Ensure local policy is in place for staff to follow. Contact
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 (permanently
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. Ensure the farm is well managed, with grounds and
public areas as clean as possible and animals prohibited from outdoor
picnic areas. Check
handwashing facilities are adequate and accessible with running water,
liquid soap and
disposable towels. (If necessary discuss with local Environmental
Health Department or HSE). Ensure children wash
and dry hands thoroughly after contact with animals, animal faeces, before
eating or drinking, after going to the toilet and before departure. Ensure
children understand not to eat or drink ANYTHING while touring the farm,
not to put fingers in mouths, eat anything which may have fallen on the
ground, or any animal food. Children should only eat in the places they
are told to, and after washing
hands well. Use waterproof plasters to protect any cuts or grazes
not covered by clothes.
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 by mouth
and with conditions which seriously reduce immunity. Schools and nurseries
and childminders will normally have been made aware of such children. They
are particularly vulnerable to chicken-pox 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 e.g. pneumococcal and influenza. NB. Shingles is caused by
the same virus as chickenpox virus therefore anyone who has not had chickenpox
is potentially vulnerable to the infection if they have close contact with
a case of shingles.
For more advice contact your local Health Protection Unit
or school health service.
References and sources
For more advice contact your local Health Protection Unit
or school health service.
Taken from HPA Document Guidance on Infection
Control In Schools and other Child Care Settings http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/schools/schools_guidelines_2006.pdf
All information supplied here is done so freely and Adveticus
Limited takes no responsibility for the outcome if any or all of this advice
is taken. All advice used from these pages is at your own risk.
