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Exposure Risk

1. Purpose

To minimize and manage occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious agents, and bodily fluids during footcare procedures performed by healthcare professionals.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff providing direct footcare services, including podiatrists, nurses, footcare specialists, and assistants at Sole Survivor Foot Care.

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3. Policy Statement

All footcare procedures shall be performed following standard and transmission-based precautions to protect staff and patients from exposure to infectious materials, including but not limited to blood, exudate, nail debris, and broken skin. Check if anyone else in the house or care-home uses supplemental oxygen, has COPD or a pulmonary disease, has allergies, or has decreased lung capacity or pneumonia, or if there are babies in the residence or visiting.

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4. Definitions

  • Exposure Incident: Contact with blood or potentially infectious materials during the course of work duties.

  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Gloves, face shields, gowns, and eye protection used to prevent exposure.

  • Sharps: Any item capable of puncturing or cutting skin (e.g., nail clippers, scalpel blades).
     

 

5. Procedures

  • If a wound is made, locate the wound and let it bleed.  

  • Wash the wound with soap and water

  • If a client has an infectious disease, seek bloodwork to ensure no transmission.

A. Preparation & Precautions

  • Perform hand hygiene before and after footcare.

  • Assess patient for open wounds, infections, or high-risk conditions (e.g., diabetic ulcers).

  • Use appropriate PPE:

    • Gloves (mandatory)

    • Eye protection (mandatory)

    • N95 mask (mandatory)

    • Gown or apron for extensive debris or possible drainage. (mandatory)

    • Head cover for aerosolized and large rogue debris

    • Shoe cover for aerosolized and large rogue debris

  • Offer PPE to client: N95 mask.

  • Additional option of a full face shield
     

B. During Footcare

  • Avoid unnecessary contact with open wounds or bodily fluids.

  • Use single-use or properly sterilized instruments.

  • Handle sharps with care. Never recap blades or needles.
     

C. After Footcare

  • Dispose of PPE and sharps in designated biohazard containers.

  • Clean and disinfect reusable instruments per infection control protocols.

  • Document any incidents of exposure in the incident reporting system.
     

D. Exposure Response

  • Immediately wash the affected area with soap and water.

  • Report the exposure to a supervisor within 1 hour.

  • Seek evaluation from occupational health.

  • Follow post-exposure protocols, including any testing and treatment.
     

 

6. Responsibilities

  • Staff: Follow all safety protocols and report exposures.

  • Supervisors: Ensure training, compliance, and reporting.

  • Infection Control: Maintain updated guidelines and conduct audits.
     

 

7. References

  • OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)

  • CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Healthcare Personnel

  • Local Public Health Infection Control Directives

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