INTRODUCTION
AIDS is a condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which prevents the body from fighting infection. Most people infected with HIV remain healthy for many years with no symptoms or with only minor illnesses. They are infected with HIV but they do not have AIDS. With time, HIV attacks the body's immune system, leaving a person increasingly unprotected against infections. Only when certain very serious infections or cancers occur in a person infected with HIV is that person diagnosed as having AIDS. As far as we currently know, AIDS is fatal, although there are treatments that can prolong life. So far, there is no cure nor is there any preventative vaccine available.
Hepatitis B is caused by a virus which causes an acute inflammation of the liver, which can lead to serious illness.
METHODS OF SPREAD
HIV infection and Hepatitis B are both passed on by:
(i) Unprotected penetrative sexual intercourse with an infected person (between men or between men and women)
(ii) By the introduction of infected blood or body fluids into the bloodstream of an uninfected person e.g. by sharing hypodermic syringes.
(iii) From an infected mother to her baby, normally before or during birth or via breast-feeding. Hepatitis B is much more infectious than HIV.
Neither the HIV or the Hepatitis B viruses survive well outside the body. Activities with a slight potential for transmission include skin piercing, with tattooing and body piercing being the more hazardous of those commonly available.
HIV/HEPATITIS B AND THE WORKPLACE
Many people are concerned that they may be at risk of catching these diseases from colleagues at work. In the vast majority of occupations, work does not involve any risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV or Hepatitis B from one employee to another.
HIV and Hepatitis B are not spread by daily workplace activities, such as sitting next to someone, shaking hands or working with others. There is no evidence that they can be spread in swimming pools, by sharing public transport, cups, glasses, plates or eating utensils, in food, water or air, from insect bites, from toilet seats or by kissing, touching, hugging, coughing or sneezing.
FIRST AID
Provided first-aiders take proper precautions, there should be virtually no risk involved in giving first aid. The only risks arise if infected blood or body fluids enter the body through breaks in the skin or the surfaces of the eyes or mouth. First aid in the workplace should only be carried out by trained first-aiders who have been instructed about standard precautions to prevent infection.
Precautions to be taken in giving first aid include :
(i) Before attempting to deal with an open wound or where blood is present persons should:
- Wash their hands before carrying out first aid treatment and always wash them afterwards.
- Always cover their own cuts and abrasions with a waterproof dressing. If they have a skin condition, such as eczema, psoriasis or chapped hands, then disposable gloves should be worn.
(ii) Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation has never resulted in a case of HIV infection and should not be withheld in an emergency.
(iii) If a person is bleeding from the mouth, a clean cloth should be used to wipe away any blood. The flow of blood can be stopped, by putting pressure on a wound, using suitable material like a clean cloth. Hands and any other part of the body contaminated should be washed with soap and water. (Mucous membranes, such as in the mouth or eyes, should be rinsed with water only.)
(iv) Mouth-pieces or resuscitation bags should not be used unless employees have been specifically trained in their use. The absence of such equipment is no reason to withhold mouth-to- mouth resuscitation.
DEALING WITH SPILLAGES OF BODY FLUIDS
- Disposable gloves should be worn and spillages mopped up with paper towels. The area should then be washed with hot water and detergent, using disposable cloths. Finally, wipe the area with bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Bleach should never be used on the skin, but can be used to disinfect any equipment involved in the spillage.
- All paper towels etc, should be double-bagged in plastic bags and disposed of as clinical waste.
- Disposable gloves should be washed with soap and hot water to remove all traces of blood before they are removed and then disposed of. The hands should then be washed again Clothing or linen soiled with blood or body fluids can be washed in the washing machine on a hot cycle.
'SHARPS' INJURIES
- Certain situations (e.g. accidents involving broken glass or needles) may present a risk of puncture wounds from 'sharp's', which may be contaminated with body fluids. Used needles and other sharps, should be placed in a proper sharps container. Stout gloves must always be used when handling sharps.
- If there is an accident with a 'sharp', the wound should be encouraged to bleed and then washed with soap and running water. The matter should be recorded in the accident book and medical advice should be sought.
- If, on investigation of an incident, there are seen to be grounds for suspecting a risk of infection, a medical practitioner should be advised. Any employee who is concerned about potential infection with HIV or Hepatitis B, should seek counseling from the Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine St Mary's Hospital Portsmouth Hospital. Tel: 023 92 866792
OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION
If you want more information on AIDS or would like to talk to a trained advisor, you can call the National AIDS Helpline on 0800 567 123. Calls are free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Phonelines in languages other than English are:
Punjabi, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati
0800 282 445 Wednesday 6.00pm - 10.00pm
Cantonese
0800 282 446 Tuesday 6.00pm - 10.00pm
Arabic
0800 282 447 Wednesday 6.00pm - 10.00pm
Minicom service for people with hearing difficulties
0800 521 361 10.00am - 10.00pm, seven days a week.
USEFUL ADDRESSES
BM/AIDS, 52 - 54 Grays Inn Road, AIDS Network
London WC1X 8LT Tel: (01203) 229292
CHECKLIST - HIV/AIDS & HEPATITIS B
1 | Are there any particular occupational risks of HIV/Hepatitis B infection in your work activities? | YES/NO |
2 | (a) If so, have appropriate working practices and procedures been drawn up? (b) Have appropriate staff received adequate information and instruction regarding any such risks? | YES/NO YES/NO |
3 | Have first aid personnel been made aware of suitable precautions to be considered when giving first aid? | YES/NO |
4 | Have you considered 'awareness' training or information provision on HIV/AIDS for your employees? | YES/NO |
5 | If you carry out certain specified skin piercing, (currently tattooing, ear piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis) have you registered with the local authority? | YES/NO |
REFERENCES/FURTHER DETAILS
1. Leaflet - 'The facts about HIV and AIDS' (Health Education Authority)
2. Department of Health Monographs -
AIDS: guidelines for acupuncturists
AIDS: guidelines for ear piercers
AIDS: guidelines for electrolysists
AIDS: guidelines for hairdressers and barbers
AIDS: guidelines for tattooists
Free copies available by telephoning 0800 555777 (24 hours)
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