Precautionary measures should be adopted because of possible exposure to the AIDS virus, and because the mouth can be the vehicle for the transmission of many infectious diseases. Embalmers Embalming the bodies of persons with AIDS presents a risk because the AIDS virus can live for hours in a deceased body. These workers attend accident scenes where they might be exposed to the AIDS virus through blood contact with skin cuts or scratches. These workers risk exposure to the AIDS virus when cleaning blood spills or when giving first aid where there is a possibility of blood contact. A particular concern that correctional service workers share with police is dealing with violent people.
Workers bitten by prisoners or suspects require prompt medical attention.
Bites frequently result in infection with organisms other than the AIDS virus. Cleaners Cleaning staff risk exposure when cleaning up spills of blood or other body fluids. Cleaning staff need to know how to use protective clothing and proper cleaning techniques. All cleaning equipment used to clean spills of body fluids should be kept in a restricted area and should not be used in any other area of the hospital. Laundry Workers Launderers in health care facilities are exposed to potentially contaminated linen.