// Diseases, Disorders, Injuries

HIV/AIDS Precautions - Correctional Institutions

What precautions should I take when employed in correctional services? Correctional service workers are at risk of infectious diseases, including HIV infection and AIDS, as people incarcerated in correctional facilities make up one of the highest-risk population groups for HIV infections and AIDS.

hand protection

What precautions should I take when employed in correctional services?

context Correctional service workers are at risk of infectious diseases, including HIV infection and AIDS, as people incarcerated in correctional facilities make up one of the highest-risk population groups for HIV infections and AIDS.
context Identify high-risk activities and procedures. Eliminate "blind" searches where you cannot see what your hands are touching. Use mirrors and other devices. If you engage in a "blind" search and come in contact with an item that punctures the skin, please follow your workplace's post-exposure protocol.
context Follow Routine Practices where workers may become exposed to infectious microorganisms through contact with blood and body fluids.
context Please also see the OSH Answers documents HIV/AIDS in the Workplace and Needlestick and Sharps Injuries for more information.

What personal protection should I use?

Wear gloves: When an inmate becomes combative or threatening, gloves should be put on as soon as possible. Wash your hands:

requirement if your hands have open sores
requirement when in contact with non-intact skin of inmates (i.e., the inmates have open sores)
requirement when in direct contact with blood, blood specimens, semen, tissue, body fluids, or blood-soiled items
requirement when in contact with any surface or object visibly soiled with blood or body fluids
requirement when disposing of contaminated items
requirement after contacting blood or body fluids
requirement after cleaning up spills
requirement after handling contaminated items
ppe immediately after removing gloves and gown

What precautions should I take when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

NOTE: Correctional service workers do not routinely wear masks and protective eyewear. This equipment should be available when needed.

context Use disposable mouthpieces or other resuscitation devices for CPR.