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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Managing Blood-Borne Viruses (BBVs) Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} effectively manages the risks associated with blood-borne viruses (BBVs), including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. This policy promotes safety for the people we support, staff, and the wider community by outlining safe working practices, confidentiality principles, and infection prevention procedures. It aligns with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, specifically Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment), Regulation 13 (Safeguarding), and Regulation 15 (Premises and Equipment), as well as national infection control guidance and the UK Health Security Agency standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, and contractors who may come into contact with blood or bodily fluids during their duties at {{org_field_name}}. It covers the care of individuals known or suspected to have a blood-borne virus, and the prevention, control, and management of occupational exposure. It also addresses training, confidentiality, risk assessments, post-exposure protocols, and safeguarding concerns related to BBVs.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• CH17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CH22 – Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Substances Policy
• CH18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CH34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR)-Service User Policy

4. Policy Details

4.1 Understanding Blood-Borne Viruses

BBVs are viruses carried in the blood and certain bodily fluids that can be transmitted through contact with infected blood. The most common BBVs are HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Transmission may occur through sharps injuries, splashes to mucous membranes, or open wounds. Staff must treat all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious and use universal precautions at all times to minimise risk. Education and awareness about the nature of BBVs is a core component of our infection control training.

4.2 Standard Infection Control Precautions

Standard infection control precautions are implemented with every person we support, regardless of known BBV status. These include:

• Wearing appropriate PPE such as gloves and aprons when dealing with blood or bodily fluids
• Safe disposal of sharps using clearly labelled sharps bins
• Proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment after exposure to blood
• Hand hygiene before and after all care tasks All staff are trained to apply these procedures consistently and are monitored through spot checks and audits.

4.3 Confidentiality and Respect for People We Support

Individuals with BBVs are treated with dignity, respect, and without discrimination. Disclosure of a person’s BBV status is managed under strict confidentiality in line with CH34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy and the UK GDPR. Staff are only informed on a need-to-know basis if there is a direct risk that impacts care delivery. Breaches of confidentiality are treated as serious misconduct and are managed under our disciplinary procedures.

4.4 Risk Assessment and Care Planning

Risk assessments are completed for all individuals where BBVs are known or suspected. These assessments consider the person’s health, behaviours that may pose a transmission risk (e.g. bleeding disorders, substance use), and staff support needs. The individual’s care plan includes safe handling instructions, PPE requirements, waste disposal guidance, and any specific considerations for personal care. The plan is regularly reviewed and updated with input from healthcare professionals if needed.

4.5 Management of Occupational Exposure

If a staff member sustains a sharps injury or is exposed to blood through broken skin or mucous membranes, the following steps must be taken:

• Encourage the wound to bleed gently (do not suck)
• Wash thoroughly with soap and water
• Report immediately to the Registered Manager {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
• Attend the nearest Accident & Emergency department or occupational health for assessment An incident report is completed and reviewed to determine causes and prevention. The person we support is not required to disclose their BBV status unless legally required or agreed by them.

4.6 Staff Health and Immunisation

All staff who are at risk of occupational exposure to blood must be offered hepatitis B vaccination. Immunisation records are kept securely and reviewed as part of staff health monitoring. Staff must declare any existing BBV infection to the Registered Manager if there is a potential risk to others, and a risk assessment will be completed in consultation with occupational health. Staff will not be excluded from work solely on the basis of BBV status unless it poses a documented risk.

4.7 Training and Awareness

All staff receive training on BBV awareness, transmission routes, prevention methods, standard precautions, and post-exposure procedures as part of their induction and annual refresher training. Additional guidance is provided for those delivering clinical or invasive procedures. The Infection Control Lead {{org_field_infection_control_lead_name}}, {{org_field_infection_control_lead_role}} oversees the training programme and ensures that all content is updated with current public health guidance.

4.8 Incident Reporting and Learning

All incidents involving BBV exposure or breaches in protocol are reported, investigated, and documented under our incident reporting procedure. Outcomes are reviewed during clinical governance meetings and used to improve training, procedures, and risk management. Learning from incidents is shared with staff through team briefings and supervision to reduce future risks and strengthen practice.

5. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually, or earlier if required due to:

• Changes in CQC guidance or legislation
• Updated public health or infection control protocols
• Learning from incidents, inspections, or feedback The review is led by the Registered Manager and Infection Control Lead, and changes are communicated to all staff with updated training where necessary.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.