NCJ Number
109111
Date Published
1987
Length
16 pages
Annotation
In the performance of their duties, Mesa Police Department, Ariz., personnel may be exposed to communicable diseases such as hepatitis, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), meningitis, herpes, and tuberculosis.
Abstract
Personnel should consider that any person with whom they come in contact may be a potential carrier of an infectious disease and take apppropriate precautions to minimize the risk of infection. Preventive measures include minimizing length of exposure, avoiding any exchange of blood or body fluids, washing throughly after contacts, avoiding needle punctures or cuts, and using appropriate protective clothing. In addition to these general precautions, special precautions are advised for cardiopulmonary respiration, handling dead bodies, and processing potentially infectious property or other evidence. Disinfectants, gloves, masks, eye protection, and other infection control equipment are available to department personnel as needed. Special guidelines cover disinfection and decontamination of hands and skin, contaminated clothing, surfaces following body fluid spills, vehicles, and other contaminated equipment. Three levels of infection exposure are delineated and appropriate actions and reporting requirements are delineated. A chart lists major infectious diseases, their mode of transmission, incubation period, signs and symptoms, and exposure and action level. Equipment recommended for various personnel is listed, and a reporting form is provided.