Post Exposure Management Protocols

Overview

In an effort to identify and manage workplace hazards, any work-related exposures, illness and injuries must be reported. Employees must inform their supervisors of any work-related exposures, injuries or illnesses as soon as possible and report by end of the shift and report the incident via the SALUTE portal.

Follow up with Occupational Health will occur to ensure fitness to return to work after all exposure incidents.

Please contact the Occupational Health specialist post-treatment for further guidance.

Click on the Image to enlarge

What happens if I get a needle stick or cutting accident?

Needle stick or cutting accident involving a biohazardous material should be handled as follows:

Wash the exposed area immediately with soap and water. If there is a cut, wash the area with soap and water and allow the area to bleed freely. If blood or other potentially infectious body fluids enter the eye, nose, or mouth, flush with water for at least 15 minutes

If known, get the name or ID number of the person whose blood or infectious materials you came into contact with. If an object, e.g., needle, broken glass, etc., was part of the incident, save the object by placing it in a plastic bag or other container

Report immediately to KAUST Health for additional support and medical attention. Arrangements will be made for you to consult with the occupational health nurse or physician for confidential medical evaluation. There are certain medical procedures required for follow-up.

Report the incident to your supervisor by the end of the shift using theSALUTE portal

Resources

Sharp Safety

What do I do if I am exposed to a Toxic Chemical?

In the event of a Toxic chemical exposure e.g., Mercury, cyanide, acrylamide, hydrofluoric acid where medical assistance is required or large spill, call 911 from a KAUST landline or 012-808-0911 from a mobile phone.

KAUST Health will provide ambulance
transport, if necessary. Follow these steps:

Call 911 from a landline (012-808-0911 from a mobile phone) for assistance and transportation to the KAUST Health emergency room if necessary.

If you are mobile have someone accompany you to KAUST health and provide information to medical personnel about the accident/exposure. Have the medical personnel access SALUTE Safety Data Sheet Resources (SDS)

What do I do if I am exposed to Biohazardous Materials?

In the event of injury or illness, where medical assistance is required or large spill, call 911 from a KAUST landline or 012-808-0911 from a mobile phone. KAUST Health will provide ambulance transport, if necessary.
Follow these steps:

Call 911 from a KAUST landline (012-808-0911 from a mobile phone) for assistance and transportation to the KAUST Health emergency room
Accompany the injured person to the clinic and provide information to medical personnel about the accident/exposure

What do I do if I get splashed in my eyes?

When a splash involving a biohazardous material or a chemical occurs, it is important to use eyewash immediately. Eyewash stations are designed to deliver continuous flushing of tepid water under gentle pressure to ensure that the material is flushed from your eye.

First remove your gloves immediately
Remove any contact lenses if a biohazardous material, chemical, or other substance gets into your eye
Immediately go to the nearest eyewash and push the activation handle all the way on
Forcibly hold your eyes open and put your eyes or other exposed area in the stream of water and begin flushing for at least 10-15 minutes

Have one of your co-workers call 911 from a campus phone or 012-808-0911 from a mobile phone while you continue to irrigate your eye
If you are alone, call 911 from a campus phone or 012-808-0911 from a mobile phone - after you have finished flushing your eyes
After seeking medical attention, report the incident to your supervisor by the end of the shift using the SALUTE portal

What do I do if I have a laser exposure injury to my eyes or skin?

In case of injury, the other users in the laboratory must:

Stay with the injured person (if it is safe to do so)
Call 911 (KAUST landline) or 012-808-0911 (mobile phones) and indicate the location of the incident and if an ambulance is needed. Do not hang–up until you are told to do so
Immediately contact the PI or LSC, and LSO
Report immediately to KAUST Health for additional support and medical attention. Arrangements will be made for the injured employee to consult with the occupational health nurse or physician for confidential medical evaluation

KAUST Health Emergency Room will follow the established procedure for laser eye/skin injury. In case of eye injury, the injured person may be sent to see an ophthalmologist in Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital within the first 24 hours If accidental exposure to the eye has occurred, complete the Laser Eye Injury Description Form and take it to KAUST Emergency Room (if possible) Report the incident to your supervisor by the end of the shift using the If accidental exposure to the eye has occurred, complete the Laser SALUTE portal
Collaborate with the LSO/RST to investigate the cause of the incident. The LSO will investigate any suspected exposure to excessive levels of laser radiation