HIV/AIDS Precautions - Correctional Institutions

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.

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. 

Follow Routine Practices where workers may become exposed to infectious microorganisms through contact with blood and body fluids.

Please also see the OSH Answers documents HIV/AIDS in the Workplace and Needlestick and Sharps Injuries for more information.

Wear gloves:

• if your hands have open sores
• when in contact with non-intact skin of inmates (i.e., the inmates have open sores)
• when in direct contact with blood, blood specimens, semen, tissue, body fluids, or blood-soiled items
• when in contact with any surface or object visibly soiled with blood or body fluids
• when disposing of contaminated items

When an inmate becomes combative or threatening, gloves should be put on as soon as possible.

Wash your hands:

• after contacting blood or body fluids
• after cleaning up spills
• after handling contaminated items
• immediately after removing gloves and gown

• Use disposable mouthpieces or other resuscitation devices for CPR.

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