Universal Precautions Kit (UPK) and Biohazard Procedures

Universal Precautions and Infection Control

  • Universal precautions is an approach to infection control.

  • Under the concept of universal precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids must be treated as if known to be infectious for:

    • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

    • Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

    • Other bloodborne pathogens

  • Protective equipment found in the universal precautions kit must be used anytime there is potential for exposure to blood or body fluids containing blood.

  • All Endeavor aircraft are equipped with a universal precautions kit (UPK).

Universal Precautions Kit (UPK) Contents

  • Each UPK contains the following items:

    • Two (2) pairs of vinyl gloves

    • One (1) mask and safety shield

    • One (1) scoop and scraper

    • Two (2) green z pouches

    • One (1) gown

    • Two (2) germicidal wipes

    • One (1) red biohazard disposal bag

    • Two (2) antimicrobial hand wipes

    • A disposal bag

    • Twist ties

    • Instruction sheet

    • One (1) pair of shoe covers (included in select kits only)

Criteria for Red Biohazard Disposal Bag Usage

  • Use the red biohazard bag if an item contains so much blood that it can be squeezed out.

    • Examples include gauze or a wipe used to absorb blood from a heavily bleeding wound.

    • Examples include a tissue used for a heavy nosebleed.

  • Do NOT use the red biohazard bag if the blood volume is small and absorbed into the item.

    • Examples include a bandage or tissue with just a small spot of blood.

Handling and Stowage Procedures for Biohazard Bag

  • Procedure for disposing contaminated items:

    • Remove the red biohazard bag from the UPK when heavily contaminated items are present.

    • Place all items contaminated with blood or body fluids containing blood directly into the red biohazard bag.

    • Include all used contents of the UPK inside the red biohazard bag.

    • Tie the bag closed tightly with the twist ties provided in the UPK.

  • Primary stowage protocol:

    • Safely stow the bag near the incident site.

    • Stow underneath the seat of the passenger involved if possible.

  • Inbound station communication and cleanup:

    • Ask the flight deck crew to alert the inbound station so personnel can prepare for appropriate cleanup and disposal upon arrival.

  • Secondary stowage protocol (if inbound station cannot handle disposal):

    • If the inbound station cannot handle the biohazard bag, the bag will remain on the aircraft to return to the hub.

    • During the return flight, store the bag underneath the last row of seats.

    • Ensure stowage underneath the last row of seats does not interfere with the use of emergency equipment.

Post-Use Sanitation and Cross-Contamination Prevention

  • Protocol to prevent cross-contamination:

    • Remove all protective equipment (masks, gloves, and gown) before leaving the area.

    • Dispose of all used items from the UPK into the biohazard bag.

    • Use proper degloving techniques during removal.

    • Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves.

UPK Replacement and Aircraft Departure Regulations

  • Replacement notification protocol:

    • If a replacement UPK is needed, notify the flight deck.

    • Alternatively, speak directly to cabin services and grooming to inform them of the need for a replacement UPK.

  • Departure rules:

    • An aircraft can depart without a UPK on board.