Risk Management & Safety - Tarleton State University

Bloodborne Pathogens Policy and Procedure

I. INTRODUCTION

Protecting students, employees, and visitors against exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B (HBV) is a challenge faced by Tarleton State University. It is not a problem isolated to medical and healthcare environments. It is faced by anyone who might find themselves providing first aid for a bleeding wound or who is responsible for the cleanup and disposal of blood spills. Blood exposure risk has become so widespread in daily life, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards have been enacted to specifically define the regulations employers and employees must follow to protect individuals who might routinely be exposed to blood and other body fluids as part of their job. This OSHA standard has detailed ways that the employee and employer can work together to substantially reduce the risk of contracting a bloodborne disease on the job.

II. BACKGROUND

A. Bloodborne Disease

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms present in blood which cause serious disease. It may not be possible to identify those infected with a transmittable blood disease. The two most significant are HIV and HBA. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body's immune system, causing the disease known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Currently there is no vaccine to prevent infection or cure. HIV cripples the body's defenses, allowing life threatening infections and cancers to develop. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the major infections bloodborne hazard faced on the job. The inflammation of the liver can cause serious damage leading to cirrhosis and probable death.

B. Workplace Transmission

Professions at risk of exposure include all which require contact with someone bleeding or responsible for the cleanup of blood and other infections materials. At Tarleton State University, these would include physicians and nurses (health center), police officers, athletic trainers, maintenance, and environmental services workers. Bloodborne pathogens may be present in blood, semen, saliva, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood, and any unidentifiable body fluid. Bloodborne pathogens can enter the body and cause infection by an accidental injury with a sharp object contaminated with infectious materials such as needles, glass, or anything which can pierce, puncture, or cut skin. Transmission may also occur by transferring the infectious material to the mouth, eyes, nose, or open skin.

III. EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN

A. Purpose

The purpose of the Exposure Control Plan is to eliminate workplace exposure to contaminated blood and other infectious body fluids at Tarleton State University.

B. Definitions

1. Engineering Controls

Engineering controls are physical or mechanical systems provided to eliminate hazards at their source. These would include providing handwashing facilities, eye stations, sharps containers, waste containers, and biohazard labels in designated locations. 2. Work Practice Controls Work practice controls are specific procedures to be followed to reduce exposure to bloodborne pathogens or infectious materials.3. Personal Protective Equipment Equipment that protects from contact with potentially infectious materials will be provided at no cost to the employee. The type of protective equipment depends on the degree of exposure and could include gloves, mask, eye shield, gown, shoe covers, cap, and CPR microshield.C. Procedures

1. Bloodborne Pathogen Training

A very general and broad based training program is required for all employees. All new employees will be trained as part of their orientation. The following job classifications require annual bloodborne pathogen training:

Health Center
Nursing
Campus Law Enforcement
Environmental Services
Maintenance
Health and Physical Education
Athletic Training/Sports Medicine
Biology
Housing and Residence Life
Food Service
Recreational Sports

2. HBV Vaccination

Vaccinations for Hepatitis B will be provided by Tarleton State University for employees such as health center personnel, police officers, plumbers, refuse collectors, and athletic trainers. If the employee chooses to reject the vaccination, it must be stated in written form.3. Universal Precautions Universal Precautions will be followed which state that all human blood and certain body fluids are considered to be infectious with HIV, HBV, or other bloodborne pathogens regardless of the perceived status of the source.4. Work Practice Procedures Handwashing is required following contact with contaminated materials or surfaces. Do not eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics, or handle contact lenses where occupational exposure is possible. Clean all equipment and surfaces as soon as possible after contact with potentially infectious materials with appropriate cleaning equipment and solutions. Place contaminated sharps and infectious waste in a designated container. All hazardous waste will be disposed of by a medical waste management company. All personal protective equipment should be removed prior to leaving the contaminated area and disposed of in a biohazard waste container. 5. Accidental Exposure In the event of an accidental exposure, report the incident to the immediate supervisor. The report should include how, where, and when the incident occurred. Provide any and all information and include whose blood was contacted. This report should be filed with the Safety and Health office. Medical evaluation, tests, treatment, and counseling will be provided if desired. Any required blood testing after an accidental exposure must be accomplished within ten days to ensure the applicability of workers' compensation.

These procedures are intended to represent minimum protective steps that are required from Tarleton State University and employees. All departments affected by these directives will function differently and have different needs and goals. Additional measures may be instituted at the departmental level to cover specific tasks. Each department requiring additional bloodborne pathogen training will decide who will receive training. The Safety and Health Office will provide a general training program for all employees and will assist in departmental training as necessary. Bloodborne Pathogen training records are to be maintained for three years after training and bloodborne pathogen exposure incident records will be maintained for thirty years after termination of employment.

Bloodborne Pathogens Accident Report Form