ASHLAND UNIVERSITY

BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN

EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN AND TRAINING PROGRAM

JANUARY, 2006

Scope and Application

The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard applies to facilities or operations where exposure to human blood or other potentially infectious materials is possible during the reasonable performance of an employees duties.

Introduction

The Federal OSHA Guideline, 29 CRF 1910.1030, Bloodborne Pathogens standard was designed to protect the nations workers from exposure to the hepatitis B virus (HBV); the human immunodeficiency virus (HCV); and other bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (delta virus) malaria and syphillis. The standard remains on OSHAs list of top 20 most cited standards.

Ashland University shall make the Exposure Control Plan readily available to all employees.

Tasks or Procedures in which occupational exposure may occur include:

medical situations, using sharps, handling of human body fluids in a lab setting, removing potentially infectious materials, working with waste water pipes and fixtures, and administering first aid.

Job Classifications in which all employees are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens:

Job Classifications in which some employees are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens:

Methods of Compliance

To minimize the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens at Ashland University, the following will be addressed:

1. Universal Precautions
2. Engineering and Work Practice Controls
3. Personal Protective Equipment
4. Housekeeping
5. Vaccination Program
6. Labels and Signs
7. Training

1. Universal Precautions

Universal precautions is an approach to reduce the risks associated with exposure to blood born pathogens. Each location shall treat all human blood and body fluids as if they are known to be infectious for HBV, HIV, and other bloodborne pathogens.

2. Engineering and Work Practice Controls

1. Hand washing is the best defense against the spread of infections.
2. Sharp objects must be handled in such a manner as to prevent accidental cuts or puncture. Always use a dust pan and broom to sweep up glass or what might be a sharp object. Deposit sharps in sharps containers and broken glass in puncture resistance cartons.
3. Eating, drinking, applying cosmetics or lip balm and handling of contact lenses are prohibited in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of occupational exposure.
4. Food and drink shall not be kept in refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets, or counter-tops where blood or other potentially infectious materials are present.
5. Leak resistant containers must be used during the collection, handling, storage, or transport of blood and/or potentially infectious materials. Containers will be labeled or color-coded. Red/orange containers identify potentially infectious materials.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Employees will be provided with and must wear appropriate PPE.

1. Gloves are "not" puncture resistant nor are they 100% protective against infectious agents. Gloves must be worn whenever employees anticipate hand contact with potentially infectious materials or when handling or touching contaminated items or surfaces.
2. Garments penetrated by blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be removed immediately or as soon as feasible.
3. All PPE shall be removed prior to leaving the work area and shall be placed in an appropriate designated area or container for storage, washing, decontamination, or disposal.
4. All PPE shall be cleaned, laundered, repaired, or replaced at no cost to the employee as needed to maintain effectiveness.

4. Housekeeping

1. All equipment and environmental working surfaces shall be cleaned and decontaminated after contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
2. Broken glass must never be picked up by hand. Use a dust pan and broom or other mechanical means.
3. Contaminated laundry shall be handled as little as possible, collected and transported in a labeled, leak-proof laundry bag. A normal wash cycle will remove blood and disinfect the garment.

5. Vaccination Program

The Hepatitis B Vaccination will be offered to Ashland University employees who are at risk of coming into contact with human blood or body fluids during their routine work duties.

The vaccination program consists of a series of three inoculations over a six month period. As part of Ashland University's bloodborne pathogens training, employees shall receive information regarding hepatitis vaccinations, including its safety and effectiveness.

Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up

If an employee is involved in an incident where exposure to bloodborne pathogens has occurred, immediately notify the immediate supervisor and the Personnel Office. A written summary of the incident and its cause shall be prepared on Ashland University's Exposure Incident Investigation and Follow-Up Form. A confidential process will follow.

6. Labels and Signs

Red color-coded biohazard containers/bags shall be used for potentially infectious waste.

The following items shall be labeled:

• Containers of regulated waste
• Laundry bags and containers
• Contaminated equipment

7. Training

All employees shall:

1. be made aware of the potential hazards when coming into contact with anothers blood and body fluids,
2. know the red/orange color identifies potentially infectious waste,
3. know the importance of frequent hand washing,
4. know the importance of reporting a blood exposure incident.

Training for those who come into contact with human blood during their work tasks is required on a yearly basis and will be coordinated by the Environmental Office and/or the Student Health Center.