BLOOD BORNE PATHOGEN SAFETY MEASURES

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

Scope, Application, and Definitions

The information provided in this standard applies to all occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials present in the workplace.

3 Definitions of this standard are as follows:

Blood means human blood, human blood components, and products made from human blood.

Bloodborne pathogens mean pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Other potentially infectious materials means the following human body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood, and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids or any unfixed tissue or organ from a human.

Exposure Control Plan

Each employer having an employee(s) with occupational exposure or potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens shall establish a written Exposure Control Plan designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. The Exposure Control Plan shall contain at least the following information:

• The exposure determination

• The schedule and method of implementation for methods of compliance, HIV and 

HBV research laboratories and production facilities, hepatitis B vaccination and post-exposure evaluation and follow up, communication of hazards to employees, and record keeping.

The Exposure Control Plan shall be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever necessary to reflect new or modified tasks and procedures that affect occupational exposure and to reflect new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure.

Hepatitis B Vaccination and Post-exposure Follow Up

The employer shall make available the hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series to all employees who have occupational exposure, and post-exposure evaluation and follow up with all employees who have had an exposure incident. Should an employee refuse to take the hepatitis B vaccine, the employer is required to obtain a written statement of his or her refusal.

Communication of Hazards Labels and signs shall be affixed to containers of regulated waste, refrigerators, and freezers containing blood or other potentially infectious materials; and other containers used to store, transport, or ship blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Record Keeping

Medical Records

The employer shall establish and maintain an accurate record of each employee with occupational exposure. This record shall include The name and social security • number of the employee

• A copy of the employee’s hepatitis B vaccination status, including the dates of all the hepatitis B vaccinations and any medical records relative to the employee’s ability to receive vaccination

• A copy of all results of examinations, medical testing, and follow-up procedures

• The employer’s copy of the health-care professional’s written opinion

• A copy of the information provided to the health-care professional

The employer shall ensure that employee medical records and information are maintained in the strictest of confidence. The information contained in the medical records may not be disclosed or reported without the employee’s express written consent, except as required by this standard. The employer shall maintain the records required under this standard for at least the duration of employment plus 30 years.

Training Records

Training records shall include the following information:

• The dates of the training sessions

• The contents or a summary of the training sessions

• The names and qualification of persons conducting the training

• The names and job titles of all persons attending the training sessions Training records shall be maintained for 3 years from the date on which the training was held.