ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE

 

 

In recognition of the hazards associated with bloodborne pathogens in the workplace, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard on March 6, 1992. The purpose of this standard is to protect employees from on-the-job exposure to blood and potentially infectious materials, which can transmit bloodborne pathogens and lead to disease or death. Two of the most commonly known bloodborne pathogens are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). The OSHA regulation requires employers to develop and follow an Exposure Control Plan, which identifies employees who have the potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The Plan must also provide the following procedures: precautionary measures that must be observed to prevent exposure, employee training and information, an HBV immunization program, and procedures for post-exposure and follow-up when an employee has been or thought to have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens.

 

Bloodborne pathogens are transmitted through blood or body fluids that have been contaminated with infected human blood. The most likely exposure for most College employees would be through accidents that cause bleeding, vomit, or other body fluid release. The College's Exposure Control Plan, BOT Rule 6Hx23-2.905 does not include all employees. Therefore, College employees who are not included in the Exposure Control Plan, as part of a "potentially at risk group", are cautioned to protect themselves from avoidable exposure to bloodborne pathogens. All College employees accidentally exposed to a potentially infectious material while at work should call Risk Management for instructions regarding post-exposure medical treatment and follow-up.

 

Custodial and maintenance staff has been trained to use the correct procedures and have the proper personal protective equipment required for cleanup of potentially infectious materials. College employees who have not received the required bloodborne pathogens training should not attempt to cleanup either a known or suspected infectious material. If you observe what appears to be blood or a body fluid visibly contaminated with blood and you have not received bloodborne pathogens training, contact Facilities Services immediately so they can send trained staff to cleanup and disinfect the area. Until the Facilities Services staff arrive, restrict access to the spill area to prevent others from unknowingly being exposed.

 

Strict adherence to the bloodborne pathogens exposure control procedures will prevent unnecessary employee exposure to potentially infectious materials.

 

A copy of the College's Exposure Control Plan, BOT Rule 6Hx23-2.905 may be accessed by computer in the BOT Rules and Procedures folder and is also available for review at campus libraries, provost’s offices, and the Human Resources Office at the EpiCenter Services Building.

 

My signature below acknowledges that I have read and understand the above information about exposure to bloodborne pathogens and that I have received a copy of this document.

 

                                                                                                                                               

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