Introduction:

An Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Program is a program established to protect employees from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The purpose of this program is to minimize the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and to protect employees from the potential dangers associated with exposure to these pathogens.

Scope:

This program applies to all employees who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens as part of their job duties.

Definitions:

Bloodborne Pathogens - Pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include but are not limited to Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Exposure Control Plan - A written plan that outlines the employer's policies and procedures for protecting employees from exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Universal Precautions - An approach to infection control that treats all human blood and certain body fluids as if they are infectious.

Responsibilities:

Employer Responsibilities:

1. Develop and maintain an Exposure Control Plan that outlines policies and procedures for minimizing the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
2. Provide all employees with appropriate training on bloodborne pathogens, including information on how to minimize the risk of exposure.
3. Provide employees with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary to minimize the risk of exposure.
4. Provide employees with access to the Hepatitis B vaccine and post-exposure prophylaxis if an exposure incident occurs.
5. Ensure that employees follow Universal Precautions and other appropriate infection control measures.

Employee Responsibilities:

1. Attend all required training on bloodborne pathogens and infection control measures.
2. Follow all Universal Precautions and other appropriate infection control measures.
3. Use the appropriate PPE provided by the employer to minimize the risk of exposure.
4. Report any exposure incidents to the employer immediately.
5. Participate in the Hepatitis B vaccination program and post-exposure prophylaxis if an exposure incident occurs.

Exposure Control Plan:

The Exposure Control Plan will be developed and maintained by the employer. The plan will include the following elements:

1. An explanation of the employer's policy on minimizing the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
2. A list of job classifications in which employees may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
3. A list of tasks and procedures that may result in exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
4. A description of Universal Precautions and other appropriate infection control measures.
5. A description of the PPE that will be provided to employees and the procedures for using and disposing of PPE.
6. A procedure for reporting exposure incidents.
7. A procedure for providing post-exposure prophylaxis to employees in the event of an exposure incident.

Training:

All employees who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens will receive training on infection control measures and the use of PPE. Training will be provided prior to starting job duties that may result in exposure and will be repeated annually.

The training will include the following elements:

1. Information on the hazards associated with bloodborne pathogens.
2. Universal Precautions and other appropriate infection control measures.
3. The use of PPE, including how to select, use, and dispose of PPE.
4. The procedure for reporting exposure incidents.
5. The procedure for receiving post-exposure prophylaxis.

Conclusion:

The Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Program is essential for protecting employees from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. By following the guidelines outlined in this program, employees can minimize the risk of exposure and protect themselves from potential health hazards associated with exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

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