The following procedures are provided to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens (BBP) in accordance with OSHA. Those employees who are determined to have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials must comply with the procedures and work practices outlined in this policy. Any employee who cleans up after a spill of blood or body fluids may be exposed during that work or while carrying out first aid procedures.

Engineering Controls and Work Practices

Engineering controls and work practice controls will be used to prevent or minimize exposure to BBP. The specific engineering controls and work practice controls used are listed below:

• Employees should wash hands immediately or as soon as feasible after removing gloves or other PPE.
• Gloves must be worn when it is reasonably anticipated that there may be hand contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials, and when handling or touching contaminated items or surfaces; replace gloves if torn, punctured or contaminated, or if their ability to function as a barrier is compromised.
• Never wash or decontaminate disposable gloves for reuse.
• Appropriate face and eye protection must be worn when splashes, sprays, spatters, or droplets of blood or other potentially infectious materials pose a hazard to the eye, nose, or mouth. 
• Aprons must be worn if soiling of exposed skin or clothing is likely.
• Any garment contaminated by blood or other potentially infectious materials should be removed immediately or as soon as feasible, in such a way as to avoid contact with the outer surface.
• Spills of blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be cleaned up using materials provided in the BBP clean-up kit. The contaminated item shall be put into the biohazard bag.
• Individuals who have open lesions, dermatitis, or other skin irritations should not participate in direct first aid care activities and should not handle contaminated items. If emergency requires participation, these individuals should double glove.
• Controls are examined and maintained on a regular schedule and when an exposure incident has occurred to ensure their effectiveness.

Whenever an incident occurs involving the potential for exposure to BBP, a report must be made to the Supervisor. This includes rendering first aid or cleaning up vomit. The report must be made within the same work shift and include the names of all staff involved. A clear statement shall be given of whether an exposure incident has occurred. Exposure incident means a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin or parenteral (non-intestinal) contact with blood or body fluids. Note that contact with healthy skin does not constitute an exposure incident.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

The hepatitis B vaccination series is available at no cost within twenty-four (24) hours for all employees who render assistance in any situation involving the presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials. Vaccination is encouraged unless: 

• documentation exists that the employee has previously received the series;
• antibody testing reveals that the employee is immune;
• medical evaluation shows that vaccination is contraindicated.

However, if an employee declines the vaccination, the employee must sign a declination form. Employees who decline may still request and obtain the vaccination at a later date at no cost.