BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS - EMPLOYEES
This policy is written and implemented in response to OSHA standard concerning occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The purpose of this standard is to minimize exposure to Hepatitis B virus; Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and other bloodborne pathogens. OSHA has concluded that exposure can be minimized by using a combination of engineering and work practice controls, personal protective clothing and equipment, training, medical surveillance, vaccination, signs and labels, and other provisions. For additional information and clarification the reader is referred to the OSHA standard, Federal Register, Volume 56, Number 235, Friday, December 6, 1991, pages 64004-64182.
The federal law applies to all occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.
The HMS School District establishes this plan to minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in compliance with OSHA regulations. The exposure control plan includes: exposure determination, schedule and method of compliance, provision for the plan to be accessible and available upon request, and procedures for reviewing and updating the plan.
EXPOSURE DETERMINATION
The school district has identified a team of persons in each building who by virtue of their job position and job functions might reasonably be expected to be in situations involving potential contact with blood or other potentially infectious body fluids. Individuals on these teams shall be the people primarily responsible to assure that universal precautions and appropriate work practices are maintained. Persons on these teams shall be provided the opportunity to receive the Hepatitis B Vaccination series at the school district expense. The teams shall include but not be limited to: building principals, building secretaries, custodians and physical education teachers. Due to the nature of their positions all coaches will be provided the opportunity to receive the vaccination series at school district expense.
POST-EXPOSURE EVALUATION AND FOLLOW UP
Following a report of an exposure incident, the district shall make immediately available to the exposed employee, a confidential medical evaluation as specified in the standard. The incident shall be investigated in an effort to determine and document route(s) of exposure, the circumstances surrounding exposure incidents, and possible failures of control at the time of the exposure incident.
PLAN REVIEW AND UPDATE
The bloodborne pathogen plan shall be reviewed at least annually and whenever necessary to reflect new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure.
Adopted: October 13, 1997
Reviewed: Feb. 10, 1997
March 12, 2001
December 19, 2005
June 20, 2011
July 11, 2016