Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Policy

Purpose

It is the purpose of this policy to establish an exposure control plan, implement training and provide for personal protective equipment and vaccinations in an effort to protect the health of employees and students who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens as a result of their job duties or participation in a College academic program.

Policy

It is the policy of Minnesota State Community and Technical College that all employee job duties and academic programs will be reviewed to determine which employees and students may reasonably expect to incur exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials as a result of their employment or participation in an academic program.

For occupationally exposed employees, the College will implement and enforce a written set of protective procedures, the Exposure Control Plan. The College will provide training within 10 days of hire on bloodborne pathogens and the exposure control plan. Refresher training will be provided annually. Vaccinations for hepatitis B virus and all personal protective equipment needed for protection from bloodborne pathogens will be provided at no cost to the employee. In addition, all medical follow-up after an exposure will be provided at no cost to the employee. All confidentiality rules will be followed regarding medical records of employees.

For students participating in academic programs in which exposure may be expected, the College will provide information and training on bloodborne pathogens and exposure control procedures as a part of the curriculum of the program. Students will be issued and expected to use all necessary personal protective equipment when working on campus. Vaccinations will be encouraged but will be considered the financial responsibility of the student. Also, medical follow-up after exposure incident will be encouraged by the College but will be considered the financial responsibility of the student. All confidentiality rules will be followed regarding medical records of students.

Responsibility

Campus Contact Person(s) for the Bloodborne Pathogens Program

• Participate in identifying occupationally exposed employees or academic programs in which students may expect exposure.
• Ensure training is offered to all occupationally exposed employees, initially after hire and annually thereafter.
• Initiate medical follow-up after report of an exposure incident.

Human Resources Department

• Ensure occupationally exposed employees are offered the hepatitis B vaccination.
• Maintain the hepatitis B consent/declination forms.

Faculty and Staff Identified as Occupationally Exposed

• Participate in training and follow all rules as described in the Exposure Control Plan.
• Report any exposure incident immediately to the Campus Contact Person(s).

Deans

• Ensure that students are given information on bloodborne pathogens, the College’s bloodborne pathogens policy and exposure control as a part of the curriculum.

Students Participating in a Curriculum That May Incur Exposure to Blood

• Participate in training and follow all rules as described in the exposure control portion of the academic program.
• Report any exposure incident immediately to their academic supervisor.

References

OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030