Guidelines for the control

of HIV, Hepatitis B and C

in the workplace

Report No. 6.55/321

November 2001
P ublications

Global experience

The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (formerly the E&P Forum) has
access to a wealth of technical knowledge and experience with its members operating
around the world in many different terrains. We collate and distil this valuable knowl-
edge for the industry to use as guidelines for good practice by individual members.

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practice throughout the world.
The oil and gas exploration and production industry recognises the need to develop con-
sistent databases and records in certain fields. The OGP’s members are encouraged to
use the guidelines as a starting point for their operations or to supplement their own
policies and regulations which may apply locally.

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Many of our guidelines have been recognised and used by international authorities and
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ment organisations around the world as well as from non-member companies.

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Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publica-
tion, neither the OGP nor any of its members past present or future warrants its accuracy or will,
regardless of its or their negligence, assume liability for any foreseeable or unforeseeable use made
thereof, which liability is hereby excluded. Consequently, such use is at the recipient’s own risk on the
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Guidelines for the control of HIV,
Hepatitis B and C in the workplace

Report No: 6.55/321

November 2001
This report has been prepared for OGP by a sub-group of the OGP Health Sub-Committee:

Dr Alex Barbey Schlumberger, Chairman

Dr Jonathan Ross BG Group
Dr Alison Martin BP
Dr Gabriel Saada CGG
Dr Steve Simpson Chevron
Dr Barclay Brown Conoco
Dr Stephen Jones ExxonMobil
Dr Angelo Madera ENI
Dr Frano Mika ENI (Saipem)
Dr Laurent Arnulf International SOS
Dr Nasser Maskery Petroleum Development Oman
Dr François Pelat Transocean Sedco-Forex
Dr Gary Krieger NewFields
Marci Balge NewFields
Don Smith OGP Secretariat
 Guidelines for the control of HIV, Hepatitus B & C in the workplace

Table of contents

1 Introduction 1
2 Background objectives and scope 1
3 Blood borne pathogens 1
3.1 HIV 1 and HIV 2.................................................................................................................................. 1
3.2 Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV)......................................................................... 1
4 Means of transmission 2
5 Policy and strategic objectives 3
5.1 Screening for blood borne pathogens ..................................................................................................... 3
5.2 Informing co-workers ............................................................................................................................ 3
5.3 Informing employers.............................................................................................................................. 3
5.4 Work arrangements or assignments........................................................................................................ 3
5.5 Vaccination ............................................................................................................................................ 3
5.6 Dismissal ............................................................................................................................................... 3
5.7 Education .............................................................................................................................................. 3
5.8 Discrimination....................................................................................................................................... 3
6 Organisation, responsibilities and documentation 4
6.1 Organisation and responsibility ............................................................................................................. 4
6.2 Documentation...................................................................................................................................... 4
6.3 Medical data and the employee .............................................................................................................. 4
6.4 Reporting employee fitness to managers and non-medical personnel ..................................................... 4
6.5 Recording confidential health information ............................................................................................ 4
6.6 Transfer of medical files ......................................................................................................................... 5
6.7 Incident reporting .................................................................................................................................. 5
6.8 Data collection and analysis................................................................................................................... 5
7 Evaluation and risk management 6
7.1 Identification of hazard .......................................................................................................................... 6
7.2 Identification of those potentially exposed ............................................................................................. 6
7.3 Defining occupational exposure............................................................................................................. 7
7.4 Identification of patients at risk from infected healthcare professionals .................................................. 7
8 Risk reduction measures 8
8.1 Information and education .................................................................................................................... 8
8.2 Control measures for healthcare professionals ........................................................................................ 8
8.3 Work practice controls ......................................................................................................................... 10
9 Follow-up after invasive exposure 11
9.1 Immediate action ................................................................................................................................. 11
9.2 Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up ............................................................................................... 11
10 Follow-up after sexual exposure 13
10.1 Immediate action, post exposure evaluation and follow-up .................................................................. 13
11 Audit and review 13
Glossary 14

© 2001 OGP i
International Association of Oil & Gas Producers

ii © 2001 OGP
 Guidelines for the control of HIV, Hepatitus B & C in the workplace

1 Introduction

These guidelines have been produced to assist in the development and application of measures to con-
trol blood borne pathogens within the E&P industry. OGP members have participated in this work to
ensure that their collective experience is used and that these guidelines have wide acceptance.
These guidelines are developed for the use of health professionals and management in the E&P indus-
try as well as a reference document for employees who wish to determine the safeguards that are put
in place. They are applicable to all personnel working in the E&P industry and any accompanying
dependents.

2 Background, objectives and scope

Workers in the E&P industry are potentially at risk from blood borne pathogens. The nature of their
work is such that it may result in injuries, which would increase the risk of transmission.
Healthcare professionals within the E&P industry, due to the nature of their work, are exposed directly
to this risk.
Transmission of blood borne pathogens can be significantly reduced or prevented if correct control
measures are in place. This guidance is intended to assist in the development of such controls.
It is also intended as a guideline for the management of personnel who have been exposed and may
develop disease subsequent to exposure.
The objective of the guidelines is to provide practical guidance and a framework within which indi-
vidual companies can develop procedures for the control of blood borne pathogens within the E&P
industry. When using these guidelines, organisations must consider local/national legislation and ethi-
cal practices.
The major pathogens of concern are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

3 Blood borne pathogens

Blood borne pathogens are defined as pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and
certain body fluids.

3.1 HIV 1 and HIV 2

Two closely related viruses HIV 1 and 2 have been identified as causing the disease called Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV is a worldwide problem.
There is currently no vaccination against HIV 1 or HIV 2.

3.2 Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV)

Hepatitis B and C are viral diseases, which can affect the liver and in a small percentage of cases may be
fatal. An effective vaccine at the present time exists only against hepatitis B.

© 2001 OGP 1
International Association of Oil & Gas Producers

4 Means of transmission

Blood borne pathogens can be transmitted from one person to another in three basic ways:

1. Through sexual contact.

2. Through exposure to contaminated blood or body fluids via:

a. blood transfusions,
b. organ or tissue transplants,
c. blood products,
d. cuts or grazes on the skin,
e. needle stick and sharps injuries,
f. acupuncture, tattooing and piercing,
g. inadequately sterilized surgical or dental instruments.

3. From mother to child, either during pregnancy, at birth or through breast-feeding.

The following cannot transmit blood borne pathogens:

• normal working environment
• coughing, sneezing
• sharing cutlery, glasses or mugs
• lavatory seats
• handshaking
• hugging
• kissing without exchange of saliva
• swimming pools
• drinking fountains
• public eating places
• donating blood through a disposable needle
• tears and sweat
• crowded places
• insects and mosquitoes

2 © 2001 OGP
 Guidelines for the control of HIV, Hepatitus B & C in the workplace

5 Policy and strategic objectives

5.1 Screening for blood borne pathogens

5.1.1 Screening for non-healthcare professionals

Screening for blood borne pathogens should not be performed as part of a routine health assessment for
fitness to work in the E&P industry (Health assessment of fitness to work in the E&P industry, OGP
Report No 6.46/228, §2.3.3).

5.1.2 Screening for healthcare professionals

Testing for immune status (antibody testing) is justifiable if it is a requirement of the job (health care
professionals performing procedures that can be considered to be at risk of transmission), and antigen
testing is justifiable if there is a risk of transmission to a patient (e.g. for a surgeon or dentist).

5.2 Informing co-workers

Like all medical data, information on whether someone is infected with blood borne pathogens should
be kept confidential by the company’s medical department.

5.3 Informing employers

With the exception of healthcare professionals performing procedures that can be considered to be at
risk of transmission and designated first aiders, there should be no obligation for an employee to inform
his/her employer whether he/she is infected with a blood borne pathogen.

5.4 Work arrangements or assignments

Because a blood borne pathogen does not limit fitness to work unless the disease has developed, no
changes in working arrangements are necessary. However, special consideration will have to be given to
health professionals infected with a blood borne pathogen practising certain procedures where there is
a risk of transmission to patients. Such fitness for work assessments should be conducted by an occupa-
tional health physician. Workplace management of sick employees should not differ from that of any
other illness.

5.5 Vaccination
Vaccination should be offered to workers who are considered to be at risk from hepatitis B infection.
This group would normally include healthcare professionals and designated first aiders.

5.6 Dismissal
The presence of blood borne pathogens, per se, is not a reason for terminating employment. Persons
with blood borne pathogens should be able to work as long as they are medically fit, and available, for
appropriate work.

5.7 Education
Information and education are vital for the control of blood borne pathogens. All workers and their
families should have access to information and educational programmes on blood borne pathogens free
of charge. They should also have access to appropriate counseling and referral to other sources of assist-
ance and information about blood borne pathogens.

5.8 Discrimination
Workers who are infected with blood borne pathogens must be protected from any discrimination or
stigmatisation by co-workers, unions, employers or clients.

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International Association of Oil & Gas Producers

6 Organisation, responsibilities and

documentation
6.1 Organisation and responsibility
The standards and procedures relating to the control of blood borne pathogens should be an integrated
part of the overall procedures within the HSE-MS (see Guidelines for the development and application of
health, safety & environmental management systems, OGP Report No 6.36/210).

6.2 Documentation
For blood borne pathogens as with all other medical information, it is essential that confidentiality be
maintained when recording medical information (See Health assessment of fitness to work in the E&P
industry, OGP Report No 6.46/228, section 4).

6.3 Medical data and the employee

6.3.1 Informing employees of their health status and employee confidentiality

Medical confidentiality between an employee and his/her medical advisers (including the relevant
employer’s health professionals) is of the utmost importance.
Individual clinical details of the health findings will be provided only to the employee examined and to
designated health professionals taking care of the employee’s health. Employee consent will be required
for information to be transferred from one health professional to another.

6.3.2 Informed and authorised employee consent

Wherever possible and subject to local regulations, any medical information exchanged between exter-
nal and employer designated health professionals or vice-versa will be done only after informed and
authorised employee consent.

6.3.3 Employee access to his/her records

An employee should have the right of access to his/her company’s health records, unless in the opinion
of the attending healthcare professional, to do so would be detrimental to his/her well-being.

6.4 Reporting employee fitness to managers and non-medical personnel

Non-authorised personnel will not have access to employees’ confidential health records.
The health status (fitness to work) of the employee will be disclosed by the employer’s designated health
professional to management. Results of a health assessment provided to management will be limited to
classification of workers fitness such as:
• fit to work
• fit with restrictions
• temporarily unfit to work
• unfit for specific occupation
• unfit to work

6.5 Recording confidential health information

6.5.1 Hardcopy
All confidential health information recorded on paper files will be kept in a secure environment and will
only be accessible to authorised healthcare professionals.

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 Guidelines for the control of HIV, Hepatitus B & C in the workplace

6.5.2 Electronic copy

Confidential medical information will be accessed and used exclusively by authorised healthcare person-
nel. Systems must be in place to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.

6.5.3 Duration of record keeping

Records must be kept for a minimum of thirty years, or longer if local legislation dictates.

6.6 Transfer of medical files

Within the company, medical information should only be transferred between healthcare professionals
and employee consent obtained wherever possible.

6.7 Incident reporting

In case of an exposure incident (e.g. needle stick injury), it is the responsibility of the individual to initi-
ate reporting.

6.8 Data collection and analysis

One of the aims of maintaining health data by healthcare professionals should be to identify, study and
analyze health trends. Reported medical data must respect the standards of medical ethics and should
be such that specific individuals cannot be identified.
The data obtained can serve in assessing past impact as well as guiding the development of future health
programmes.

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International Association of Oil & Gas Producers

7 Evaluation and risk management

7.1 Identification of hazard
Procedures should be based on the assumption that all blood and the following body fluids are
infected:
• body tissues
• semen
• vaginal secretions
• fluids in the chest cavity, spine and abdomen
• fluids in the womb surrounding the foetus
• synovial fluid
• any other body fluids contaminated with blood.

7.2 Identification of those potentially exposed

A systematic procedure should be developed to identify those persons who may potentially be exposed
to blood borne pathogens. Exposure may occur if a worker assists in provision of first aid without taking
the appropriate precautions. Persons with a higher potential risk of exposure include:
• healthcare professionals
• travellers
• cleaning staff
• trained and designated first aiders
• security staff.
However, safe operating practices should be followed assuming that all individuals may be infected.

7.2.1 Healthcare professionals

Health professionals, by the nature of their work, may be exposed during clinical procedures to blood
borne pathogens through contact with contaminated blood and other body fluids.

7.2.2 Travellers
Travellers are at risk from blood borne pathogens in any of the following circumstances:
• unprotected sex or assault
• invasive treatment for injuries or immunisation or other procedures with non-sterile materials
• dental treatment
• blood transfusions.

7.2.3 Cleaning Staff

These employees may be at risk from cleaning spills, handling or disposing of waste containing contami-
nated sharps.

7.2.4 First aiders

Provision of first aid, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and cleaning of wounds or burns present a
risk of contamination with blood borne pathogens unless appropriate personal protective measures are
taken.

6 © 2001 OGP
 Guidelines for the control of HIV, Hepatitus B & C in the workplace

7.2.5 Security Staff

Security staff can be at risk from assault (e.g. stabs and bites).

7.3 Defining occupational exposure

Given that any of the following events happen during the performance of an employee’s work duties,
occupational exposure is assumed to have occurred:
• when blood or body fluids come in contact with non-intact skin (skin which has a cut or scrape on
it);
• when blood or body fluids come in contact with mucous membrane (lips, mouth, eyes, nose); and
• when blood is inoculated through the skin by a contaminated sharp object.
Occupational exposures should be considered urgent, to ensure timely administration of post-exposure
prophylaxis (PEP) when required and where available.

7.4 Identification of patients at risk from infected healthcare professionals

Many medical procedures are considered to pose no risk of transmission of virus from an infected
healthcare professional to the patient, as they do not provide an opportunity for the blood of the health-
care professional to come into contact with the open tissues of the patient. All healthcare professionals
who perform exposure prone procedures have an ethical obligation to know whether they are an infec-
tive carrier of blood borne pathogens. Questions of suitability for work of infective healthcare profes-
sionals should be discussed with an occupational physician.

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International Association of Oil & Gas Producers

8 Risk reduction measures

8.1 Information and education

8.1.1 At pre-employment
All employees should, at pre-employment and regularly thereafter, be provided with information and/or
education on the following:

Hazards Risk Reduction Methods

Blood transfusion
First aid procedures
Accident, trauma
Invasive medical procedures
Life style habits (drugs
alcohol)
Sexual transmission
Tattooing or any body piercing Avoidance
Sharing razor blades and tooth
brushes
Acupuncture
Avoidance of blood transfusions, use of other replacement fluids and robust testing and
transfusion procedures
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, hepatitis B vaccination
Avoid potentially hazardous activities
Use company recommended facilities
Avoidance, education and implementation of substance abuse guidelines (See
Substance abuse: guidelines for management, OGP Report No 6.87/306)
Education of safe sex, condoms, abstinence, early treatment for sexually transmitted
diseases
Avoidance
Consider as an invasive medical procedure

8.1.2 Travellers
Where overall risk to exposure is high, those travelling to high-risk areas should be given information
and/or education in the following:

Hazards Risk Reduction Methods

Hepatitis B Vaccination before travelling
Requirement for HIV testing Whenever possible counselling and testing should be carried out before departure
for visa and residency
purposes
Hepatitis C Information and education

8.2 Control measures for healthcare professionals

Provision and use of appropriate facilities and containers will reduce the risk of exposure.
Typical facilities and equipment would include:
• hand washing facilities
• antiseptic hand cleansers and towels
• regulated and labeled waste containers
• puncture resistant containers for contaminated sharps
• retractable needles
• mechanical means of picking up contaminated sharps, e.g. tongs, forceps, dustpan and brush
• safe disposal of any contaminated waste
• hepatitis B vaccination

8 © 2001 OGP
 Guidelines for the control of HIV, Hepatitus B & C in the workplace

8.2.1 Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment should be provided and worn as appropriate. Typical equipment would
include:
• Disposable gloves
• Utility gloves
• Laboratory coats
• Face shields
• Surgical masks
• Safety glasses/goggles with side shields
• Pocket mask with one way valve for mouth to mouth resuscitation
• Resuscitation ambubags

8.2.2 Identification of potentially contaminated equipment

A clear system must be used for the tagging and identification of contaminated and potentially contami-
nated equipment. Equipment that should be tagged/labeled would include:
• Regulated waste containers
• Contaminated sharps containers
• Laundry bags
• Laundry bag containers
• Equipment used in invasive medical procedures
• Refrigerators/freezers used for storing biological samples
• Transport/shipping containers
Table 1: Examples of recommended PPE for protection of healthcare workers against blood borne pathogens

Task or Activity Disposable gloves Gown Protective mask Protective eyewear

CPR (no bleeding) yes no Pocket mask or face shield no
Bleeding control with spurting blood yes yes yes yes
Bleeding control with minimal bleeding yes no no no
Simple Band-Aid placement yes no no no
Emergency childbirth yes yes yes, if splashing is likely yes, if splashing is likely
Blood drawing yes no no no
Starting an intravenous (IV) line yes no no no
Endotracheal intubation, oesophageal yes no no, unless splashing is likely no unless splashing is likely
obturator use
Oral/nasal suctioning, yes no no, unless splashing is likely no, unless splashing is likely
manually cleaning airway
Handling and cleaning instruments yes yes no no
with microbial contamination
Measuring blood pressure no no no no
Measuring temperature no no no no
Giving an injection yes no no no

© 2001 OGP 9
International Association of Oil & Gas Producers

8.3 Work practice controls

The development and implementation of work practices and procedures can reduce the risk of exposure.
Typical measures would include:
• Wearing gloves and other personal protection equipment (PPE) whenever the potential for exposure
exists;
• Washing hands immediately or as soon as feasible after removing gloves;
• Washing hands and exposed skin and irrigation of eyes, nose and/or mouth following contact with
blood or any potentially contaminated material;
• Handling of sharps by mechanical means to prevent puncture wounds;
• Not recapping needles after use;
• Placement of contaminated disposable sharps in appropriately labelled and colour coded contami-
nated sharps containers immediately, or as soon as possible after use;
• Prohibition of eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm and handling contact
lenses in work areas where there is potential for exposure to blood or other potentially contaminated
materials;
• Prohibition of the storage of food and drink in refrigerators, freezers or on counter tops where blood
or potentially contaminated materials could be present;
• Prohibition of all mouth pipetting (blood or potentially contaminated material etc.);
• All procedures involving blood or potentially contaminated material should be undertaken in a
manner to minimise splashing, spraying or generation of droplets;
• Specimens of blood or other potentially contaminated material are placed in designated, leak proof
containers, appropriately labelled and colour coded for handling and storage;
• If outside contamination of a primary specimen container occurs then that container should be
placed in a second leak proof container appropriately labelled and colour coded for handling and
storage;
• Equipment that becomes contaminated with blood or other contaminated material should be exam-
ined prior to servicing or shipping and if possible appropriate decontamination should be under-
taken, or the item should be labelled with a biohazard symbol or appropriate colour scheme; and
• In areas where there is no organised safe disposal facility for clinical waste, consideration should
be given to the final safe disposal of potentially contaminated material. Incineration at 1000 to
1200 degrees centigrade (1800 to 2400 degrees Fahrenheit) followed by burial would be a suitable
method.

10 © 2001 OGP
 Guidelines for the control of HIV, Hepatitus B & C in the workplace

9 Follow-up after invasive exposure

9.1 Immediate action
Following any incident with the potential for exposure, disinfection and cleansing with soap and water
for wounds and skin sites that have been in contact with blood or body fluids should be undertaken.
Mucous membranes should be flushed with clean water. There is no evidence that the use of antisep-
tics for wound care or expressing fluid by squeezing the wound further reduces the risk for HIV trans-
mission. However, the use of antiseptics is not contraindicated. The application of caustic agents (e.g.
bleach) or the injection of antiseptics or disinfectants into the wound is not recommended.
• Testing of needles or other sharp instruments associated with an exposure, regardless of whether the
source is known or unknown, is not recommended since the reliability and interpretation of find-
ings in such circumstances are unknown.

9.2 Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up

Following a report of an exposure incident, the employer shall make immediately available to the
exposed employee a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up.

9.2.1 Documentation
In the event of an exposure incident, the following information shall be documented:
• Date and time of exposure;
• Route(s) of exposure (e.g. skin, eyes, nose, mouth);
• Work activity during which exposure occurred, including details of the incident (type of instru-
ment);
• Extent to which work practices and personal protective equipment were used; and
• Description of the source of exposure, including the type and amount of fluid or material and the
severity of the exposure, for example for a percutaneous exposure, the depth of injury and whether
fluid was injected; for a skin or mucous membrane exposure, the estimated volume of material and
the condition of the skin (e.g. chapped, abraded, intact).

9.2.2 Source individual

In the event of an exposure incident, it is important to identify the source individual.
• Employer’s health care professionals should take steps to identify and test the source individual in
order to determine the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen, HCV and HIV antibody, unless it is
established that identification is not feasible or prohibited by state or local law.
• When the source individual is already known to be infected with HBV, HCV or HIV, testing for
the source individual’s known HBV, HCV or HIV status need not be repeated.

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International Association of Oil & Gas Producers

9.2.3 Exposed employee susceptibility

This section requires that the employer provide post-exposure evaluation and follow-up for the exposed
employee in the exposure incident, at no cost to the employee. Following employee consent, a blood
sample from the exposed employee shall be obtained and tested for HBV, HCV and HIV immune status
as soon as possible.
9.2.3.1 HIV testing and post exposure prophylaxis
• Employees involved in an exposure incident (exposed employees, not the source individual) should
have a blood test for HIV detection within 90 days.
• Employer’s healthcare professionals are required to preserve the exposed employee’s blood for a
90-day period if the blood was not tested for HIV initially. The exposed employee’s blood can be
drawn only upon his/her consent.
• The employer shall offer repeat HIV testing to exposed employees on a periodic basis thereafter (e.g.
7 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and post-exposure).
If it is suspected or confirmed that the source individual may be HIV positive, specialised medical treat-
ment (if available) should be offered to the exposed person as soon as possible (ideally within 24 to 48
hours). In some countries there is limited or no access to specialised medical treatment. Since the choice
and availability of anti-retroviral agents is constantly changing, consultation with appropriate experts is
essential.
9.2.3.2 HBV testing and vaccination
• If the exposed worker has already received the HBV vaccination, a blood sample should be tested to
verify that immunity to HBV is adequate.
• If the source individual has tested positive for the hepatitis B antigen, the exposed worker who has
not already received the vaccination series shall begin the series as soon as possible, preferably within
24 hours. Hepatitis immune globulin should be offered as soon as possible, preferably within 24
hours after the exposure.
• If the source individual has tested positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen or has refused testing,
the exposed worker should be offered the vaccination series if they have not already received it. Post-
vaccination testing is required to confirm sero-conversion.
9.2.3.3 HCV testing and evaluation
• For the source perform testing for anti-HCV; and
• For the exposed individual, perform testing for anti-HCV and liver function.
• The value of immune globulin following HCV exposure is uncertain at the time of writing.
• At present there are no established treatment guidelines. When HCV infection is identified referral
to a specialist is advisable.

9.2.4 Counselling
Follow-up counselling must be provided to the exposed employee. Information regarding medical con-
ditions, which may require further evaluation or treatment, that may result from the exposure, must be
provided.

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 Guidelines for the control of HIV, Hepatitus B & C in the workplace

10 Follow-up after sexual exposure

10.1 Immediate action, post exposure evaluation and follow-up
Following unprotected sexual exposure, particularly in the case of non-consensual sex, it is recom-
mended that a healthcare professional be consulted rapidly for an evaluation of the risks and counselling.
It is important to remember that other sexually transmitted diseases may have been transmitted during
the sexual encounter.
At initial screening of the recipient’s blood it will be tested for HIV, HBV and HCV, and other tests
may be required based on the circumstances of the case. Repeat testing will be necessary at intervals
determined by the healthcare professional.
In certain conditions, where specialised medication is available, healthcare professionals may discuss the
appropriateness of initiating medical treatment and hepatitis B protection.
Counselling concerning future sexual behaviour and partners, as well as eventual blood donations,
needs to be provided.

11 Audit and review

Company procedures for the control of blood borne pathogens should be subject to regular audit as part
of the overall audit programme of the health management system. The audit should determine:
• whether procedures for the control of blood borne pathogens conform to planned arrangements,
and are implemented effectively;
• that all elements of the procedures for the control of blood borne pathogens are effectively applied;
• that the programme is in compliance with relevant legislative requirements; and
• areas for improvement.
Particular attention should be given to the proper recording, reporting and follow-up of incidents, such
as needle stick injuries. For this purpose it is necessary that an audit team member, who must be a
healthcare professional, be entitled to access confidential medical information. The frequency of audit-
ing and audit team composition should be documented in audit protocols and procedures.
Company management, advised by the company’s healthcare advisor, should at appropriate intervals,
review the procedures for the control of blood borne pathogens, to ensure their continuing suitability
and effectiveness. The review should specifically, but not exclusively address:
• the possible need for changes to the policy and objectives, in the light of changing circumstances
and advances in medical science;
• needs and opportunities for improvement of existing procedures, practices, organisation and
resource allocation.
It is recommended that a formal review be undertaken at least once per year.

© 2001 OGP 13
International Association of Oil & Gas Producers

Glossary

Antibody
A substance in the blood that destroys or neutralizes various toxins or antigens. Antibodies are usually
formed as a result of the introduction into the body of antigens.

Blood borne pathogen

Pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in other humans.
Examples include the hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), that
causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Exposure incident
An occasion when blood or another potentially infectious body fluid enters the body through a graze or
cut in the skin, through the eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, or when the skin is pierced.

Hepatitis B antigen
When present, this is an indication that the disease is active and such individuals are infectious.

Needle stick/sharps injury

When a needle or sharp object, such as a scalpel, broken glass, broken capillary tube or exposed end of
dental wire, penetrates the skin.

Occupational hazard
Any work-related activity that places a person at a reasonable anticipated risk of infection, illness or
injury.

Post-exposure prophylaxis
Steps taken to prevent infection in an unvaccinated worker who may have been exposed to hepatitis B
or C or HIV after an accident or injury.

Sharps
Any sharp item of medical equipment that is inserted into the body, e.g. a needle, and is therefore at risk
of contamination with blood borne pathogens.

Synovial fluid
The fluid within a joint secreted by the surrounding synovial membrane.

Universal precautions
A body of guidelines used in the management of blood borne diseases; these guidelines assume that all
patients are potentially infective. Universal precautions include the use of barrier techniques and safe
disposal of clinical waste.

14 © 2001 OGP
What is OGP?
The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers represents the world’s oil and gas
industry. Our members include private and state-owned oil and gas companies, national
associations and petroleum institutes.

What do we do?

Our purpose is to:

• provide information about the oil and gas exploration and production industry;
• represent our members’ interests at global and regional regulatory bodies; and
• develop operating guidelines.

What are our aims?

We aim to:
• increase understanding of the industry;
• work with international regulators to develop workable proposals which take full
account of industry views;
• contribute to continuous improvements in industry operating standards;
• be a visible and approachable organisation to which governments and others refer on
matters relating to the industry;
• maintain a large, diverse and active membership; and
• communicate issues affecting members to international bodies and the public.
25/28 Old Burlington Street
London W1S 3AN
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7292 0600
Fax: +44 (0)20 7434 3721

165 Bd du Souverain
4th Floor
B-1160 Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32 (0)2 556 9150
Fax: +32 (0)2 556 9159

Internet site: www.ogp.org.uk

e-mail: reception@ogp.org.uk