Bloodborne_Pathogens

Origination Date: October 7, 2011 Revision Date: June 2012
Release Authorized by: Danny Trahan, Safety Director Manual Rev 4
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PURPOSE....................................................................................................................................................................2
SCOPE..........................................................................................................................................................................2
APPLICATION...........................................................................................................................................................2
DEFINITIONS............................................................................................................................................................2
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS....................................................................................................................................2
EXPOSURE CATEGORIES........................................................................................................................................3
Category I..................................................................................................................................................3
Category II.................................................................................................................................................3
ENGINEERING CONTROLS......................................................................................................................................3
WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS................................................................................................................................3
PROCEDURE...............................................................................................................................................................4
Limited Access..........................................................................................................................................4
Category I and II Employees.....................................................................................................................4
Smoking/Drinking.....................................................................................................................................5
Housekeeping Guidelines..........................................................................................................................5
Regulated Waste........................................................................................................................................5
Vaccination, Post Exposure Evaluation, and Follow-Up..........................................................................5
Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow Up.................................................................................................6
Information Provided to the Healthcare Professional................................................................................6
Healthcare Professional’s Written Opinion...............................................................................................6
Incident Evaluation....................................................................................................................................6
RECORDKEEPING......................................................................................................................................................7
INFORMATION AND TRAINING.............................................................................................................................7
ATTACHMENTS.........................................................................................................................................................7
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved. P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
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PURPOSE
This practice identifies the requirements for reducing occupational exposure to and transmission of Hepatitis “B”
Virus (HBV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and other infectious diseases. “Universal precautions” as
advocated by the Centers for Disease Control will be made an integral part of these exposure and control measures.
It also provides necessary precautions to all employees who could be “reasonably anticipated” to come into contact
with blood or other potentially infectious materials as the result of performing their job duties.
SCOPE
This practice includes the following major sections:

 General Requirements
 Exposure Categories
 Engineering Controls
 Work Practice Controls
 Procedure
 Recordkeeping
 Information and Training
APPLICATION
This practice applies to work activities and employees under the control of P2S and its contractors.
DEFINITIONS
Occupational Exposure – Reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral (piercing mucous
membranes or the skin barrier through a needle stick, human bite, cut, abrasion, and avulsion) contact with blood or
other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee’s duties.
Other Potentially Infectious Materials – Any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood and all body
fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids and any unfixed tissue or
organ (other than intact skin).
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
This practice provides guidelines for the necessary precautions to be taken by all employees who have the potential
of coming in contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials while performing their job functions. This
practice is specifically designed to reduce the occupational exposure to and transmission of HBV, HIV, and other
infectious diseases. Universal precautions, as advocated by the Centers for Disease Control, will be made an
integral part of these exposure control and prevention measures.
When the normal work routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, an employee’s exposure
would not be considered occupational. Employees who perform janitorial services will wear rubber or latex gloves
at all times when cleaning or emptying trash cans as a means of protection against normal bacteria. Tasks that
involve handling implements or utensils, use of public or shared bathroom facilities or telephones, and personal
contacts such as handshaking are also not considered an occupational exposure.
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EXPOSURE CATEGORIES
This exposure classification applies to tasks rather than to individuals when, during their daily activities,
individuals may move from one exposure category to another as they perform various tasks. All employees will
have access to a copy of the exposure control plan. Access to a copy of the exposure control plan shall be provided
in a reasonable time, place, and manner.
Category I
Tasks That Involve Exposure to Blood, Body Fluids, or Tissues

Job-related tasks with the potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluid, or tissue, or for
spills or splashes of such, are Category I tasks. Use of universal precautions is required for employee(s) engaged in
Category I tasks. Employees included in this category are first-aid attendants, medics, nurses, physicians’
assistants, and qualified HSE representatives.
Category II
Tasks That Involve No Exposure to Blood, Body Fluids, or Tissues, but May Require Performing Unplanned
Category I Tasks
The normal work routine involves no exposures to blood, body fluid, or tissues; but the potential for exposure
exists. Protective measures must be readily available for employee(s) engaged in Category II tasks. Employees
included in this category are secretaries, clerks, and those listed in Attachment 01.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Engineering controls will be used as the primary method of reducing employee exposure to harmful substances. At
a minimum, the following controls will be implemented:
 Isolation or containment of the hazard
 Disposable, puncture-resistant containers that are
closeable and leak-proof on the sides and bottom and
properly labeled with the universal BIOHAZARD
symbol will be used for urine, used needles, blades,
sharps, and other one-time use implements of
treatment. These containers will be placed in the use area.
 Hand-washing facilities with anti-bacterial soap and running water will be made
available. If running water cannot be supplied, germicide hand wipes will be
provided.
 Appropriate and accessible personal protective equipment (PPE) will be used.
WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS
Work practice controls will be established to reduce the likelihood of exposure when a task is being performed.
Examples of some work practice controls include the following:
 Universal precautions will be in effect in all occupational exposures.
 Recapping of needles or other sharps by hand is not allowed.
 Pipetting or suctioning by mouth (siphoning) is forbidden.
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 Storing food or drink is forbidden in areas of potential occupational exposure.

 Eating, drinking, and smoking are forbidden in areas of potential occupational
exposure.
PROCEDURE
Limited Access
There will be limited access to areas where there is a potential for reasonably anticipated contact with blood or
other potentially infectious materials. Areas where the difference between body fluid types is difficult or
impossible to determine will be considered limited access areas.
Category I and II Employees
Category I employees and Category II employees (where the potential for exposure exists) will routinely use
applicable universal precautions during patient contact, or handling of body fluids; appropriate (PPE) will be
provided for protection against an occupational exposure at no cost to the employee. Appropriate equipment is
defined to mean equipment that does not permit blood or other potentially infectious material to contact, pass
through, or be absorbed onto the employee’s clothes, undergarments, skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous
membranes.
PPE will be removed before leaving the work area and placed in an appropriately marked container for disposal,
storage, or decontamination. PPE will be repaired and replaced as needed to maintain its effectiveness. PPE
includes, but is not limited to, gloves, gowns, laboratory coats, face shields, masks, eye protection, mouthpieces,
resuscitation bags, pocket masks, or other artificial ventilation devices.
Disposable gloves (rubber or latex surgical type) must be properly worn to protect skin and mucous membrane
when in contact with blood and body fluids. Gloves will be changed and hands washed between each first-aid case
(patient).
To prevent exposure of mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, and nose, masks (surgical type) and protective eye
wear or face shields will be worn during procedures that are likely to generate droplets of blood or other body
fluids.
Gowns or aprons will be worn during procedures that are likely to generate splashes of blood and other body fluids.
Hands and other skin surfaces will be washed immediately after gloves are removed.
Saliva has not been implicated in any blood borne pathogen; however, protective instruments such as mouthpieces,
resuscitating (ambu) bags, or other ventilation devices will be available for use in areas where the need for mouth-
to-mouth resuscitation is predictable. Ventilating devices will be fitted or contain one-way valves. Ventilation
devices that do not contain one-way valves will not be used.
Category I and II employees who have skin lesions or weeping dermatitis should refrain from all direct first-aid
(patient) care and from handling first-aid-type equipment until the condition clears up.
Employees in Category I and II environments who are pregnant are at greater risk to exposure and should be
especially familiar with and strictly adhere to these precautions to minimize the risk of bloodborne pathogen
exposure.
Page 4
Smoking/Drinking
Smoking, drinking, eating, applying any type of cosmetic or chapping balm to face or mouth, and inserting or
handling contact lenses are strictly prohibited in areas identified as having occupational exposure.
Housekeeping Guidelines
The HSE Representative or healthcare person will have a written schedule for cleaning and methods of
decontamination for areas of occupational exposure. This schedule must be based upon the location within the
facility, type of surface and implements to be cleaned, types of contaminants to expect, and the types of tasks being
performed in the area. The written schedule will include the following as a minimum:
 Implements of treatment, pails, bins, containers, or similar receptacles (including
protective coverings and work surfaces) must be cleaned and decontaminated after
contact with blood or other potentially infectious material and at the end of the work
shift.
 Glassware that has broken in the treatment area must be picked up mechanically and
not by hand (for example, with a dust pan and broom or brush with nylon bristles).
The mechanics of cleaning must be conducted using forceps-type implements. All items and spills must be cleaned
with a germicide or a solution of sodium hypochlorite (a 1:8 dilution of household bleach).
Regulated Waste
Regulated waste means liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potentially infectious contaminated materials that
would release blood or other potentially infectious material in a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed. Certain
practices regarding the handling, disposal, and storage of contaminated sharps and other regulated waste are as
follows:
 Contaminated, reusable sharps will not be stored or processed in a manner that allows
employees to reach them by hand. The engineering of the storage method must be
such that when the lid is lifted, the reusables will extract themselves from the
container. Throwaway, contaminated sharps must be discarded immediately in
containers as described under Engineering Controls. During use, these containers
must be easily accessible, kept upright, replaced routinely, and not allowed to be
overfilled. When containers of contaminated sharps and implements are moved, the
containers must be securely closed to prevent spillage or leakage of the regulated
waste.
 Contaminated laundry must be handled as little as possible and only by employees
who are wearing appropriate PPE. It must be containerized and in appropriately
labeled BIOHAZARD or “red” leak-proof bags and must not be washed or rinsed at
the project/site of use. For purposes of offsite regulated waste disposal, contact your
client environmental contact or Business Unit/Line HSE Lead.
Vaccination, Post Exposure Evaluation, and Follow-Up
The HSE Representative (or designee) will select a licensed healthcare professional (as defined by state law) to
administer the Hepatitis B vaccination and provide post-exposure medical evaluation and follow up. Employees in
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Category I and Category II who test negative for HBV antibodies must be offered the Hepatitis B vaccination series
within 10 working days of initial assignment. Employees who decline the vaccination must sign a Waiver of
Hepatitis B Vaccination (refer to Attachment 02), indicating their choice; however, if the employee later chooses to
be inoculated with the Hepatitis B vaccination, he/she may do so at no cost. The HSE Representative (or designee)
will place the signed waiver in the employee’s confidential medical file. The HSE Representative (or designee)
will be responsible for supervision of this Program.
Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow Up
The selected healthcare professional will develop a procedure to provide post-exposure evaluation and follow-up to
employees who report an exposure incident. This procedure will include the following:
 Documentation of the routes of entry and circumstances surrounding the exposure
incident
 Identification of the source individual, if feasible
 Testing of the source individual’s blood, if consented to
 Post-exposure medical treatment, if indicated
 Counseling
Information Provided to the Healthcare Professional
The HSE Manager (or designee) will provide the healthcare professional who administers the Hepatitis B
vaccination and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up with the following information:
 A copy of the bloodborne pathogens standard
 A description of the exposed employee’s duties as these relate to the exposure
incident
 Documentation of the route(s) of exposure and circumstances under which exposure
occurred
 Results of the source individual’s blood testing, if available
 All medical records relevant to the appropriate treatment of the employee, including
vaccination status, which are the employer’s responsibility to maintain.
Healthcare Professional’s Written Opinion
The HSE Manager (or designee) will be responsible for obtaining and providing the employee with a copy of the
evaluating licensed healthcare professional’s written opinion within 15 days of completion of the evaluation. The
original will be placed in the employee’s confidential medical file by the HSE Manager (or designee). The written
opinion will be according to the requirements of local or regional legislation and/or client requirements.
Incident Evaluation
Exposure incidents must be reported immediately to the exposed employee’s supervisor. The supervisor must
report the exposure to the HSE Manager (or designee) as soon as possible. With the same urgency, the HSE
Manager (or designee) must conduct and document an “exposure incident evaluation” containing at least the
following information:
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 The circumstances under which exposure occurred

 The route(s) of entry
 Engineering controls in place at the time of the exposure incident
 Work practice controls in place at the time of the exposure incident
 PPE or clothing in use at the time of the exposure incident
 Any failures of the above controls at the time of the incident
 Identification, if possible, of the source individual
 Recommendations for avoidance of future exposure incidents in similar situations
RECORDKEEPING
The Project/Site Manager (or designee) must establish and maintain medical records to be kept confidential and
may not be disclosed without written consent of the employee. All medical records of exposure incidence will be
reviewed as required by the doctor of record and maintained for a period of at least 30 years past employment in
accordance with local or regional legislation and/or client requirements. The following information is to be
included on these records:
 The name and Social Security Number of the employee
 All Hepatitis B vaccination records and medical reports
 A copy of examinations, medical testing, and follow-up procedures
 A copy of the healthcare professional’s written opinion
 A copy of information provided to the healthcare professionals
Records will be maintained for a period of 3 years from the date of each session.
INFORMATION AND TRAINING
Employees who have been identified as having the potential for occupational exposure (exposure Categories I and
II) will participate in a training program at no cost to the employee and during work hours.
This training will be provided at the time of initial assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may take
place.
Employees will be provided retraining within 1 year of their previous training.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment No. Attachment Title
Attachment 01 Employee Codes and Titles
Attachment 02 Waiver of hepatitis B Vaccination
Page 7
WAIVER OF HEPATITIS B VACCINATION
I _____________________________________________, UNDERSTAND THAT DUE TO
MY POTENTIAL OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOOD OR OTHER
POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS MATERIALS, I MAY BE AT RISK OF ACQUIRING
THE HEPATITIS “B” VIRUS (HBV) INFECTION. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE
OPPORTUNITY TO BE VACCINATED WITH HEPATITIS “B” VACCINE AT NO
CHARGE TO ME. HOWEVER, I DECLINE THE HEPATITIS “B” VACCINATION AT
THIS TIME. I UNDERSTAND THAT BY DECLINING THIS VACCINE, I CONTINUE
TO BE AT RISK OF ACQUIRING HEPATITIS “B”, A SERIOUS DISEASE.
IF, IN THE FUTURE, I CONTINUE TO HAVE OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO
BLOOD OR OTHER POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS MATERIALS AND I WANT TO
BE VACCINATED WITH HEPATITIS “B” VACCINE, I CAN RECEIVE THE
VACCINATION SERIES AT NO CHARGE TO ME.
EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE DATE
WITNESS DATE
Page 8

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Origination Date: October 7, 2011 Revision Date: June 2012

Release Authorized by: Danny Trahan, Safety Director Manual Rev 4

Release Authorized by: Danny Trahan, Safety Director Manual Rev 4

This practice includes the following major sections:

Release Authorized by: Danny Trahan, Safety Director Manual Rev 4

Tasks That Involve Exposure to Blood, Body Fluids, or Tissues

WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS

Release Authorized by: Danny Trahan, Safety Director Manual Rev 4

 Storing food or drink is forbidden in areas of potential occupational exposure.

Category I and II Employees

Release Authorized by: Danny Trahan, Safety Director Manual Rev 4

Vaccination, Post Exposure Evaluation, and Follow-Up

Release Authorized by: Danny Trahan, Safety Director Manual Rev 4

Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow Up

Information Provided to the Healthcare Professional

Healthcare Professional’s Written Opinion

Release Authorized by: Danny Trahan, Safety Director Manual Rev 4

 The circumstances under which exposure occurred

INFORMATION AND TRAINING

Release Authorized by: Danny Trahan, Safety Director Manual Rev 4

WAIVER OF HEPATITIS B VACCINATION

I _____________________________________________, UNDERSTAND THAT DUE TO

MY POTENTIAL OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOOD OR OTHER

POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS MATERIALS, I MAY BE AT RISK OF ACQUIRING

OPPORTUNITY TO BE VACCINATED WITH HEPATITIS “B” VACCINE AT NO

CHARGE TO ME. HOWEVER, I DECLINE THE HEPATITIS “B” VACCINATION AT

THIS TIME. I UNDERSTAND THAT BY DECLINING THIS VACCINE, I CONTINUE

TO BE AT RISK OF ACQUIRING HEPATITIS “B”, A SERIOUS DISEASE.

IF, IN THE FUTURE, I CONTINUE TO HAVE OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO

BLOOD OR OTHER POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS MATERIALS AND I WANT TO

BE VACCINATED WITH HEPATITIS “B” VACCINE, I CAN RECEIVE THE

VACCINATION SERIES AT NO CHARGE TO ME.

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE DATE

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