Blood Borne Pathogen Plan Pg. 3

An accessible copy of the regulatory test of this standard and an explanation of its contents
1. Class instructor will have a copy
2. Other copies available from safety officer
A general explanation of the epidemiology and symptoms of blood-borne diseases
1. A blood-borne disease is one that can be transmitted through contact with the blood or certain other body fluids of an infected person.
2. Hepatitis A, formerly called infectious hepatitis, is usually a mild disease. It does not result in chronic hepatitis and there is no carrier state. There is no vaccine for this form of hepatitis. Transmission through blood is unlikely.
  Hepatitis B, formerly known as serum hepatitis, is a more serious disease with serious following conditions. In the U.S., there are approximately 200,000 cases of hepatitis B annually. Of these, about 10% (20,000) will become carriers. Carriers can transmit the disease but may themselves show no symptoms. Symptoms are similar to hepatitis A. Of the 200,000 cases of hepatitis B, 200 will die from acute hepatitis, 4,000 from cirrhosis, and 800 from liver cancer.
  Hepatitis non-A non-B (NANB), like hepatitis B, is blood-borne and can be spread by sexual contact. There are 300,000 cases annually with 1 to 2% resulting in death.
3. Early symptoms of hepatitis are fatigue, loss of appetite, and taste changes (notably distaste for cigarettes). Many people develop nausea and flu-like symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, head cold, and sensitivity to light. These symptoms occur one to two weeks before the onset of jaundice. Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowness of the skin, eyes, and blood fluids because of excess bilirubin in the blood. Basically that means your liver is not doing what it should.
4. Later the liver becomes enlarged and tender, causing an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. Some persons experience depression and itching.
5. During the recovery phase symptoms may disappear. Most people are completely recovered three to four months after the onset of jaundice.
An explanation of the modes of transmission of blood-borne pathogens
1. Transmission means simply how a disease is passed from one person to another. In the work place, HIV and IBV have been transmitted only by accidental needle sticks, contact between an open wound, non-intact skin (chapped, scraped, weeping), or mucous membranes contaminated body fluids, or a source of concentrated virus. Simply put, if the blood of an infected person is allowed into your body, you might get the disease. Of course, you might not also. The risk of getting hepatitis is much greater than the risk of getting AIDS. The risk of contracting either disease depends on:
  1. Whether or not the person you come into contact with has the disease. A person cannot transmit a virus he/she does not have.
  2. Whether or not you have been immunized against the disease of have some natural immunity (don’t count on it).
  3. How much of the virus gets into your body.
  HIV it transmitted through sexual contact, sharing of needles, or through contact with infected blood or other body fluids.
An explanation of the employer’s exposure control plan and the means by which the employee can obtain a written copy of this plan
1. Present outline of the plan.
2. A copy can be had by contacting the safety officer.
An explanation of the appropriate methods for recognizing tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials
1. Specific tasks have been identified in the exposure control plan.
2. Discuss exposure of other groups. Materials obviously contaminated with blood should be avoided. Housekeeper responsibilities have been limited in the infirmary and the training room, but housekeepers should be aware of the need to avoid contact with blood and other body fluids. While the risk of infection in non patient care areas is miniscule, care must be exercised when picking up trash or cleaning dormitories and lavatories.
An explanation of the use and limitations of methods that will prevent or reduce exposure including appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment.
1. Use exposure control plan paragraph VII.
2. Remind them that exposure determination is made without reference to PPE and that they should not become lax and expect gloves or masks to be one hundred percent effective.
Information on the types, proper use, location, removal, handling, decontamination and disposal of personal protective equipment
1. Refer to exposure control plan paragraph VII.
2. Designated PPE will be available within each department.
An explanation of the basis for selection of personal protective equipment
1. PPE is selected based on the task being performed and the ability of the PPE, if used correctly, to prevent contact with blood.
2. Personal considerations, open cuts, chapped hands, dermatitis.
Information on the hepatitis B vaccine, including information on its efficacy, safety, method of administration, the benefits of being vaccinated, and that the vaccine will be offered free of charge
1. HBV is 90% effective for seven years. HBV and immune globulin given within one week of exposure is 90% effective. So why get the shot? You may not realize you have been exposed.
2. One cannot contract HBV from the vaccine.
3. Vaccination can be received at Catawba County Health Department. Individuals will be reimbursed for the cost of the shots or, if you prefer, you can request a check from the business office made out to the Catawba County Health Department. If you elect to get your shots somewhere else, you will only be reimbursed up to the amount charged by the Catawba County Health Department.
Information on the appropriate actions to take and persons to contact in an emergency involving blood or other potentially infectious materials
1. Recognize that you may be exposed to blood when you are not expecting it or in a situation outside your normal working environment. Avoid direct contact with blood and use protective equipment if possible. If a bone fide emergency exists, call 911 and report it.
2. Remember that your chance of getting AIDS or HBV in an emergency situation is very remote. Yes, you should take precautions, but the important thing may be to save a life.
An explanation of the procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs, including the method of reporting the incident and medical follow-up that will be made available.
1. Individuals exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials must immediately, or as soon as possible, remove contaminate clothing, wash affected areas with soap and water, or flush mucous membranes with water.
2. Exposed individuals must immediately notify their supervisor or the safety officer.
3. The safety officer will implement paragraph VI of the exposure control plan.
Information on the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up that the employer is required to provide for the employee following an exposure incident.
1. Use paragraph VIII of the exposure control plan.
2. Emphasize that employee cooperation is important.
3. Emphasize need to identify person causing exposure.
An explanation of the signs and labels and/or color coding required by paragraph (g) (1) of the standard.
1. Show biohazard symbol.
2. Warning labels will be affixed to waste containers. Red bags or containers may be substituted for labels.
  Housekeepers will not handle containers so labeled. Contaminated sharps and waste will only be disposed of in properly marked containers.
An opportunity for interactive questions and answers with the person conducting the training session