Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan

What are the key requirements of the University’s Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan?

Key requirements include:

• Universal Precautions: Treat all human blood and OPIM as potentially infectious, regardless of the known or perceived health status of the source individual.
• Engineering and Work Practice Controls: Follow safe work practices, including proper handwashing, prohibition of needle recapping, safe sharps handling, and minimizing splashes, sprays, and aerosols. Work involving potentially aerosolized bloodborne pathogens should be conducted in the appropriate biological safety cabinet.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Appropriate PPE, such as gloves, laboratory coats, face shields, and eye protection, must be worn whenever there is a risk of exposure.
• Housekeeping and Decontamination: Contaminated surfaces and materials must be promptly disinfected using approved disinfectants. Sharps and biohazardous waste must be disposed of in approved, labeled containers.
• Hepatitis B Vaccination: The Hepatitis B vaccine is offered at no cost to employees and students with occupational exposure and should be made available within 10 working days of assignment. Individuals who decline vaccination must complete the required declination form.
• Exposure Reporting: Any exposure incident, including needlesticks or splashes to the eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin, must be reported immediately to a supervisor. Prompt medical evaluation and follow-up are required.
• Training: Employees and students with potential occupational exposure must receive Bloodborne Pathogen training before engaging in covered activities and annually thereafter.

• Compliance with these requirements helps protect personnel from diseases such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), while ensuring a safe learning and working environment.

For questions regarding bloodborne pathogen safety, training, vaccinations, or exposure response procedures,  contact ehs@usd.edu or Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)