Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
The purpose of this program is to eliminate or minimize employee expsoure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials. The requirements of this standard operating procedure (SOP) apply to all Lafayette College employees whose duties may result in an occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, as defined under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030.
Lafayette’s Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan describes in detail the policies and procedures for controlling employee exposure. The Plan lists the various job classifications and work activities which have the potential for employee exposure, and describes the methods of minimizing exposure.
Universal precautions are used to prevent contact with blood and certain human bodily fluids which are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV and other bloodborne pathogens.
Engineering controls are used to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The primary equipment used to prevent exposure is the use of sharps containers by Bailey Health Center, Athletics and Public Safety.
Additional engineering controls throughout campus include hand-washing facilities (or antiseptic hand cleansers, towels, antiseptic wipes); biohazardous containers; containers for contaminated reusable sharps; specimen containers; and secondary containers.
Various work practice controls have been adopted as part of the Plan, which include:
When there is an occupational exposure, appropriate PPE shall be worn. All PPE shall be removed prior to leaving the work area.
Maintaining College facilities in a clean and sanitary condition is an important part of the Plan. A written schedule has been established for decontamination of work areas with higher exposure potential.
Additionally, the Plan describes specific procedures for safe handling and disposal of regulated medical waste, such as sharps, and handling/laundering contaminated laundry. Bailey Health Center, EHS and the Biology Department are responsible for the collection and handling of the College’s regulated medical waste.
Finally, the College recognizes that even with good adherence to all of the exposure prevention practices, exposure incidents can occur. Accordingly, the College has implemented a Hepatitis B Vaccination Program, as well as procedures for post-exposure evaluation and follow-up in the event an exposure to bloodborne pathogens occurs.