BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN EXPOSURE PLAN - I. INTRODUCTION

1. Purpose: The purpose of this document is to serve as the Exposure Control Plan (ECP) for Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District in compliance with Cal-OSHA GISO 5193 "Blood borne Pathogens." This plan ensures that designated employees (as defined herein) are:

   1. aware of potential hazards from exposure to blood borne pathogens; and
   2. advised of the appropriate procedures to avoid exposure.
2. Background: Certain pathogenic microorganisms can be found in the blood of infected individuals. These "blood borne pathogens" may be transmitted from the infected individuals to other individuals by blood or certain body fluids, for example, when blood-contaminated needles are shared by intravenous drug users. Because it is the exposure to the blood or other body fluids that carries the risk of infection, individuals whose occupational duties place them at risk of exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials are also at risk of becoming infected with these blood borne pathogens, developing disease and, in some cases, dying. Infected individuals are also capable of transmitting the pathogens to others. The two most significant blood borne pathogens are Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). On December 6, 1991, FED-OSHA issued standards for occupational exposure to these blood borne pathogens. The standard became effective March 6, 1992.
3. Scope: This OSHA Standard applies to designated employees of Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials:
   1. Health Professions' Instructors
   2. Health Office Personnel
   3. Athletic Trainers
   4. Maintenance Workers (plumbers)

Occupational Exposure means reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties. (Parenteral means piercing mucous membranes or the skin barrier through such events as needle sticks, human bites, cuts and abrasions). Other potentially infectious materials include the following human body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, 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.