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
"Bloodborne Pathogens." This plan ensures that designated employees (as defined
herein) are:
aware of potential hazards from exposure to bloodborne pathogens; and
advised of the appropriate procedures to avoid exposure.
Background:
Certain pathogenic microorganisms can be found in the blood of infected
individuals. These "bloodborne 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 bloodborne
pathogens, developing disease and, in some cases, dying. Infected individuals are also
capable of transmitting the pathogens to others. The two most significant bloodborne
pathogens are Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). On December
6, 1991, FED-OSHA issued standards for occupational exposure to these bloodborne
pathogens. The standard became effective March 6, 1992.
Scope:
This OSHA Standard applies to designated employees of Grossmont-Cuyamaca
Community College District with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially
infectious materials:
Health Professions' Instructors
Health Office Personnel
Athletic Trainers
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 needlesticks, 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.
and
Safety
