CHAPTER 7:

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A. Introduction 

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This policy covers Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) and Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) and includes the JAC Exposure Control Plan as required in HIOSH 12-205-4(a)(1) which is worded the same as 29CFR 1910.1030(c).

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B. Policy 

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The only circumstance under which JAC employees are expected to come into contact with BBP or OPIM are when rendering first aid and CPR or cleaning up after an accident.

The guidelines below are designed to minimize exposure under those circumstances.

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C. Responsibilities 

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1. Supervisor

Ensures that all employees who may come into contact with BBP or OPIM are familiar with the JAC policies and that the policies are carried out.
 
2. Employee


• Understands and complies with all phases of the JAC policies and procedures for situations involving BBP and OPIM.
• Employees not having formal first aid training must be instructed to maintain a "hands off" practice in the event of an emergency.  These employees should contact a first aid responder as quickly as possible.
  
 
3. Site Safety Advisor

Ensures that protective equipment as specified in this policy is available and properly maintained.

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D. Procedures 

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1. All employees who have been trained in first aid may come into contact with BBP or OPIM while carrying out first aid/CPR.

2. Any employee who cleans up after a spill of blood or OPIM may be exposed during that work.

3. The following "engineering and work practice controls" are employed to minimize exposure to human bloodborne pathogens:

1. Hand washing: Personnel wash their hands immediately after removing gloves, and as soon as possible upon any contact with blood or OPIM.

2. Gloves must be worn whenever there is a possibility of contact with human blood or body fluid.

3. Masks must be worn whenever there is a possibility of splattering of human blood or body fluids.

4. Aprons must be worn if soiling of exposed skin or clothing is likely.

5. To minimize the risks for exchange of body fluids during resuscitation procedures, pocket masks or mechanical ventilation devices are available in first aid kits, JAC vehicles, emergency medical oxygen kits, and in infection control kits.

6. Spills of blood or blood-containing body fluids shall be cleaned up using materials provided in the infection control kit.  The contaminated item shall be put into the biohazard bag and taken to Hilo Medical Center for disposal.

7. Individuals who have open lesions, dermatitis, or other skin irritations should not participate in direct "patient" care activities and should not handle contaminated items. If emergency requires participation, these individuals should double glove.

8. Sharp objects represent the greatest risk for exposures. Use tweezers to remove glass or other sharps from the patient. Use broom and dust pan to clean up contaminated glass or other sharp objects. 

4. Engineering controls are examined and maintained on a regular schedule and when an exposure incident has occurred to ensure their effectiveness.

5. Gloves and resuscitation masks are kept in all vehicles and in first aid boxes, whose locations are given in section Chapter 2 section K (Hilo Office) and Chapter 11 section C
   (JCMT/UKIRT). The same sections specify location of Infection Control Kits, which contain all other equipment mentioned.

6. Recordkeeping: Medical records are maintained by JAC personnel section.

7. Whenever an incident occurs involving the potential for exposure to BBP and OPIM, a report must be made to the Site Safety Advisor. This includes rendering first aid or cleaning up vomit.

1.  The report must be made within the same workshift.

2. The names of all staff involved shall be given.

3. A clear statement shall be given of whether an exposure incident has occurred. Exposure incident means a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin or parenteral (non-intestinal) contact with blood or OPIM. Note that contact with healthy skin does not constitute an exposure incident.

4. The Site Safety Advisor will maintain a list of such incidents available for staff on request.

8. All members of staff who render assistance in any situation involving the presence of blood or OPIM will have a Hepatitis B vaccine offered to them at no cost as soon as possible and in no event later than 24-hours after the assistance was rendered.

9. Any member of JAC staff whose job requires them to undertake the American Red Cross CPR and First Aid course and to administer first aid to JAC staff and visitors may be reimbursed the costs of receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine.

10. If an exposure incident has occurred the Site Safety Advisor will convene a meeting of the Accident Investigation Committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and if appropriate, to recommend changes to the JAC Policy.