BBP Communicable Disease Policy
B - SCHOOL BOARD GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS
The current Occupational Safety and Health Administration/Vocational (OSHA/VOSH) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard was issued to reduce the occupational transmission of infections caused by microorganisms sometimes found in human blood and certain other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Although a variety of harmful microorganisms may be transmitted through contact with infected human blood, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have been shown to be responsible for infecting workers who are exposed to human blood or certain other body fluids containing these viruses. Routes of transmission of HBV, HCV, and HIV may be through needle stick injuries or direct contact of mucous membranes and/or non-intact skin with contaminated blood or OPIM in the course of their work. Occupational transmission of HBV, which can be fatal, occurs much more often than transmission of HIV. Although HIV is rarely transmitted following an occupational exposure incident, the lethal nature of HIV requires that all possible measures be used to prevent exposure of workers. HCV can also be fatal and is increasing in frequency.
THEREFORE: It is the policy of Uinta County School District Number One that the current Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan which includes infection prevention, cleanup, and post exposure guidelines will be followed.
Infection Control
Universal precaution is a method of infection control in which all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated AS IF KNOWN TO BE INFECTIOUS for HBV, HCV, HIV and other bloodborne pathogens regardless of the perceived status of the source individual. Universal precautions are specified in the Uinta County School District Number One procedure manual, titled "Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan".
HIV and Bloodborne Pathogens Prevention Education
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that training is provided at the time of initial assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may occur, and that it shall be repeated within twelve (12) months of the previous training and at least annually thereafter. Training shall be tailored to the education and language level of the employee and be offered during the normal work shift. See page 20-24 of the "Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan" for complete information on training procedures.
HIV and bloodborne pathogens prevention education will be provided to students following the Uinta County School District Number One approved health standards.
Exposure Incidents
The Superintendent or designee is responsible for the reporting of exposure incidents as described in the "Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan", pages 17-19. Post bloodborne pathogens exposure will be in accordance with pages 17-19 of the "Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan".
Assurance
The superintendent or designee shall ensure that OSHA regulations are being followed at all times.
Policy Review
The Superintendent or designee will be responsible for the review/revision of this policy annually. The community has the opportunity to review the policy and provide input via the Health and Safety Advisory Committee.
Policy Cross References:
» GBE - STAFF HEALTH AND SAFETY
» GBE-2 - STAFF HEALTH AND SAFETY
» JHCC-1 - COMMUNICABLE DISEASE