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Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in blood and certain bodily fluids that can cause serious disease in humans. Common examples include Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Employees whose work involves potential contact with blood have an elevated risk of exposure.

The purpose of the Bloodborne Pathogen Program is to eliminate or significantly reduce these occupational exposure risks through clear procedures, required training, engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and incident response protocols. This program outlines the responsibilities of employees and supervisors, identifies tasks and job classifications with potential exposures, and establishes practices designed to protect the health and safety of all personnel. 

EHSS maintains a general Exposure Control Plan (ECP).  This ECP covers the activities of operational personnel on campus that may have potential occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBP) and includes general practices, engineering controls, and procedures that eliminate or minimize exposure to BBP.  
 
Academic areas, research laboratories, and clinics should have a written site-specific ECP if there is potential for exposure to BBPs.  EHSS maintains a template for Site Specific ECPs. 

Employees with a reasonable risk of exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens should be provided with the opportunity to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine.  The Hepatitis B vaccine is available through University Health and Bengal Pharmacy.  This vaccination is provided at no cost to the employee.  To receive a vaccination at University Health, complete the Hepatitis B Immunization Consent/Waiver form.  

All employees with a reasonable risk of exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens should be offered the vaccine after receiving required Bloodborne Pathogens training and within 10 days of initial assignment to their job.  

Research laboratories, teaching areas, and clinics must have an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) if there is a potential for exposure in these areas to bloodborne pathogens.  EHSS has developed a template for site-specific ECPs.