Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP)

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Revised July 2024

Purpose

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that can be present in human blood and cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which causes AIDS; the Hepatitis B virus (HBV); and the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

This section outlines procedures for District employees in the event of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM) while performing job duties.

In accordance with WAC 296-823 Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens the District’s Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Control Plan can be found here. The Bloodborne Exposure Control Plan outlines procedures to be followed in the event of an exposure incident.

Link: Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan

Applicability

This section of the District’s Accident Prevention Manual as well as the District’s Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan are applicable to all District employees whose designated job duties involve occupational exposure to human blood or other potentially infectious materials or those who may perform first aid or CPR in a workplace emergency.

Definitions

Other Potentially Infectious Material (OPIM) includes semen; vaginal secretions; pleural, cerebrospinal, pericardial, peritoneal, synovial, and amniotic body fluids; saliva with blood (dental work); any body fluids with visible blood; unknown body fluids; any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact skin); HIV, HCV, or HBV-containing cultures, culture medium, or other solutions; blood, organs, and tissues from humans infected with HIV, HCV, HBV, or other BBPs.

Saliva, urine or feces are not OPIM unless they are contaminated with blood or other fluids and tissues as noted above. Standard PPE precautions should be used when exposed to these materials.

Blood means human blood, human blood components, and products made from human blood.

Exposure Incident is defined as a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parental contact with blood or OPIM that results from the performance of job duties.

Non-Intact Skin means skin that is damaged by a wound or lesions, or otherwise compromised by a condition such as eczema or some other form of dermatitis.

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 job duties.

Parenteral Contact refers to exposure via a cut or puncture wound inflicted by a potentially contaminated sharp, such as a piece of glass or a used hypodermic needle.

Universal Precautions is an approach to infection control. According to the concept of universal precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens.

Responsibilities

For small cuts resulting in the need for a bandage or two, it is best to clean your own wound. If assistance is provided proper PPE must be utilized. In minor incidents the amount of potentially contaminated materials, including PPE, can be wrapped in a paper towel or a small bag and discarded in the regular garbage.

Manager Responsibilities

  • Ensuring that employees who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens during the course of their work are trained appropriately, including use of proper PPE.
  • All employees have completed and are current on Bloodborne Pathogens training (see Learning Central).
  • Ensure that any employee(s) who experience an exposure during work follow the procedures outlined in this section and the linked exposure plan.
  • In the event of an exposure incident, ensure incident is reported immediately (see Incident Reporting section of this manual).

Employee Responsibilities

  • Follow all procedures in this section and the above linked Bloodborne Exposure Control Plan.
  • Utilize proper PPE to avoid exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens.
  • Report exposure incidents immediately to manager.
  • Be current on Bloodborne Pathogen training.

Proper PPE must be used when risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens or OPIM is present. Proper PPE includes, but is not limited to, gloves, goggles, face shields, disposable raingear, rubber boots, and safety glasses. These items can be found in the custodian supply cabinets, which are located throughout the District.

If blood or other potentially infectious materials gets on the skin, immediately wash with soap and warm water. If the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and/or mouth are exposed, immediately flush with running water or eye wash station.

The Hepatitis B vaccination series is available to all applicable employees. The District’s HEP B vaccination program is administrated by the Safety Department in accordance with

WAC 296-823-13005 Make hepatitis B vaccination available to employees.

The Safety Department can be reached at Safetydept@snopud.com or 425-783-4441.

Training & Resources

Multiple trainings related to Bloodborne Pathogens can be found in Learning Central and can be assigned to employee Learning Plans.