SECTION A: PURPOSE AND POLICY STATEMENT

Bloodborne means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The OSHA Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogen Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030 requires employers to implement a control program that will prevent individuals potentially exposed to infectious materials from contracting bloodborne disease.

Specific requirements of the Bloodborne Standard include:

• Develop a written exposure control plan
• Develop procedures which assure the application of "Universal Precautions", engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Assure proper housekeeping practices
• Provide special protection for individuals working in HIV and HBV research laboratories and product facilities
• Make available at no cost to employee Hepatitis B vaccination
• Provide adequate training to all potentially exposed individuals
• Provide approved labels and signs for marking potential hazards
• Provide post-exposure medical evaluation and follow-up
• Maintain appropriate prescribed records

The head of each University administrative unit in which activities are conducted that would permit potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens will perform a survey using the procedures presented in this plan and will implement all applicable control practices. All individuals who are identified as having potential exposure will be notified in writing of the situation and advised of their rights relative to the Bloodborne Pathogen Control Program. The exposure determination procedure will include:

1. A listing of all jobs or other activity classifications in which the individuals within the category all have a potential exposure;
2. A list of jobs or other activity categories in which only some employees may have potential exposure; and
3. A list of all tasks and procedures or groups of closely related tasks and procedures conducted within the unit in which a potential exposure could occur.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville will conduct a program that complies in full with the requirements of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. The protection aspects of the program will also apply to students and all other individuals who may potentially be exposed to bloodborne pathogens by involvement in University activities.