The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Policy # [####]
Bloodborne Pathogen Policy (GEN 1.6.(1).)

Original Issuance Date: MMMM DD, YYYY
Last Revision Date: MMMM DD, YYYY
Next Review Date: MMMM DD, YYYY

1. PURPOSE

2. RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

3. SCOPE

4. BACKGROUND

5. DEFINITIONS

6. POLICY STATEMENT

GEN 1.6.(1). Bloodborne Pathogen Policy.

Definitions:

1. Occupational exposure means reasonable anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) that may result from the performance of an employee’s duties.

2. Bloodborne pathogen 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), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

3. OPIM means the following human body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood, and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids.

The Wisconsin Department of Commerce has issued a standard to protect workers whose jobs put them at risk for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBP). The standard follows guidelines issued by the federal office of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

University employees, identified by the University as having occupational exposure, have an important role in the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan. They are responsible for:

1. Knowing the nature of the tasks they perform and their risk of occupational exposure;
2. Attending yearly BBP education and training sessions;
3. Complying with the methods of exposure control required by the Standard and by this University;
4. Accepting or declining the hepatitis B immunization series;
5. Obtaining the medical record of previous hepatitis B immunizations if indicated;
6. Initiating first aid if a biohazard exposure is incurred; and
7. Reporting exposure incidents to supervisors immediately.

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Bloodborne Pathogen Policy and Exposure Control Plan is available in the offices of unit directors and deans and the University’s library.

7. REFERENCES

8. PROCEDURES

9. REVISION HISTORY