Disclaimer: This course of study is intended solely as an annual update for those who have previously completed a traditional classroom program from the County Safety Officer. Contact the Safety Officer to arrange your initial classroom program.
Blood-borne Pathogens
A “pathogen” is something that causes disease; a germ or a virus. A “blood-borne” pathogen is a germ or virus that lives and travels in blood. There are a variety of blood-borne diseases, the ones we will focus on in this program are hepatitis and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
Federal and State Law
Federal and State workplace safety rules and regulations require employers to train and equip employees to protect themselves if the employee has an occupational risk; is expected to come in contact with blood or body fluids as a normal part of doing their job. Equipment must be provided by the employer, and used by employees to provide protection from blood-borne pathogen exposure. The training component must be repeated annually; that’s why you’re doing this online session now.
Rules in Your Department
If your job involves potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens, your department must have an “Exposure Control Plan”. This plan outlines rules and regulations you must follow to prevent an occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens. The plan also gives instructions on what to do if an exposure occurs. The plan must be available to employees during normal working hours; contact your supervisor or the County Safety Officer if you wish to review your department’s plan. You are required to follow the rules of your departmental plan and supervisors are required to enforce those rules; maybe you should review it!
Federal and state regulations require employers (the county) to offer training and protective equipment. Who is responsible for using the protective equipment and how to use it? (Click on your answer)