Bloodborne Pathogens and Infectious Disease Exposure Control Policy

Infection Control Workbook (PDF)   |   SCC Dental Health Clinic Manual (PDF)

Purpose

To minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases and to comply with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standards and California occupational health regulations.

Policy

All employees and students shall follow Standard Precautions and exposure control procedures when performing duties that may involve contact with blood, saliva, or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).

Exposure Control Measures

Engineering Controls

1. Sharps containers are readily accessible in all treatment areas.
2. Safety-engineered sharps devices are utilized whenever available and clinically appropriate.
3. Instrument cassettes and transport containers are used to minimize handling of contaminated instruments.

Work Practice Controls

1. Needles are not be bent, broken, or recapped using two hands.
2. One-handed scoop techniques or safety devices are used when recapping is necessary.
3. Eating, drinking, applying cosmetics, and handling contact lenses are prohibited in clinical and instrument processing areas.
4. Specimens and contaminated materials are transported in leak-proof containers.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

1. Hepatitis B vaccination shall be offered to employees with occupational exposure at no cost and within the timeframe required by OSHA. Students in the dental programs are required to cover the cost of their Hepatitis vaccination or Antibody Titer.
2. Documentation of vaccination or declination shall be maintained.

Exposure Incident Procedures

An exposure incident includes a needlestick injury, sharps injury, splash to the eyes, nose, or mouth, or contact with non-intact skin involving blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Immediate Response

1. Wash needlestick or skin exposure sites immediately with soap and water.
2. Flush eyes, nose, or mouth with copious amounts of water.
3. Notify the supervisor immediately.
4. Complete an incident report as soon as possible and submit to the division Dean within 24 hours.

Medical Evaluation and Follow-Up

1. A confidential medical evaluation shall be provided promptly following an exposure incident.
2. Evaluation shall include:
   • Documentation of the exposure route and circumstances.
   • Identification and testing of the source individual when permitted by law.
   • Testing of the exposed employee as appropriate.
   • Post-exposure prophylaxis when medically indicated.
   • Counseling and follow-up evaluation.

Documentation

1. Exposure incidents are documented in accordance with OSHA and California record-retention requirements.
2. Sharps injuries are recorded in the Sharps Injury Log.

Infectious Disease Management

Employee/Student Health

1. Employees with potentially transmissible illnesses shall report symptoms to their supervisor. Students with transmissible illness shall report to their course faculty/program director.
2. Work/school restrictions or exclusions shall be implemented when necessary to protect patients and coworkers.
3. Return-to-work/school decisions shall follow public health guidance and healthcare recommendations.

Patient Management

1. Patients with known or suspected infectious diseases are treated using Standard Precautions.
2. Additional transmission-based precautions shall be implemented when indicated by current public health recommendations.
3. Dental care shall not be denied solely on the basis of an infectious disease diagnosis.

Training

1. Bloodborne pathogens training is provided upon initial assignment and at least annually thereafter.
2. Training includes:
   • Disease transmission
   • Exposure prevention
   • PPE use
   • Post-exposure procedures
   • Employee rights and responsibilities

Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as regulations, public health recommendations, and clinical standards evolve.