There are a few different methods in a bloodborne pathogens program to help reduce your risk of exposure. These are:

• Universal Precautions
• Engineering Controls
• Work Practice Controls
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

We'll discuss each of these methods more in detail a little further on in this training. But one thing to remember is that the method(s) that you will be using will be addressed in your department's "Exposure Control Plan".

Your department has a written Exposure Control Plan (ECP) for your work area that contains information such as:

• An exposure determination by evaluating your job task.
• Methods that you will be using that will eliminate or minimize your bloodborne pathogen exposure.
• Special work practices, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment that's required.
• Procedures for implementing Hepatitis B vaccinations and post exposure treatment.
• Training and recordkeeping requirements.

Make sure you know where to locate a copy of your department's Exposure Control Plan. HINT: You'll be asked later in this training to provide the location.

You're also required to be able to locate a copy of the University of Maine Bloodborne Pathogens Program (available on the SEM website on the Policies page) and the OSHA standard on Bloodborne Pathogens (OSHA 1910.1030 - available on the internet at www.osha.gov).

Universal Precautions refers to a concept of bloodborne disease control in which all human blood (and other potentially infections materials - OPIM) are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens regardless of the perceived status of the source individual. It is UMaine's policy that all blood and OPIM shall be treated as if infectious.

Engineering Controls are controls such as sharps disposal containers, self-sheathing needles, needless systems, plastic (instead of glass) capillary tubes, etc. that isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogen hazard from the workplace. If there is an engineering control available that will reduce employee exposure either by removing, eliminating, or isolating the hazard, it must be used.

Work practice controls alters how you conduct a task to minimize the risk of exposure. Examples of work practice controls are:

• Talking an injured person through self care
• Emptying trash by holding the liner
• Using a dustpan and brush to pick up broken glass or other sharp material
• Using a 'no hands' procedure in handling contaminated sharps
• Taking waste out immediately after cleanup

Generally, engineering and work practice controls are the primary means of eliminating or minimizing employee exposures. It conforms to the traditional hierarchy of controls - in that you first consider all engineering and work practice controls, and if it's not possible or feasible, then the use of personal protective equipment is used as a last resort.

The reason why PPE is considered as a last resort is because the hazard is still there and you are still exposed. PPE will only act as a barrier between you and the hazard, but it won't reduce or eliminate it like an engineering control would.

PPE for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens and OPIM must be:

• Provided at no cost to you
• Appropriate - in that it does not permit blood or OPIM to pass through to or reach your work clothes, street clothes, undergarments, skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes under normal use
• Accessible
• Available in appropriate sizes
• Removed if contaminated by blood or OPIM
• Removed prior to leaving the work area

Examples of PPE are:

• Gloves
• Goggles, faceshields
• Masks
• Gowns, aprons, labcoats
• Surgical caps, hoods, shoe covers

Your Exposure Control Plan will indicate what PPE is required to be used. It's based on an evaluation of the task and they type of exposure expected.

All PPE must be removed and disposed of properly prior to leaving your work area.

Properly dispose of any damaged PPE (torn, cracking, distorted, etc.) and replace as soon as possible.

Home laundering of PPE by employees is not permitted since the OSHA standard requires that the laundering be performed by the employer at no cost to the employee. Also, UMaine must ensure that proper handling and laundering procedures are being followed and that contamination does not migrate to the homes of employees.