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Sharp Items
If a sharp item becomes soiled with blood or
bodily fluid, it cannot be placed into a plasttic
biohazard bag since it will break open the bag.
Sharp items must be placed into a Sharps
Container, a plastic box that is leak-proof,
puncture-proof, spill-proof,and clearly labelled
with the biohazard symbol.
Sharps Container
Exposure Control Plan
Your workplace will have a written policy and
set of procedures regarding bloodborne
pathogens called an
Exposure Control Plan.
This plan should be readilty available to you at
your workplace anytime you are working so you
can read it or refer to it after an exposure. The
exposure control plan will remind you of the
appropriate steps to take after an exposure
occurs.
Exposure Management
One of the most important concepts in a
bloodborne pathogens training program is
knowing how to manage exposures. An
exposure is an event where blood or some
other potentially infectious material makes
contact with a method of entry. If you have a
bloodborne exposure, you should immediately:
Wash the affected area with soap and water so
as to get the infectious material off of you as
soon as possible.
Report the exposure to a supervisor. At every
workplace with a bloodborne pathogens
program there is an individual who is appointed
to manage bloodborne exposures called an
Exposure Control Officer. This person will
coordinate your post-exposure care.
Get the medical treatment and followup that
your employer arranges for you. Your employer
has a responsibility to coordinate a medical
evaluation to evaluate the extend of your
exposure, and what follow-up care you may
need. The medical care you receive will be at
no cost to you and completely confidential.
Your employer will not be notified of any
diagnosis made as a result of your medical
examination.
Employer-Specific Items to Identify:
My employer is __________________________________
The Exposure Control Officer at my workplace is _______________________________________
The Exposure Control Plan at my workplace is located __________________________________