It is the policy of the Wilkes County Board of Education to comply with federal regulations and state statutes regarding bloodborne pathogens as set forth in the Federal Register, 29 CFR 1910.1030, and the North Carolina Administrative Code, 15A NCAC 19.0200, by attempting to limit/prevent occupational exposure of employees to blood or other potentially infectious bodily fluids and materials that may transmit bloodborne pathogens and lead to disease or death.
A. Reasonably Anticipated Occupational Exposure
Employees who could be "reasonably anticipated," as a result of performing required job duties, to face contact with blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials are covered by the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, the North Carolina Administrative Code, and this policy. "Occupational Exposure" includes any reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane or parenteral (brought into the body through some way other than the digestive tract) contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties. "Good Samaritan" acts, such as assisting a co-worker or student with a nosebleed, would not be considered "reasonably anticipated occupational exposure."
B. Universal Precautions
Universal precautions will be in force at all times. All blood, body fluid, and other potentially infectious material will be handled as if infected. The program standards for the control of potential exposure to HIV and HBV (Hepatitis B) as outlined in the OSHA Rule "Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens" Standard 1910.1030, the NC Administrative Codes, or the most current standards available will be followed.
C. School District Requirements
The superintendent will ensure that:
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- all elements of the Exposure Control Plan, including but not limited to exposure determination, work practice standards, HBV vaccination procedures, post-exposure evaluation and follow-up, communication of hazards to employees, training requirements, and record-keeping are met;
- all employees have access to a copy of the Bloodborne Pathogens Policy and Exposure Control Plan;
- this policy is reviewed and updated as needed.
D. Testing
An employee who suspects that he or she has a blood or body fluid exposure may request to be tested, at the school district's expense, provided that the suspected exposure poses a significant risk of transmission as defined in the rules of the Commission for Health Services. The HIV and HBV testing of a person who is the source of an exposure that poses a significant risk of transmission will be conducted in accordance with 15A NC Administrative Code 19A .0202 (4) (HIV) and 19A .0203(6)(3) (HBV). The school district will strictly adhere to existing confidentiality rules and laws regarding employees with communicable diseases, including HIV or HIV-associated conditions.
E. Nondiscrimination Policy
The school district will not discriminate against any applicant or employee who has or is suspected of having a communicable disease, including TB, HBV, HIV infection, or AIDS. An employee may continue to work as long as the employee is able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job and there is no medical evidence indicating that the employee's condition poses a significant, direct threat to co-workers, students, or the public.
Legal References: 29 C.F.R. 1910.1030; 15ANCAC 19.0200, 19A.0202(4), 19A.0203(6)(3)
Cross References:
Adopted: January 9, 2006