Bloodborne Pathogens Policy

 

Approvied August 2024

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Although normal library operations are not likely to involve circumstances exposing employees or users to bloodborne pathogens, the Moweaqua Public Library District (MPLD) complies with Illinois Department of Labor regulations (and, therefore, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations) relating to occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens which have been incorporated by administrative actions.

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Exposure Determination: No particular job classification of the Library has occupational exposure (meaning "reasonably anticipated . . . contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties"); however, emergencies may occur with staff or patrons—particularly young or elderly patrons—in which library employees in all classifications may be called on to respond with assistance. Emergencies with “out of control” individuals (e.g., biting, spitting) also could present an individual threat.

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Universal Precautions: All potential circumstances of exposure must be anticipated by the Library and its employees to protect against exposures. Hepatitis B (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other pathogens found in human blood and other bodily fluids cause life-threatening diseases. In an emergency or other such circumstances, when contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials may result, the Library’s approach to infection control requires that all human blood and bodily fluids be treated as if known to be infectious for HBV, HIV, and other bloodborne pathogens. Engineering and work practice controls shall be used to eliminate or minimize employee exposures; if a possibility of exposure remains, personal protective equipment shall also be used.

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Exposure Control Plan: Any time that human blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious material are presented within the Library environment, the contaminated area shall be immediately cordoned off and quarantined, even if the entire facility must be closed to accomplish this. Personal protective equipment (gloves, gowns, masks, etc.) shall be provided and used in the cleanup and safe disposal of contaminated waste, such as diapers or blood-tinged materials (e.g., bandages, gauze, cotton, clothing). If advisable, a professional hazardous/contaminated cleanup firm shall be contacted and retained for complete cleanup and decontamination. The quarantine shall be effective until complete cleanup and disposal is obtained. Hand-washing facilities are provided by the Library and must be used by staff as soon and often as feasible, including following removal of personal protective equipment. A complete record of all incidents, exposures, cleanup, and disposals shall be kept as required by regulations.

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Training and Immunizations: The Library shall provide annual in-service training/educational programs for all affected employees. Training will be provided directly or through system, state, or association programs. Any employee who has an occupational exposure shall be offered, at no charge, the HBV vaccine series, in accordance with the regulations. Following the report of an exposure incident, the Library will make a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up immediately available to the exposed employee or employees, as provided in the regulations.