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31.6 INFECTIOUS DISEASES Page 1 of 9 EDGEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER # 31. 6 INFECTIOUS DISEASES Revision Date: March 1, 2025 The purpose of this policy is to establish a basic philosophy on safety in the work place. This policy contains the following numbered sections: I. Scope II. General III. Exposure Control Plan IV. Hepatitis B Immunization Program V. Hand Sanitizer /Anti-Bacterial Wipe s I. SCOPE A. The agency exercises a vital role in providing a variety of services to the citizens of the City of Edge wood. While services vary, there exists the potential risk of accidental injury to agency personnel and/or members of the community. B. All personnel are expected to comply with the provisions related to worker safety as referenced in this and othe r agency written directives. C. The agency subscribes to a universal precautions philosophy. This philosophy incorporates an approach to infection control where -by all human body fluids are treated as if they are infectious for Human Immunodeficien cy Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and other blood borne pathogens. D. All sworn officers have been determined to be at risk for occupational exposure. E. Personnel engaged in fingerprinting members of the public shall be considered to be at risk for occupational exposure. II. GENERAL A. Pursuant to standards promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the agency has implemented a Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan for all sworn personnel. The purpose of this plan is to reduce occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens that personnel may encounter in the course of their work. B. The Centers for disease Cont rol recognizes the following as directly linked to the transmission of H.B.V./H.I.V. 1. Blood 2. Synovial Fluid (clear lubricating fluid from a joint) 31.6 INFECTIOUS DISEASES Page 2 of 9 3. Cerebrospinal Fluid (fluid surrounding the brain/spine 4. Pleural Fluid (fluid surrounding the lungs) 5. Amniotic Fluid (fluid protecting fetus from injury) 6. Semen and vaginal secretions 7. Pericardial Fluid (fluid surrounding the heart) 8. Saliva C. Training 1. All personnel shall participate in an infectious disease tr aining program prior to assignment. 2. The training shall be conducted by qualified personnel as designated by the Chief of Police or his designee. 3. Refresher training shall be conducted on an annual basis. 4. The agency shall maintain a ccurate medical and training records for all personnel in accordance with Florida Records Retention Schedule/s. 5. The training shall consist of the following at a minimum: a. Familiarization with the agency’s Exposure Control Plan. b. Familia rization with the basic epidemiology, symptoms, and the modes of transmissions of infectious diseases. c. An explanation of the use and limitations of methods that will prevent or reduce exposure including personal protective equipment. d. Information about the agency’s hepatitis B vaccination program e. An explanation of procedures to follow at any incident involving blood or other potential infectious materials f. An explanation of procedures to follow if an exposure occ urs, including reporting requirements and medical follow -up g. An explanation of the signs, labels and color -coding identifying biohazardous waste h. Familiarization with the agency’s biohazard waste disposal procedure i. Question and answer period D. Signs, labels and color coding identifying biohazardous waste shall be according to OSHA 1910.1030 (G)(1)(I) as follows: 1. Colored red or labeled with the biohazard symbol 2. The labels shall be fluorescent orange or orange -red colored with lettering and symbols in a contrasting color 3. Red colored bags or containers may be substituted for labels E. The agency shall conduct an annual review of its Exposure Control Plan to ensure that it is consistent with current infectious disease, blood borne pathogens, treatments and immunizations, and handling and exposure procedures. The purpose of the annual review shall be to ensure that the plan contains the most current procedures designed to eliminate or minimi ze employee occupational exposure. 31.6 INFECTIOUS DISEASES Page 3 of 9 F. The Chief of Staff shall be designate d as the Infectious Control Officer (ICO ). 1. The ICO shall be responsible for conducting the annual review. 2. The ICO shall be responsible for ensuring that all personnel have received the proper training as outlined in this policy. III. EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN A. Work practices shall include, but are not limited to, the assumption that all body fluids and t issues are infectious. Additionally, that all sharps, items and instruments associated with body fluids and tissues are also infectious. Because of this, personnel shall utilize all Universal Precautions and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that is available and practical to the situation. B. In the event of a suspected exposure the incident shall be documented on a First Report of Injury and an Infectious Exposure Report. The officer shall be tested and medically evaluated by a physi cian within 24 hours of the incident. Periodic testing shall continue through the course of employment as prescribed by the attending physician. C. In the event that a source individual is either incarcerated or admitted to a