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ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: September 13, 2023  Amends - GO 4.7.2 ( December 5, 2014 ) Number: 4.7.2 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: April Reviewing Authority: HRD / Employee Services Subject: Exposure Control Program This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide for the safety of all employees of the Sheriff's Office who have the potential for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases. 2. Policy A. The Sheriff's Office through Risk Management and Material Control/Supply will verify that equipment and supplies necessary to minimize the risk of infection with bloodborne pathogens or infectious diseases are available to all employees at risk of occupational exposure. B. Training in conjunction with Risk Management will confirm that initial orientation and continuing education and training on the Exposure C ontrol Program is conducted as required for all employees at risk of exposure. C. Managers and Supervisors, in conjunction with Risk Management shall monitor adherence to recommended protective measures. If this monitoring reveals a failure to follow rec ommended precautions then counseling, education and/or retraining will be provided; and, if necessary, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. 3. Definitions A. Biological Hazard Containers - containers which hold the potentially infectious materials which are properly labeled and ready for disposal collection. B. Bloodborne Pathogens - the pathogenic microorganisms that may be present in human blood or its components and or products. C. Body Fluids - fluids that the body makes including, but not limited to blood, semen, mucous, feces, urine, vaginal secretions, breast milk, amniotic fluids, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pericardial fluid, and fluids that might contain concentrated HIV or HBV viruses. 4.7.2, Page 2 of 8 D. Contaminated - the p resence or the reasonably anticipated presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials. This may involve laundry, sharps, mail, parcels, and equipment. E. Decontaminated - the process of cleaning and sterilizing contaminated areas. F. Engineering C ontrols - the means to isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens or other contaminates from the work place. It is a physical control to reduce the chance of exposure. G. Exposure Control Pla n - a plan of action which is designated to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. NOTE: The manual titled "Orange County Sheriff's Office Exposure Control Program" will be accessible to each employee and volu nteer at each agency facility. The “Exposure Control Program” will be updated annually, by the Risk Management Supervisor. H. Hand Washing - the adequate supply of running water, soap and single use towels or hot air drying machine. I. Infectious Diseases – Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, Anthrax and other “Wea pons of Mass Destruction” (WMD) are included in the classification of “infectious diseases.” J. Occupational Exposure - the reasonable anticipated risk to exposure (contact) with potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee’s duties. K. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - specialized clothing or equipment worn for protection against an exposure hazard. L. Sharps - needles and other sharp objects. M. Suspect Package or Suspect Mail – Any package or piece of mail, deliverable by the U.S. Postal Service or private carrier that creates a credible concern for public safety. This concern may be caused by the nature of the package or mail, or by the source the package or mail was sent from. N. Work Practice Controls - the controls that reduce the likelihood of exposure. Exposure Control Plan is an example of this type of engineering control. 4. Procedures A. Program Objectives 1. To meet the standards establi shed by the Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA ( 29 CFR, Part 19010.1030 on bloodborne pathogens including human immune deficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Also, the guidelines established by the United States Mail Service for incoming mail handling and the Orange 4.7.2, Page 3 of 8 County Health Department. 2. To identify all employees at risk of exposure to HIV and HBV, or other bloodborne pathogens and the “Weapons of Mass Destruction.” 3. To establish policies and procedures for controlling employee exposure to fluids or tissue considered being sources of HIV or HBV infection, or other bloodborne pathogens and “Weapons of Ma ss Destruction.” 4. To establish procedures for the evaluation of circumstances surrounding exposure incidents. 5. To establish procedures for the evacuation and isolation of areas and people exposed to “Weapons of Mass Destruction.” 6. To make available Hepatitis vaccinations to all employees at risk upon selection and/or transfer to assignment. 7. To provide appropriate treatment and counseling should an employee be exposed to bloodborne pathogens or “Weapons of Mass Destruction.” 8. To estab lish a training program for all employees with occupational exposure. 9. To provide record keeping. B. Program Procedures The following engineering and work practice controls will be used to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. These controls will be reviewed and/or revised at least annually. 1