GO 522.0520 - Infectious Disease Exposures

SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS GO 522.05 Page 1 of 4 522.05 INFECTIOUS DISEASE EXPOSURES 05-28-2024 PURPOSE The Sacramento Police Department recognizes that infectious disease exposure is an occupational health hazard, and that infectious disease transmission is possible during any aspect of emergency response and/or routine on- duty operations. This General Orde r has been prepared to provide Department -specific procedures to minimize or eliminate employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens and aerosol -transmissible diseases. This policy was developed in accordance with State of California and City of Sacramento rules and regulations. POLICY It shall be the policy of the Sacramento Police Department that all employees shall use appropriate precautions to avoid or lessen their exposure to infectious diseases. PROCEDURE A. DEFINITIONS 1. AEROSOL -TRANSMISSIBLE DISEASE (ATD): A disease or pathogen that is transmitted by liquid or solid particles in the air including droplets, droplet nuclei, fomites, and dusts. These diseases include, but are not limited to, Tuberculosis (TB), Measles, Influenza, and COVID19. 2. BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS (BBP): Pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immunodef iciency Virus (HIV). 3. CONTAMINATED: The presence, or the reasonably anticipated presence, of blood or other potentially infectious materials on a surface or an item. 4. DECONTAMINATION: The use of physical or chemical means to remove or inactivate infectious diseases on a surface or item to the point where they are no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use, or disposal. 5. DESIGNATED OFFICER (DO): A employee trained in managing exposures to infectious diseases and designated by the Office of Personnel Services Division to conduct follow -up investigations with medical facilities regarding exposures. Medical facilities include, but are not limited to, hospitals, clinics, and the S acramento County Coroner’s Office. 6. EXPOSURE INCIDENT: Contact by eye, mouth, mucous membrane, non -intact skin, or a parenteral contact with blood or OPIM that may result from the performance of an employee’s duties. 7. OTHER POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS MATERIALS (OPIM): OPIM include certain human bodily fluids that are contaminated by blood, such as : semen, vaginal secretions , any other bodily fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood, such as , saliva or vomitus, and all bodily fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between fluids or their source. 8. PARENTERAL CONTACT: Piercing mucous membranes or the skin barrier through such events as needle sticks, human bites, cuts, and abrasions. 9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): Specia lized clothing or equipment worn or used for protection against a hazard (e.g., gloves, masks, goggles, face shields, etc.). This does not include general work clothes (e.g., uniforms, pants, shirts). 10. RYAN WHITE CARE ACT: Legislation passed by Congress in 1990 regarding fair treatment of people infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. A section of this act mandates that first responders have a right to know if they were exposed to life- threatening diseases while providing care. 11. SOURCE PATIENT: A person who is th e source on an exposure to an infectious disease. SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS GO 522.05 Page 2 of 4 B. HANDLING INFECTED PERSONS 1. Appropriate PPE must be used when there is a likelihood of an occupational exposure. After use, contaminated gloves should be turned inside out and shall be disposed of in a trash receptacle. 2. Subjects suspected of having an infectious disease who have bodi ly fluids on their person or clothing shall be transported individually. 3. When transporting subjects who are sick, officers should place a mask (if safe and available) over the subject’s nose and mouth and ventilate the vehicle by rolling down the windows. 4. When such persons are relinquished to other public safety or service agencies, officers shall advise of their infectious disease concerns and precautions. 5. When such persons are placed in a Department holding facility, an “Isolation Area- DO NOT ENTER” sign shall be posted on the exterior of the door after the person has vacated the room so the room can be properly decontaminated prior to use by others . C. DECONTAMINATION 1. Employees : a. Wash hands and contaminated skin with soap and water , as soon as possible , following contact with blood or OPIM. Mucous membranes must be flushed with water. b. If immediate handwashing is not feasible, promptly use disposable antiseptic towelettes and waterless hand sanitizer to disinfect the exposed area. 2. Equipment : a. Equipment that may be contaminated by blood or OPIM must be examined, cleaned, and disinfected prior to being placed back in service. Equipment that cannot be disinfected shall be discarded in an appropriate trash receptacle. Officers shall wear PPE for all equipment cleaning. b. Leather Gear: Wash with saddle soap and water . c. Body Armor: Remove