Environmental Health & Safety
Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan —
for General Industry
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY
BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
FOR GENERAL INDUSTRY
G. HEPATITIS B VACCINATIONS AND POST-EXPOSURE FOLLOW-UPS
1. Overview
Hepatitis B vaccinations shall be made available to any employee who has a potential for becoming exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials. If an occupational exposure (HIV, HBV or HCV) occurs, a post-exposure follow-up shall be provided. Post-exposure management including medical evaluations and procedures shall be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician and laboratory tests shall be conducted by an accredited laboratory. The evaluations and procedures shall be provided to the employee at a reasonable time and place and according to standard recommendations for medical practice.
2. HBV Vaccination Criteria
HBV vaccinations shall be offered to all employees occupationally exposed on an average of one or more times per month (i.e., Category 1 or 2) to blood or other potentially infectious materials, unless the employee has had a previous HBV vaccination or unless antibody titer testing has revealed that the employee is immune. If the worker initially declines the HBV vaccination but at a later date decides to accept the HBV vaccine, SDSU will provide the vaccine. HBV antibody testing is available to employees whether or not they decide to receive the vaccine. (If the employee is found to be immune to HBV by virtue of an adequate antibody titer, SDSU is not required to offer the HBV vaccine to that worker). The vaccination shall be made available to the employee after training has been provided and within ten (10) working days of the initial assignment.
3. Notification Procedure
The procedure whereby employees are notified and offered the HBV vaccination is as follows:
a. EH&S works with individual supervisors to identify Category 1 and Category 2 employees.
b. EH&S prepares a written notification package which is mailed to each employees identified as Category 1 or 2.
c. EH&S maintains a list of those individuals who accept the vaccination offer and works with individual departments and Student Health Services to coordinate the scheduling of vaccinations. Records of individuals accepting and rejecting the offer are maintained by EH&S.
4. Post-exposure Evaluation and Follow-up
Following an occupational exposure incident, a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up shall be made available to the individual(s) involved. The following elements shall be included:
a. Documentation of the route(s) of exposure, HIV, HBV and HCV antibody status of the source material (or patient) — if known, and the circumstances in which the exposure occurred.
b. Collection of blood from the employee as soon as possible after the exposure for determination of HIV, HBV and/or HCV status. (Actual antibody or antigen testing of the blood or serum sample shall be done at this time.)
c. Follow-up of the exposed employee includes: antibody or antigen testing, counseling, illness reporting, and safe and effective post-exposure prophylaxis according to current medical practices.
d. The university shall provide the attending physician evaluating an employee after an exposure incident the following information:
(1) A copy of this regulation.
(2) A description of the exposed employee’s duties as they relate to the exposure incident.
e. The physician shall provide the university with a copy of the medical evaluation and physician’s written opinion (within fifteen days of the completion of the evaluation). SDSU shall provide the employee a copy of the medical evaluation and written opinion which would indicate:
(1) The ability of the employee to receive the HBV vaccine.
(2) A statement that the employee has been informed of the results of the medical evaluation and has been informed of any medical conditions resulting from exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials which require further evaluation and treatment.
(3) Documentation of the route(s) of exposure and circumstances under which exposure occurred.
(4) Result of source material or individual, if available.
f. Prophylaxis will be provided to occupationally exposed individuals with a high risk for sero-conversion. Treatment will begin within 2-4 hours after an exposure (HIV and HBV) has been reported.
This page last updated September 25, 2008
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