1.0 DISTRIBUTION
All Departments.
2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
Nil
3.0 APPLICABLE FORMS
Nil
4.0 APPLICABILITY
This document is applicable to Technical Service Center and Xxx (India) Pvt. Ltd., Xxx Plant only.
5.0 RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT
QA Department
Production Department
Engineering Department
6.0 RESPONSIBILITY
EHS Co-ordinator
7.0 PURPOSE
This policy defines procedures for preventing blood borne infections and the safe handling of materials containing potentially infectious fluids and tissues.
8.0 PROCEDURE
8.1 General
8.1.1 The respective Administration HR Manager shall maintain a list of all employees and the job responsibilities in which employees have or have the potential for occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens and bio-hazardous materials.
8.1.2 The Department manager to verify continued or new potential exposure shall annually review this exposure determination.
8.2 Definition
8.2.1 Blood Borne Pathogens: Pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and that can cause diseases. This shall include the pathogens that are present in all other bodily fluids such as saliva, and other body fluids visibly contaminated with blood and any unfixed cultures prepared in the laboratory, bio- hazardous materials / waste, etc.
8.2.2 Biohazards: Biohazards are organisms or products that present a risk to human beings and may consist of biological, radiological and toxic chemical materials. Employees considered at risk for biohazard exposure includes any individual working with bacteria, viruses, etc., as well as those who clean laboratory glassware, items contaminated with blood or bodily fluids.
8.2.3 Decontamination: The use of physical or chemical means such as autoclaving or 1:10 solution of bleach: water to remove or inactivate the blood borne pathogens.
8.2.4 Biohazard Container: A container in which bio-hazardous waste is placed.
8.2.5 Occupational Exposure: Reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, etc. that may come in contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials in the course of performing employees duties.
8.3 General Precaution
8.3.1 These general precautions shall be observed by all to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
8.3.2 Hand, other skin surfaces and all exposed areas should be washed thoroughly with soap and water immediately, if contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids. Hands should be washed immediately after gloves or other personal protective equipment (PPE) are removed, and upon leaving the work area.
8.3.3 Routine use of appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, face shield, etc. should be used if splashing of blood or bodily fluids is likely.
8.3.4 Eating, drinking, applying cosmetics, etc. are to be avoided in laboratories or Other work areas where blood or other potentially contaminated products could be present.
8.3.4 All employees should take precautions to prevent injuries caused by glass, razor blades, needles or other sharp objects.
8.3.5 All equipment, and working surfaces should be properly cleaned and disinfected after contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials prior to resuming work, using a 1: 10 (bleach : water) solution.
8.3.6 Chemical germicides that are approved for use as “hospital disinfectants” are to be used at recommended dilutions (INM-01-014) for decontaminating spills of blood and other body fluids. Gloves must be worn during cleaning and decontamination procedures.
8.3.7 During an emergency, when there is a need for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, the First Aiders must use mouthpieces with one-way valves. Extra mouth shields must be kept in all first aid boxes.
8.4 Waste Disposal
8.4.1 All infectious waste destined for disposal should be placed in a closeable leak proof bag or container that is color coded orange-red and labeled with a biohazard symbol.
8.4.2 The biohazard bag should be autoclaved in the sterilizer for decontamination prior to sending for disposal as trash.
8.4.3 Special odor free containers are kept in all women’s toilets for disposal of
sanitary pads/napkins, and other tissues/materials that may be contaminated with bodily fluids.
8.5 Communication
Warning labels should be affixed to containers of bio-hazardous waste. The
Regulated waste that has been decontaminated need not be labeled.
8.6 Post - Exposure and Follow-Up
8.6.1 If an exposure occurs, the employee should wash the affected area immediately with germicidal soap. Any clothing contaminated with blood and or body fluids should also be removed and decontaminated.
8.6.2 Any employee who has had an occupational exposure involving large amounts of blood or prolonged contact with blood, especially when the skin is abraded, he/she will have a medical evaluation immediately. The evaluating physician should be given a copy of the employee’s job duties as they relate to exposure, a description of PPE that was used, if any, the circumstances under which exposure occurred and all the medical particulars of the employee, including the vaccination status. The evaluating physician’s report shall be furnished to the employee for review and the report shall be kept confidential.
8.6.3 Source Individual Testing:
Once an exposure has occurred, a blood sample shall be drawn from the source individual unless identification is infeasible. The sample will be tested for Hepatitis B antigen and antibody to HIV as soon as possible. Results of the source individual’s testing shall be made available to the exposed employee and the employee shall be informed to keep the information confidential.
8.6.4 Exposed Employee Evaluation & Treatment:
An exposed employee’s blood shall be drawn as soon as feasible and tested for Hepatitis B antigen and antibody to HIV.
8.6.5 Source Positive for Hepatitis B Antigen:
If the employee was exposed to blood that was found to be positive for Hepatitis B antigen, the employee will receive a single dose of Hepatitis B immune globulin and or other treatment as the evaluating physician deems to be fit.
8.6.6 Source Positive for HIV:
If the source is found to be positive for HIV infection, the employee should be counseled regarding the risk of infection and evaluated for evidence of HIV as soon as possible. The employee should be advised to report and seek medical attention as the evaluating physician recommends for follow-up after the initial evaluation.
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