Keeping things in the right Perspective part 4...... LAWS..! Introduction to BioRecovery Crime & Trauma Scene BioHazard Cleanup and Recovery REGULATORY BACKGROUND Years ago, few cleaning or restoration personnel thought much about getting blood on themselves. Aside from the repulsive nature of blood, the very thought of blood being the carrier of deadly and debilitating diseases was furthest from our minds. This all changed on December 6, 1991, when the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued its final ruling on Occupational Exposures to Bloodborne Pathogens. The regulation covers all employees who could come in contact with blood or potentially infectious materials in the course of their routine work. (Insurance adjusters take note; this may include you if you inspect bloody vehicles or property as part of your job). Part of this regulation mandates the implementation of Universal Precautions which are procedures designed to reduce infectious exposures, including the adoption of procedures mandating that employees treat all blood or other body fluids as potentially containing bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are harmful microorganisms present in blood, or other potentially infectious materials, that could cause disease or even death in humans. Included among these microorganisms are hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Syphilis, Tuberculosis, Creutzfeldt Jakob, and others. Federal regulation 29CFR1910.1030 now states that no employee can be placed in a position to be exposed to blood spills without first: ◾1. Receiving Bloodborne Pathogen Training from an approved trainer. ◾Having a written Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan in place. ◾Having work practice controls in place to protect the employee. ◾Having been provided personal protective equipment specific to the job. ◾Having been offered in writing and free of charge, Hepatitis B vaccination. ◾Have a way to properly package and dispose of the contaminants. Why do we emphasize this regulation? Without being able to determine which blood or body fluid spill is infected with disease, extraordinary precautions must be taken every time. A tiny pin prick or splash of fluid in the eyes can be a death sentence. Even an airborne dried blood flake coming into contact with a technician’s mucous membranes could transmit a fatal disease. Without special training, precautions, equipment and protective suits, an employee could pick up a contaminant and spread the disease unknowingly to his or her own family. Death by these pathogens can be slow and agonizing, causing great emotional and financial burden for the victim as well as his or her family. In addition to the Bloodborne Pathogens regulations, biorecovery companies may also have to comply with the Respiratory Protection, Confined Space, Lock-Out Tag-Out, Hazard Communication, and Hazardous Materials regulations (as well as others). Any Disinfectants used must meet EPA regulations for specific antimicrobial kill claims related to bloodborne pathogens
Posted on: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:59:45 +0000
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