Certain job activities at the University of Pennsylvania may result in occupational exposure to human blood and other body fluids that have the potential for carrying infectious agents. The Exposure Control Plan describes mechanisms for compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard, "Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens; Final Rule, 29 CFR Part 1910.1030, rev. 2001," to ensure worker safety and environmental protection.
In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published its "Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Tuberculosis in Health-Care Facilities". The guidelines make specific recommendations for reducing the risk of transmitting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in healthcare settings. They contain specific information on ventilation requirements, respiratory protection, medical surveillance and training for those personnel who are considered at risk for exposure to tuberculosis in the workplace. Recommendations are summarized in Appendix D of this plan. If employees are at-risk of exposure to tuberculosis, the PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/AREA SUPERVISOR must review the recommendations in Appendix D and ensure that they are in effect in their area.
Investigators intending to work with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the laboratory must obtain written approval from the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) before beginning work. Propagation and manipulation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures must be performed at Biosafety Level 3. A complete description of Biosafety Level 3 and an agent summary statement for this organism may be found in the University's Biological Safety Manual.
For more information consult the CDC's TB Facts for Health Care Workers or call EHRS at 215-898-4453.
In accordance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, rev. 2001, the University of Pennsylvania developed an exposure control plan to minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). The PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/AREA SUPERVISOR must complete bold italicized portions of this plan (see Appendix C) and make the completed plan accessible to all employees who work with human blood, blood products or other potentially infectious materials in their area.
Copies of the plan are available at the EHRS web site or from:
EHRS
3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400
Mail Code 6287
215-898-4453