6 Bloodborne Pathogens Environmental Health and Safety 6 A Introduction The Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Program is designed to minimize personnel exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This manual describes special precautions that must be taken by Iowa State University personnel whose work involves potential contact with human blood and other potentially infectious materials, and defines the responsibilities of Iowa State University personnel. Regulatory Basis Implementation of the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Program is mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). This standard was revised on January 18, 2001, to incorporate changes required by the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. The regulation applies to all personnel likely to have occupational exposures to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. Definitions Bloodborne Pathogens Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to: • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) • Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), which causes Hepatitis B, a liver disease • Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), which causes Hepatitis C, a liver disease Potentially Infectious Materials Potentially infectious materials (PIMs) are materials that can carry bloodborne pathogens. They include: • human blood and blood products • semen • vaginal secretions • spinal fluid • amniotic fluid • other internal human body fluids from joints, chest cavity, heart sac, or abdomen • saliva during dental procedures (special case due to likelihood of blood being present)
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