An employer exposure control plan (ECP) is a requirement of 29 CFR 1910.1030(c) of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The purpose of the ECP is to establish procedures to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Throughout the rest of the module, we'll take a closer look at each of the sections of a sample ECP.
1. Which government agency mandates the establishment of an exposure control plan (ECP)?
a. American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)Open the sample exposure control plan policy below. You will notice that the policy is specific to a facility, not the business. This is because a business with multiple work-sites must have a separate Exposure Control Program for each site.
The policy establishes the required contents of the ECP. To see a sample policy, click on the button below.
The (Your facility name) is committed to providing a safe and healthful work environment for our entire staff. In pursuit of this goal, the following exposure control plan (ECP) is provided to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in accordance with OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1030, "Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens."
The ECP is a key document to assist our organization in implementing and ensuring compliance with the standard, thereby protecting our employees. This ECP includes:
2. An exposure control plan policy should be specific to each _____.
a. taskThe program administration section of the Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is very important. Within this section of the ECP, the people and/or departments responsible for the various administrative functions are identified.
The program administrative section determines who will:
Click on the button below to see a sample program.
3. The people and/or departments responsible for the various administrative functions are identified in the program's _____.
a. goals and objectives sectionOne of the key elements of the Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is the employee exposure determination. This section of the plan lists all job classifications at the work-site with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
For example, in this section you might identify the job title "Housekeeper" within the department "Facility Maintenance".
Notice that individual names are not used. Occupational exposure is classified by the job or task, not by the individual.
In addition to identifying the job classification and department, the ECP should also identify the procedures, or group of closely related tasks and procedures, in which occupational exposure may occur.
Adding to our previous example, the job title, location, and task would be identified as "Housekeeper / Facility Maintenance / Handling Regulated Waste".
NOTE: Part-time, temporary, contract and per diem employees are covered by the bloodborne pathogens standard. The ECP should describe how the standard will be met for these employees.
Click on the button below to see a sample Exposure Determination Section.
The following is a list of all job classifications at our establishment in which all employees have occupational exposure:
Job Title | Department/Location |
---|---|
(Example: Phlebotomists) | (Clinical Lab) |
Use as many lines as necessary.
The following is a list of job classifications in which some employees at our establishment have occupational exposure. Included is a list of tasks and procedures, or groups of closely related tasks and procedures, in which occupational exposure may occur for these individuals:
Job Title / Department - Location / Task - Procedure
(Example: Housekeeper / Environmental Services Handling / Regulated Waste)
Use as many lines as necessary.
4. In the exposure control plan, the degree exposure to bloodborne pathogens is determined and classified by _____.
a. facilitiesThis section of the Exposure Control Plan (ECP) discusses the methods and controls the organization will use to prevent occupational exposure.
Topics included in this section of the ECP are:
Click on the button below to see a sample Implementation and Control Section.
Universal Precautions
All employees will utilize universal precautions.
Exposure Control PlanEmployees covered by the bloodborne pathogens standard receive an explanation of this ECP during their initial training session. It will also be reviewed in their annual refresher training. All employees can review this plan at any time during their work shifts by contacting (Name of responsible person or department). If requested, we will provide an employee with a copy of the ECP free of charge and within 15 days of the request.
(Name of responsible person or department) is responsible for reviewing and updating the ECP annually or more frequently if necessary to reflect any new or modified tasks and procedures that affect occupational exposure and to reflect new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure.
Engineering Controls and Work PracticesEngineering controls and work practice controls will be used to prevent or minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The specific engineering controls and work practice controls used are listed below:
(For example: non-glass capillary tubes, SESIPs, needleless systems)Sharps disposal containers are inspected and maintained or replaced by (Name of responsible person or department) every (list frequency) or whenever necessary to prevent overfilling.
This facility identifies the need for changes in engineering controls and work practices through __________ (Examples: Review of OSHA records, employee interviews, committee activities, etc.)
We evaluate new procedures and new products regularly by __________ (Describe the process, literature reviewed, supplier info, products considered)
Both front-line workers and management officials are involved in this process in the following manner: __________ (Describe employees' involvement)
(Name of responsible person or department) is responsible for ensuring that these recommendations are implemented.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)PPE is provided to our employees at no cost to them. Training in the use of the appropriate PPE for specific tasks or procedures is provided by (Name of responsible person or department).
The types of PPE available to employees are as follows: _________ (gloves, eye protection, etc.)
PPE is located (List location) and may be obtained through (Name of responsible person or department). (Specify how employees will obtain PPE and who is responsible for ensuring that PPE is available.)
All employees using PPE must observe the following precautions:
The procedure for handling used PPE is as follows: _________ (may refer to specific procedure by title or number and last date of review; include how and where to decontaminate face shields, eye protection, resuscitation equipment)
HousekeepingRegulated waste is placed in containers which are closable, constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage, appropriately labeled or color-coded (see the following section "Labels"), and closed prior to removal to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents during handling.
The procedure for handling sharps disposal containers is: (may refer to specific procedure by title or number and last date of review)
The procedure for handling other regulated waste is: (may refer to specific procedure by title or number and last date of review)
Contaminated sharps are discarded immediately or as soon as possible in containers that are closable, puncture-resistant, leak proof on sides and bottoms, and appropriately labeled or color-coded. Sharps disposal containers are available at (must be easily accessible and as close as feasible to the immediate area where sharps are used).
Bins and pails (e.g., wash or emesis basins) are cleaned and decontaminated as soon as feasible after visible contamination.
Broken glassware that may be contaminated is only picked up using mechanical means, such as a brush and dustpan.
LaundryThe following contaminated articles will be laundered by this company:
Laundering will be performed by (Name of responsible person or department) at (time and/or location).
The following laundering requirements must be met:
The following labeling methods are used in this facility:
Equipment to be Labeled: _________ (Label Type and Size, Color ) (specimens, contaminated laundry, etc.) (red bag, biohazard label)
(Name of responsible person or department) is responsible for ensuring that warning labels are affixed or red bags are used as required if regulated waste or contaminated equipment is brought into the facility. Employees are to notify (Name of responsible person or department) if they discover regulated waste containers, refrigerators containing blood or OPIM, contaminated equipment, etc., without proper labels.
5. Which section of the Exposure Control Plan (ECP) discusses engineering controls and work practices the organization will use to prevent occupational exposure?
a. Methods of Implementation and ControlThis section of the exposure control plan (ECP) establishes your organizations policy regarding hepatitis B (HBV) vaccinations.
Employers are required to provide the HBV vaccination to employees at no cost within 10 days of initial assignment.
It is important to note that "employers" includes both for-profit and non-profits organizations. Volunteers are considered employees for the purpose of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard. Also, if a school, requires students to perform tasks which exposes them to bloodborne pathogens, the school may be required to provide the HBV vaccination at no cost to the student.
Vaccination is encouraged unless:
Employees can decline the vaccination. If they do, the employee must sign a declination form. Employees who decline the vaccination may request and obtain the vaccination at a later date at no cost.
Click on the button below to see a sample Hepatitis B Vaccination Section.
(Name of responsible person or department) will provide training to employees on hepatitis B vaccinations, addressing safety, benefits, efficacy, methods of administration, and availability.
The hepatitis B vaccination series is available at no cost after initial employee training and within 10 days of initial assignment to all employees identified in the exposure determination section of this plan. Vaccination is encouraged unless: 1) documentation exists that the employee has previously received the series; 2) antibody testing reveals that the employee is immune; or 3) medical evaluation shows that vaccination is contraindicated.
However, if an employee declines the vaccination, the employee must sign a declination form. Employees who decline may request and obtain the vaccination at a later date at no cost. Documentation of refusal of the vaccination is kept at (List location).
Vaccination will be provided by (List health care professional responsible for this part of the plan) at (location).
Following the medical evaluation, a copy of the health care professional's written opinion will be obtained and provided to the employee within 15 days of the completion of the evaluation. It will be limited to whether the employee requires the hepatitis vaccine and whether the vaccine was administered.
6. Employers are required to provide the HBV vaccination to employees at no cost within _____ days of initial assignment.
a. 5OSHA expects employers to have a plan in place in the event an employee does have an occupational exposure.
This section of the Exposure Control Plan (ECP) must identify the person responsible for post-exposure follow-up.
Additionally, this section of the ECP must provide the post-exposure steps to be taken in the event of an occupational exposure. Remember, employees must be able to access the ECP for their personal review, even if an exposure has not occurred.
Click on the button below to see a sample Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up.
Should an exposure incident occur, contact (Name of responsible person) at the following number __________.
An immediately available confidential medical evaluation and follow-up will be conducted by (name of licensed health care professional).
Following initial first aid (clean the wound, flush eyes or other mucous membrane, etc.), the following activities will be performed:
7. When may employees access and review the exposure control plan?
a. Within 30 days of exposure to bloodborne pathogensThis section of the Exposure Control Plan (ECP) identifies the person or department responsible for ensuring the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up are performed.
After the post-exposure evaluation is completed, the employee must be provided a copy of the health care professional's written opinion within 15 days after the evaluation is completed.
Click on the button below to see a sample Administration of Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up section.
(Name of responsible person or department) ensures that health care professional(s) responsible for employee's hepatitis B vaccination and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up are given a copy of OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard.
(Name of responsible person or department) ensures that the health care professional evaluating an employee after an exposure incident receives the following:
(Name of responsible person or department) provides the employee with a copy of the evaluating health care professional's written opinion within 15 days after completion of the evaluation.
8. After the post-exposure evaluation is complete, employees must be provided a health care professional's written opinion within _____ days.
a. 5This section of the Exposure Control Plan (ECP) identifies who is responsible for evaluating an exposure incident. In addition, it should list what will be included as part of the evaluation process.
One important piece to this section is the recording of percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps in a Sharps Injury Log. If your company is not required to maintain a Sharps Injury Log, then this can be excluded. The Sharps Injury Log is discussed further in course 708 OSHA Recordkeeping Basics, Module 4.
Click on the button below to see a sample Evaluating the Circumstances Surrounding an Exposure Incident section.
(Name of responsible person or department) will review the circumstances of all exposure incidents to determine:
(Name of Responsible Person) will record all percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps in a Sharps Injury Log.
If revisions to this ECP are necessary (Responsible person or department) will ensure that appropriate changes are made. (Changes may include an evaluation of safer devices, adding employees to the exposure determination list, etc.)
9. If an employee is exposed to bloodborne pathogens from a contaminated needle, how should the incident be recorded?
a. In any non-verbal formatted documentAll employees who have been identified as having occupational exposure must receive initial and annual Bloodborne Pathogens training. Remember, you should have already identified all of the job classifications previously in your Exposure Control Plan.
Some companies put all of their employees through this training, regardless of their job classification, especially if an employee's job classification can change. This can potentially save in training costs, by reducing the number of separate trainings that might need to be offered. For example, primary and secondary teachers are often given this training at the beginning of each school year.
Computer based training (CBT) can be used to provide this training if all of the criteria below are met. It is important to note that hands on training for personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required for bloodborne pathogens training. Employees must be able to practice putting on and taking off the PPE, as well as being instructed in it's proper use.
Click on the button below to see a sample Employee Training Guidelines section.
All employees who have occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens receive initial and annual training conducted by (Name of responsible person or department). (Attach a brief description of their qualifications.)
All employees who have occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens receive training on the epidemiology, symptoms, and transmission of bloodborne pathogen diseases. In addition, the training program covers, at a minimum, the following elements:
Training materials for this facility are available at (name location).
10. As part of employee initial PPE training, employees must be able to demonstrate the skills needed to properly _____ the PPE.
a. useThis section of the Exposure Control Plan (ECP) details what training records must be maintained in relation to:
These documents must be maintained for at least three (3) years.
Additionally, an employee or their authorized representative may request a copy of the employee's exposure and medical records.
Click on the button below to see a sample Recordkeeping section.
Training records are completed for each employee upon completion of training. These documents will be kept for at least three years at (Location of records).
The training records include:
Employee training records are provided upon request to the employee or the employee's authorized representative within 15 working days. Such requests should be addressed to (Name of responsible person or department).
Medical RecordsMedical records are maintained for each employee with occupational exposure in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020, "Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records."
(Name of responsible person or department) is responsible for maintenance of the required medical records. These confidential records are kept in (List location) for at least the duration of employment plus 30 years.
Employee medical records are provided upon request of the employee or to anyone having written consent of the employee within 15 working days. Such requests should be sent to (Name of responsible person or department and address).
OSHA RecordkeepingAn exposure incident is evaluated to determine if the case meets OSHA's Recordkeeping Requirements (29 CFR 1904). This determination and the recording activities are done by (Name of responsible person or department).
Sharps Injury LogIn addition to the 1904 Recordkeeping Requirements, all percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps are also recorded in a Sharps Injury Log. All incidents must include at least:
This log is reviewed as part of the annual program evaluation and maintained for at least five years following the end of the calendar year covered. If a copy is requested by anyone, it must have any personal identifiers removed from the report.
11. How long must the employer keep and maintain exposure control plan documents?
a. One yearThe hepatitis B vaccine declination statement is used if an employee declines the vaccination. This must be signed by the employee and kept on file as part of the employee's records.
Click on the button below to see a sample Hepatitis B Vaccine Declination Statement.
I understand due to my occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials I may be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. I have been given the opportunity to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, at no charge to myself. However, I decline hepatitis B vaccination at this time. I understand that by declining this vaccine, I continue to be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B, a serious disease. If in the future I continue to have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and I want to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, I can receive the vaccination series at no charge to me.
Signed: (Employee Name) ________________ Date: ________________
Here is a model Exposure Control Plan based on the samples provided throughout this module. You can use this to help you create your own companies ECP.
Model Exposure Control Plan (PDF)
12. Which of the following is TRUE if an employee declines to take a hepatitis B vaccination?
a. The employee may still be forced to get vaccinatedRead the material in each section to find the correct answer to each quiz question. After answering all the questions, click on the "Check Quiz Answers" button to grade your quiz and see your score. You will receive a message if you forgot to answer one of the questions. After clicking the button, the questions you missed will be listed below. You can correct any missed questions and check your answers again.