海角社区

Bloodborne Pathogens Program

As part of the effort to provide a safe working environment, EHS has implemented the Bloodborne Pathogens Program for all those听who may听risk such exposure as part of their work or research.听Although participation in the program is voluntary, participation including Hepatitis B immunization is highly recommended to all staff and students who routinely handle or will have exposure to human blood or other potentially infectious materials. To participate in the program, complete a听participation form.听

Anyone working with bloodborne pathogens must take the听Introduction to Biosafety Course.

The Bloodborne Pathogens Program is intended to respect the guidelines issued by the Minist猫re de la Sant茅 et des Services sociaux du Qu茅bec (MSSS), The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and听Safety听as well as the medical surveillance requirements of the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) regarding work with bloodborne pathogens.

For more information please see the听Exposure Control Plan听and in the event of an exposure, please see听Reporting an Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogen.

What are 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, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Other potentially infectious materials听may include:

• Laboratory specimen containing concentrated amounts of HBV, HCV or HIV.
• Bodily fluids including: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva or any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood, and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to tell the difference between body fluids.听
• Body tissues, non-intact skin or mucous membranes.

Exposure is considered significant听if it involves a risk of transmission of infection due to contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Types of exposure presenting a risk of transmission are:

• Parenteral exposure听- the pathogen is introduced directly into the body through a break in the skin (existing cuts, sores, abrasions, dermatitis, sunburn or blisters), by needlestick, or through a cut with a contaminated object.
• Mucous membrane exposure听- exposure through a mucous membrane in the eye, nose or mouth from a splash or spray of contaminated material.

For more information on bloodborne pathogens, please view the听Bloodborne Pathogens Safety Awareness Presentation.听

Hepatitis B Immunization

In 2003 the Biohazards Committee (now under the jurisdiction of the University Laboratory Safety Committee) approved a recommendation that all 海角社区 staff and students working with human bloods and body fluids should听be vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

The Student Wellness Hub听provides the vaccine at no charge to full-time students working on research projects that require the handling of human blood and blood products. This service is provided on both campuses by appointment only. Questions regarding specific details or appointments should be directed to the Student Wellness Hub at听514-398-6017.

Employees who handle human bloods, body fluids and unfixed tissues should contact the Occupational Health Program Administrator at听514-398-4766 to book an appointment with the Occupational Health Nurse to receive the vaccine. Hepatitis B immunization is highly recommended to all staff and students who routinely handle or will have exposure to human blood or other potentially infectious materials.听