Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

All employees, who as a result of performing their jobs might come in contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials, are covered by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training OSHA Standard. The purpose of the Standard is to limit occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens that could cause disease or death.

Positions at risk may include but are not limited to, the faculty and staff of the Allied Health, Athletics, Biology, Dental and Nursing Departments, as well as Campus Police and Physical Plant staff. If an employee's job will put him/her at risk for exposure, he/she will be informed of the College's Exposure Control Plan and Methods of Compliance. He/she will receive training through their department on avoiding infection with HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and, within ten working days of initial assignment, he/she will be offered vaccination against the Hepatitis B virus at no cost. Along with the other members of their department, the employee will be retrained on an annual basis. Employees who decline to accept the Hepatitis B Vaccination offered by CCRI will be required to sign the Hepatitis B Vaccination Refusal Form. Documentation of the vaccination and a record of the training will be kept on file by the College's Chemical Safety Coordinator.

Employees should refer any questions they may have to their supervisor or to Richard Foote, Director of Industrial Practice, Triumvirate Environmental via email at [email protected]

For additional information about the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard visit https://www.ccri.edu/safety/lab_safety_for_students.html