Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
Section II. Exposure Determinations
Exposure Categories
For purposes of developing a Bloodborne Pathogens Plan, UWM identified those employees whose job duties may put them at risk for potential exposure to infectious diseases including HBV and HIV infections. A determination was then made to classify these employees into three (3) categories based upon a risk assessment of their potential for exposure. These categories are as follows:
- Category I:
Tasks that involve exposure to human blood, body fluids, or tissues.
All procedures or other job-related tasks that involve an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with human blood, body fluids, or tissues, OR a potential for spills or splashes of them are Category I tasks. Use of appropriate personal protective equipment will be required for every employee engaged in Category I tasks.
Category II:
Tasks that involve no exposure to human blood, body fluids, or tissues but employment may require performing unplanned Category I tasks.
The normal work routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, BUT exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee engaged in Category II tasks.
Category III:
Tasks that involve no exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues, AND Category I tasks are not a condition of employment.
The normal work routine involves no exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues (although situations may be imagined or hypothesized under which anyone, anywhere, might encounter potential exposure to body fluids). Persons who perform these duties are not called upon as part of their employment to perform or assist in emergency medical care or first aid or to be potentially exposed in some other way.
It is the policy of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee that all employees shall be classified as either Category I, Category II, or Category III.
- Category I job classifications shall include:
All medical doctors, dentists, nurses, physician's assistants, medical lab technicians, nursing assistants, police officers, security officers, athletic trainers, life guards, designated first aid providers, and child care workers. Also included are researchers, instructors and student employees who work in laboratories or clinics where human blood and other potentially infectious materials are used, regardless of frequency.
Category II job classifications shall include:
Custodial staff, laundry workers, environmental health staff, laboratory animal caretakers, pharmacists, plumbers (medical facility), resident assistants and veterinarians.
Category III job classifications shall include:
Auto mechanics, accountants, clerical staff, communications workers, computer operators, crafts workers (except plumbers), economists, electronics technicians, engineers, facility repair workers, food service workers, graphic artists, grounds personnel, instrument makers, maintenance mechanics, motor vehicle operators, personnel services staff, photographers, and power plant operators.
Category III tasks and procedures that may result in occupational exposure:
- Disposing of soiled tissues or other debris soiled with visible blood from classrooms, laboratories, hallways or offices.
- Physical contact with other employees,students or visitors with exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis.
- Provision of emergency first aid or CPR until professional help arrives.
Updated July 1, 2008 by SAK