Volunteers are used widely at UWM to further University programs. As with students, however, volunteers are not covered by the Bloodborne Pathogens Rule except for the general sections of DILHR code pertaining to maintaining a "Safe Place" for scholarly work and study. Therefore, because of their unofficial status, it is expected that volunteers will not be placed in situations where they would be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. However, in rare circumstances where a volunteer may possess special skills or knowledge and where it would be impossible to utilize this expertise without the risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, exceptions may be permitted. In these situations the use of blood must be evaluated in light of its risk to the volunteer and the academic mission which requires the volunteer's expertise.

When possible, alternatives to the use of blood and other potentially infectious materials must be adopted. Alternatives include the use of non-infectious animal blood, synthetic blood or computer simulations. (Note that "Screened Blood" from a blood bank is not 100% safe, must be handled using Universal Precautions, and requires the same training, precautions and protective equipment as unscreened blood). For projects where alternatives are not feasible, approval must be obtained from Bloodborne Pathogens Oversight Committee via the Director of University Safety and Assurances or the Risk Manager and the policies of this section (see below) must be followed.

"Good Samaritans" are considered to be employees classified as Category III, students, volunteers, and members of the general public who are not expected to provide first aid or CPR but who may have had first aid or CPR training and wish to provide first aid or CPR services in an emergency. These individuals are not included in the Bloodborne Pathogens Plan and are not considered eligible for post exposure follow up or HBV vaccination. It is recommended that if these individuals are exposed to blood or other potentially infectious material in the course of rendering first aid or performing CPR that they seek follow up medical attention from a qualified health care provider.

Exposure Control Plan:   Volunteers approved to work with blood or other potentially infectious materials must follow the UWM Bloodborne Pathogens exposure control plan (see Section III).

Training:   Volunteers approved to work with blood or other potentially infections materials must receive at least the same level of training as outlined in the UWM Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan. For volunteers in laboratory or clinical settings advanced training must be provided by qualified professors and/or instructors.

Personal Protective Equipment:   Volunteers approved to work with blood or other potentially infections materials must be provided with at least the same level of personal protective equipment as outlined in the UWM Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan. Volunteers may be required to purchase the equipment and should be advised of this requirement well in advance. Moreover, volunteers must be provided training in the proper use of personal protective equipment in advance of its use.

Hepatitis B Vaccination:   Volunteers approved to work with blood or other potentially infections materials must obtain a Hepatitis B vaccination as outlined in the UWM Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan. Volunteers will be required to pay for the vaccination and should be advised of this requirement well in advance. Volunteers must consult with their personal physician and health insurance carrier as to where they may obtain the vaccination and what it will cost. Proof of vaccination or refusal of vaccination must be on file with the Department of University Safety and Assurances.

Post Exposure Follow Up:   Volunteers approved to work with blood or other potentially infections materials must be advised that they should notify their health insurance carriers of their academic activities involving bloodborne pathogenic materials. Neither UWM departments nor the Norris Health Center will fund post-exposure follow up procedures should the volunteer become exposed to bloodborne pathogens.

Management of Infectious Wastes and Contaminated Laundry:   Volunteers who are not employees of UWM must not handle, treat or sewer dispose of infectious wastes, other than to immediately containerize infectious waste generated by their laboratory procedures. Volunteers who are not employees are also prohibited from handling contaminated laundry for University-related purposes. Strict regulations govern the handling, treatment and disposal of infectious wastes, therefore, these activities are restricted to designated employees of the University.