Exposure Control Plan

The Exposure Control Plan must state how and when the employer will implement methods to protect all at-risk employees from exposure, including several factors:

• Engineering controls, which lower risk by using safer equipment
• Work practice controls, which lower risk by using safer methods of working
• Hepatitis B vaccine, which lowers the risk of HBV exposure by offering vaccination at no cost to employees
• Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up, which ensures that immediate testing and treatment are available to employees at no cost in the event of exposure
• Communication of hazards to employees, which lowers risk by making employees aware of the immediate risks in their area
• Recordkeeping, including a Sharps Injury Log, which helps health organizations study and understand the spread of bloodborne pathogens
• A method to keep track of how frequently certain types and brands of sharps are used, particularly those involved in exposure incidents

This Exposure Control Plan must be made available to all employees. Employers must also request input on the effectiveness of the Exposure Control Plan from any employees who are potentially at risk for exposure. This allows the people who are directly involved in risky operations to have a say in their safety, and can potentially point out areas of improvement that would not be noticed otherwise. The Exposure Control Plan must be updated at least annually so that it keeps up with changing practices, new technology, and new jobs that might be at risk for exposure. These updates should also take into account employee feedback and any exposure incidents that may have occurred in the past year.

To learn more about Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens visit our Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Online Training web page.