The following precautions are to be observed to minimize exposure:
(A) Hand washing facilities shall be maintained in all facilities with potable running water, single use paper towels or hot air hand dryers and soap.
(B) Situations that prevent hand washing in facility will be handled by having in the vehicle a hand-washing solution; such as, a water solution mixed to 10% bleach strength or bottled isopropyl alcohol, or pre-packed hand wipes with benzalkonium chloride and disposable, one-use paper towel. Exposed personnel shall use this method of hand washing until they can, as soon as it practicable, go to a facility and wash their hands with soap and water.
(C) Employees shall wash their hands after removal of protective gloves, contaminated by a potentially infectious material and after removal of protective clothing.
(D) Employees shall wash their hands or other body parts and flush all mucous membranes with sufficient amounts of water immediately or as soon as feasible after contact with blood or other infectious material. Any contaminated paper towels, gloves or other materials used to clean or disinfect hands or vehicles while on patrol shall be packed in a closeable plastic bag and securely closed. This plastic bag contains regulated hazardous waste. It shall be stored in the trunk of the vehicle and as soon as feasible taken to the applicable facility (police department or fire department) for disposal into a biohazardous red plastic lined, closed trash container.
(E) Specimens of blood, urine, feces or other bodily materials or tissue shall be placed in a container which prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage, transport or shipping. The container shall be labeled and color-coded in red or orange labels prior to being transported, mailed, shipped or stored.
(F) Equipment which may be contaminated with blood or other infectious material shall be inspected prior to servicing or reuse. It shall be decontaminated prior to continued use, shipping, storage or transportation. Decontamination of equipment and items may be accomplished, wearing protective equipment, with a solution of 10% bleach or hot soap and water or undiluted rubbing alcohol.
(G) If a garment (uniform or other gown) is penetrated by blood or other infectious materials, it will be removed immediately or as soon as possible. Cleaning of garments shall be provided by employer at no cost. Garment will be placed in biohazardous bag and transported to appropriate laundry or cleaning facility.
(H) Personal protective equipment shall be provided to all employees with potential for exposure to blood and other infectious materials. It shall include the following:
(1) Gloves made of a non-permeable latex of sufficient strength that they do not tear or puncture for the duration of time which the protective equipment is in use. Vinyl gloves are not suitable in most instances as they tear and puncture easily. Gloves shall be single use, they shall not be reused or washed. Utility gloves may be washed and reused if the integrity of the rubber is not disrupted(such as a heavy rubber glove used in the cleaning or washing of contaminated cruisers)
(2) Eye protection in the form of goggles or glasses with solid side shields for protection from situations when there may be droplet spray of blood or other infectious materials.
(3) Shoe or boot covers are to be worn in situations where gross contamination can be reasonably expected.
(I) Housekeeping work sites shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary manner. Regulated hazardous waste, such as used gloves or contaminated towels will be disposed of in a red biohazardous bag. Contaminated work surfaces shall be washed down with 10% bleach or alcohol as soon as possible after contamination with blood or other infectious material.
(J) Regulated waste containers shall be closeable, lined with a red biohazardous leak-proof sealable bag. This biohazardous bag shall be closed prior to removal from the work site and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations of the United States and Commonwealth of Kentucky.
(K) Employee having contact with contaminated wastes, contaminated laundry or contaminated vehicles or equipment shall wear protective gloves, and if appropriate eye protection and surgical face masks (example in washing down a cruiser with blood contamination the person working on hosing down the cruiser should wear gloves, goggles and mask).
(L) All protective equipment, laundry of contaminated blood penetrated uniforms, cleaning of equipment and repair of protective equipment shall be provided to the employee at no cost.
(M) Protective equipment shall be readily accessible and issued to employees in sufficient quantities to ensure availability. Employees needing specialized gloves for proven allergy to latex or glove powders will be provided with hypoallergenic gloves or glove liners.
(Ord. 93-9, passed 12-13-93)