Rule 4119.43 - Universal Precautions

RULE 4119.43

1. Effectively maintain the worksite in a clean and sanitary condition, and implement an appropriate written schedule for cleaning and decontamination of the worksite
2. When necessary for employees with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, provide appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and outer garments, at no cost to the employee 
3. Provide handwashing facilities which are readily accessible to employees, or, if not feasible, provide an appropriate antiseptic hand cleanser in conjunction with clean cloth or paper towels, or antiseptic towelettes

1. Use personal protective equipment as appropriate.
2. Wash hands and other skin surfaces thoroughly with soap and running water:
     a. Immediately or as soon as feasible following contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials
     b. Immediately after removing gloves or other personal protective equipment
3. When handwashing facilities are not available, use antiseptic hand cleanser in conjunction with clean cloth or paper towels, or antiseptic towelettes. In such instances, hands should be washed with soap and running water as soon as feasible.
4. Refrain from eating, drinking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, or handling contact lenses in work areas with a reasonable likelihood of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
5. Clean and decontaminate all equipment and environmental and work surfaces after contact with blood or other potentially infectious material, no later than the end of the shift or more frequently as required by state regulations.
6. Rather than using the hands directly, use mechanical means such as a brush and dustpan, tongs, or forceps to clean up broken glassware which may be contaminated.
7. Use effective techniques designed to minimize the risk of a sharps injury in all procedures involving the use of sharps.
8. Handle, store, treat, and dispose of regulated waste in accordance with Health and Safety Code 117600-118360 and other applicable state and federal regulations.
     a. Immediately or as soon as possible after use, contaminated sharps shall be placed in containers meeting the requirements of 8 CCR 5193.
     b. Specimens of blood or other potentially infectious material shall be placed in a container which prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping.