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0 0 F HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT 2077 W. LARPENTEUR AVENUE FALCON HEIGHTS, MN 55113 -5594 PHONE (612) 644 -5050 FAX (612) 644 -8675 February 25, 1993 MEMORANDUM TO: Susan Hoyt City Administrator FROM: Ross H. Berndt 0 Second Rescue Captain SUBJECT: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Policy The bloodborne pathogen policy now in place is in response to the OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1030. Its purpose is to establish guidelines and procedures that will minimize the occupational exposure to blood, body fluids and other potentially infectious materials. Organizations not establishing a bloodborne pathogen policy are subject to fine up to $70,000.00. Our policy was written with the help of several different State agencies and departments. We worked with other volunteer departments, one of which I would like to thank is Woodbury Fire. The policy was also reviewed by our Medical Control Director, the Minnesota Department of Health, the State of Minnesota Fire Center. Prior to it becoming effective our medical control sent out a representative to instruct our members on the OSHA regulations. We also had a mandatory meeting where I reviewed our specific policy with all members of the department. As with all policies and procedures on our department this policy had to be approved by our Chief, Leo Lindig. The policy we have in place is mandated by law to be reviewed with all members on a yearly basis. The responsibility of enforcement of the policy falls within the job descriptions of all the officers on the department. The procedure calls for documentation of any disciplinary action to be placed in the employees personnel file and that file must be kept for three years after their employment. The law also states that we must keep separate medical records on all employees, these records are to be kept for 30 years after the employee has separated from employment. Currently these two types of employee files are stored under lock and key in the chiefs office. The Bloodborne Pathogen policy not only spells out what should be done to prevent exposure but also what steps are to be followed after an employee has been exposed. Such as testing, reports, (documentation), patient rights, employer rights, department responsibilities, as well as the City responsibility etc. It is important to point that this is not an AIDS policy. It is a policy to protect all members and citizens from exposure to an infectious material. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached either at home 644 -7473 or work 296 -9012. HOME OF THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR AND THE U OF M INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER 114/