What is the purpose of an Exposure Control Plan?

The purpose of an Exposure Control Plan is to outline procedures to minimize exposure risk to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials. This plan is a crucial part of an organization's safety protocols, as it identifies the potential hazards employees may encounter and establishes specific guidelines on how to prevent exposure in the workplace.

It includes measures such as proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling and disposal of sharps, and protocols for reporting injuries and accidents. By clearly defining these procedures, the plan helps ensure the safety of employees and compliance with regulatory requirements, thereby reducing the likelihood of transmission of diseases associated with bloodborne pathogens. While training staff, improving treatment procedures, and enforcing disciplinary measures are important aspects of workplace safety, they are secondary functions that support the primary goal of reducing exposure risk.