Storage Areas Storage areas should be conveniently located. Doors should be marked “Not an Exit” or “Storage.” The room should be well lit and well organized. There should be an aisle at least three feet wide for safe movement within the storage area. The Agency is responsible for maintaining patient/client records safely after discharge. Do not let the file cabinets become overly full so that records are damaged when trying to stuff them into drawers. Doing so could lead to hurting yourself, too! If cleaning products or other combustibles are kept in the storage room, be sure the containers are well labeled and tightly closed. There should be adequate space between them and any other item to allow for good ventilation. If “sharps” are returned to the office, they should be placed in the area designated for medical waste. Exposure Control The Agency is committed to providing a safe working environment for employees who may experience exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens. Tuberculosis requirements are found in the Exposure Control Plan (reference following). Please review all of the information, taking time to understand the Agency’s plan for patients/clients and staff. Direct any questions or concerns to your immediate manager. The Agency will ensure that a copy of the Exposure Control Plan is accessible to employees. Review the following policy and procedure: Online Bookmark Title of Policy Surveillance, Prevention, and Control of Infection (IC) Exposure Control Plan Standard Precautions All employees will use standard precautions. Standard precautions is an infection control method which requires employees to assume all human blood and specific human body fluids are infectious for HIV, HBV, HCV, and other bloodborne pathogens and must be handled accordingly. All employees will use airborne precautions for patients/clients known or suspected to be infected with micro-organisms transmitted by airborne droplet nuclei (i.e., tuberculosis, measles). Hepatitis B Employees are encouraged to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine series. The series is available to employees at no cost after training. The form must be completed for acceptance or declination. The employee may obtain the vaccine at a later date if they so decide.
