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Questions and Answers
What types of diseases are OPD employees training to be aware of during their duties?
What types of diseases are OPD employees training to be aware of during their duties?
What measures does the Omaha Police Department implement for the safety of its employees?
What measures does the Omaha Police Department implement for the safety of its employees?
What role is assigned to specific employees in the OPD regarding contaminated items?
What role is assigned to specific employees in the OPD regarding contaminated items?
Which of the following is NOT considered an airborne pathogen?
Which of the following is NOT considered an airborne pathogen?
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Which body fluids are recognized as linked to the transmission of HIV and/or HBV?
Which body fluids are recognized as linked to the transmission of HIV and/or HBV?
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What does the term 'contamination' refer to in the context of OPD policies?
What does the term 'contamination' refer to in the context of OPD policies?
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What is the significance of the post-exposure reporting process at OPD?
What is the significance of the post-exposure reporting process at OPD?
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Which of the following diseases is considered a communicable disease that OPD employees should be aware of?
Which of the following diseases is considered a communicable disease that OPD employees should be aware of?
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What is the first step if a source patient refuses to provide a voluntary blood sample?
What is the first step if a source patient refuses to provide a voluntary blood sample?
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How long does the Hepatitis B vaccination series take to complete?
How long does the Hepatitis B vaccination series take to complete?
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Who is responsible for scheduling the vaccinations for at-risk employees?
Who is responsible for scheduling the vaccinations for at-risk employees?
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What type of training will at-risk employees receive initially?
What type of training will at-risk employees receive initially?
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What happens if an employee refuses an immunization?
What happens if an employee refuses an immunization?
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Who maintains the confidential records of infectious disease exposures?
Who maintains the confidential records of infectious disease exposures?
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Which of the following is NOT included in the confidential records maintained by the City Human Resources Department?
Which of the following is NOT included in the confidential records maintained by the City Human Resources Department?
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What is the role of the Training Unit commander regarding employee training?
What is the role of the Training Unit commander regarding employee training?
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Who has access to an employee's medical records?
Who has access to an employee's medical records?
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What must be done if there is a breach in confidentiality rights?
What must be done if there is a breach in confidentiality rights?
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What should employees do with their hands when searching a subject's belongings?
What should employees do with their hands when searching a subject's belongings?
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What is the first action to take if a subject has body fluids on them?
What is the first action to take if a subject has body fluids on them?
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What should happen to contaminated uniforms immediately?
What should happen to contaminated uniforms immediately?
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What should an employee do after using an item from a safety kit?
What should an employee do after using an item from a safety kit?
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When is it allowed to wash contaminated clothing at home?
When is it allowed to wash contaminated clothing at home?
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What should be done with uncontaminated items from a safety kit?
What should be done with uncontaminated items from a safety kit?
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What should employees do after handling bodily fluids, even while wearing gloves?
What should employees do after handling bodily fluids, even while wearing gloves?
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What should employees NOT do with an OPD biohazard bag?
What should employees NOT do with an OPD biohazard bag?
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What is NOT a component of the safety kit issued to police vehicles?
What is NOT a component of the safety kit issued to police vehicles?
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What must be done if there is a substantial amount of body fluid on contaminated materials?
What must be done if there is a substantial amount of body fluid on contaminated materials?
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What is a critical step before searching a subject's pockets?
What is a critical step before searching a subject's pockets?
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What is required when an employee’s uniform is contaminated during 'B' Shift?
What is required when an employee’s uniform is contaminated during 'B' Shift?
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How should contaminated clothing be handled when removing it?
How should contaminated clothing be handled when removing it?
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What is the primary goal of decontamination?
What is the primary goal of decontamination?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a bodily fluid that can potentially transmit infections?
Which of the following is NOT considered a bodily fluid that can potentially transmit infections?
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Significant exposure occurs under which circumstance?
Significant exposure occurs under which circumstance?
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What is the purpose of wearing gloves according to Universal Precautions?
What is the purpose of wearing gloves according to Universal Precautions?
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What is meant by universal precautions?
What is meant by universal precautions?
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Which disease requires avoiding close contact in confined spaces and may necessitate wearing a mask?
Which disease requires avoiding close contact in confined spaces and may necessitate wearing a mask?
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What should be done immediately if protective equipment becomes penetrated by blood?
What should be done immediately if protective equipment becomes penetrated by blood?
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Which of the following describes occupational exposure?
Which of the following describes occupational exposure?
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What is the recommended first step to take after a significant exposure incident occurs?
What is the recommended first step to take after a significant exposure incident occurs?
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Which of the following is NOT a method mentioned for ensuring safe working conditions?
Which of the following is NOT a method mentioned for ensuring safe working conditions?
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How should contaminated protective equipment be handled after use?
How should contaminated protective equipment be handled after use?
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What is a major symptom of Tuberculosis?
What is a major symptom of Tuberculosis?
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Which of the following actions is most important for preventing the spread of pathogens?
Which of the following actions is most important for preventing the spread of pathogens?
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What should be avoided around body fluid spills?
What should be avoided around body fluid spills?
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What is the responsibility of the Employee Resources Sergeant after notifying the command officer about the contaminated item?
What is the responsibility of the Employee Resources Sergeant after notifying the command officer about the contaminated item?
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What should an affected employee do first after a possible Significant Exposure?
What should an affected employee do first after a possible Significant Exposure?
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What should an employee do if a stain remains on their uniform after dry cleaning?
What should an employee do if a stain remains on their uniform after dry cleaning?
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What is the first step an officer should take if they notice a contamination in a police vehicle?
What is the first step an officer should take if they notice a contamination in a police vehicle?
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Who is responsible for determining the level of exposure and medical referrals?
Who is responsible for determining the level of exposure and medical referrals?
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What is the ideal timeframe for initiating medical treatment for HIV after exposure?
What is the ideal timeframe for initiating medical treatment for HIV after exposure?
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What should employees wear when cleaning equipment contaminated by body fluids?
What should employees wear when cleaning equipment contaminated by body fluids?
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What should happen to non-expendable equipment contaminated by body fluids?
What should happen to non-expendable equipment contaminated by body fluids?
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What documentation is necessary when an employee has significant exposure?
What documentation is necessary when an employee has significant exposure?
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What should happen if contamination of a vehicle is extensive?
What should happen if contamination of a vehicle is extensive?
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What should be done if the source patient refuses to comply with testing?
What should be done if the source patient refuses to comply with testing?
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What is the procedure for handling evidentiary items contaminated by blood or body fluids?
What is the procedure for handling evidentiary items contaminated by blood or body fluids?
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If exposures are classified as blood-borne pathogenic injuries, which scenario would qualify?
If exposures are classified as blood-borne pathogenic injuries, which scenario would qualify?
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What is a crucial step after an employee completes their testing?
What is a crucial step after an employee completes their testing?
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What should never be done with any contaminated article?
What should never be done with any contaminated article?
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What must the source patient undergo immediately following a significant exposure incident?
What must the source patient undergo immediately following a significant exposure incident?
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How should contaminated expendable items be disposed of?
How should contaminated expendable items be disposed of?
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Which condition requires employees to document their exposure to bodily fluids?
Which condition requires employees to document their exposure to bodily fluids?
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If an exposed employee receives negative testing results, what follows?
If an exposed employee receives negative testing results, what follows?
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What should employees do after coming into contact with bodily fluid?
What should employees do after coming into contact with bodily fluid?
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What action should be taken if an employee experiences prolonged exposure to an infectious source?
What action should be taken if an employee experiences prolonged exposure to an infectious source?
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What type of exposure results from direct or indirect contact with an infectious source?
What type of exposure results from direct or indirect contact with an infectious source?
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What is the correct mixture for disinfecting police equipment?
What is the correct mixture for disinfecting police equipment?
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What is the first task of the supervisor following a reported Significant Exposure?
What is the first task of the supervisor following a reported Significant Exposure?
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What must be done to clothing items with bullet holes?
What must be done to clothing items with bullet holes?
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What is required to ensure proper handling of contaminated evidence?
What is required to ensure proper handling of contaminated evidence?
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What information is included in the ‘State Infectious Disease Exposure Report’?
What information is included in the ‘State Infectious Disease Exposure Report’?
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What should the affected employee do if they experience symptoms after a known exposure?
What should the affected employee do if they experience symptoms after a known exposure?
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Study Notes
Omaha Police Department Infectious Disease Policy
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Exposure Risks: OPD employees may be exposed to contagious diseases (bloodborne and airborne pathogens) and environmental hazards (chemicals, bacteria, fungi). Biological contamination is a life-threatening risk.
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Decontamination Procedures: Specialized cleaning services decontaminate contaminated uniforms. Designated OPD employees process contaminated items.
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Policy Goals: The OPD aims to ensure employee safety and effectiveness during duty. This includes training, immunizations, PPE, and post-exposure reporting & treatment.
Definitions
- AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a communicable disease caused by HIV.
- Airborne Pathogens: Microorganisms spread by air droplets (coughing, sneezing).
- Bloodborne Pathogens: Microorganisms in blood causing disease (Hepatitis B, HIV).
- Body Fluids: Fluids linked to HIV/HBV transmission (blood, semen, vaginal secretions, etc.).
- Communicable Diseases: Infectious diseases spread through contact (AIDS, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, Meningitis).
- Contamination: Presence of blood or body fluids on surfaces/objects.
- Decontamination: Removal/inactivation of pathogens making a surface/item safe.
- Hepatitis: Liver inflammation/infection (different types).
- HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, causing AIDS.
- IDCO: Infectious Disease Control Officer (Police Services Bureau Employee Resources Sergeant).
- Occupational Exposure: Contact with infectious materials during duty.
- Significant Exposure: Blood/body fluid entry into the body, or close proximity to an infectious individual.
- Universal Precautions: Applying safety measures for all potential blood/body fluid contact (handwashing, gloves, etc.).
Procedures - General
- Duty Performance: Employees will not avoid duty due to communicable disease presence. Procedures cover handling evidence, first aid, body recovery, vehicle/machinery/structural extraction and hostile environment rescue.
Workplace Controls
- Protective Gear: Use of PPE is recommended, but only if it doesn't hinder crucial public safety services or pose extra risk.
- Contamination Response: Immediate removal of contaminated clothing/PPE and immediate washing with warm, soapy water (paying attention to hand hygiene) is crucial. Contaminated items shall be placed in designated areas for decontamination or disposal.
- Safety Precautions for specific issues:
- Cuts/Sores: Cover with waterproof bandages.
- Needles: Do not recap or handle by hand. Use puncture-resistant containers.
- Airborne Diseases: Avoid close contact or use masks with individuals with confirmed/suspected Meningitis or Tuberculosis.
- Crime Scenes: Avoid placing mouth, fingers, or other objects in bodily fluids.
- Vehicle and Equipment Hygiene: Vehicles and equipment are to be disinfected if contaminated. A 1:10 bleach and water solution is approved for cleaning police equipment.
Handling Infectious Evidence
- Evidence Collection: Employees may help transport evidence requiring care to avoid cross-contamination.
- Disposal: Contaminated items are NOT to be disposed of in regular trash.
- Forensic Handling: Notify Forensic Investigations Section for proper handling and packaging (air-drying wet items).
Contamination Reporting & Treatment
- Documentation: Thorough documentation is crucial for occupational contamination cases.
- Assessment of Exposure: Determine if a possible Significant Exposure has occurred.
- Source Patient Testing: Obtain blood samples from source patient for testing. The exposed employee should undergo testing as well.
- Medical Assistance: Immediate treatment is recommended for HIV. Follow protocol on obtaining medical treatment. This includes immediate medical assistance from CHI Health ER.
- Records: Thorough records are to be kept for all employee exposures, testing, treatment, and follow-up.
Immunizations
- Hepatitis B Vaccination: At-risk employees will be given the Hepatitis B vaccine series at no cost.
- Training is required regarding all of the above-mentioned issues.
- Records are kept.
Record Keeping
- Confidentiality: All records are confidential and only released upon written consent.
- Retention Period: City Human Resources maintains medical records for the duration of employment plus 30 years.
- Access: Limited access to records.
Police Vehicles
- Inspection: Begin each shift with a vehicle inspection for any contamination.
- Decontamination: Slight contamination: soap-and-water solutions; extensive contamination: detailed cleanup with notification to designated supervisors.
Police Equipment
- Cleaning: Use disposable gloves when cleaning potentially contaminated equipment (batons, handcuffs, etc.).
- Materials: Appropriate cleaning solutions for equipment (1:10 bleach and water);
- Leather Gear: Do not use bleach on leather equipment; use regular soap and water and towels.
- Disposal: Properly dispose of contaminated expendable items in red biohazard bags.
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