TB Exposure Control Plan

The book includes helpful resources in the appendices, such as a nurse safety perception survey, an accident causal factor chart, sample ergonomics symptoms report, sample TB exposure control plan, and a model respirator plan for small organizations. Complete with review exercises in each chapter, this book is ideal for certification training in nursing programs and as a reference for developing nursing in-service safety sessions. 

This Tuberculosis Exposure Control Plan applies to aU areas of this practice where exposure to pulmonary or laryngeal TB may occur. It is intended to prevent transmission of pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) from infected individuals to susceptible hosts. All employees must comply with this plan. TB precautions are not necessary if the patient is on anti-TB medications (and compliant) and has no symptoms such as coughing, night sweats, weight loss, and fever. Person(s) responsible for this plan are listed as follows ... 

The purpose of the tuberculosis control plan is to prevent the transmission of tuberculosis (TB), which occurs when an individual inhales a droplet that contains Mycohacterium tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis is aerosolized when an infected individual sneezes, speaks, or coughs. Transmission of TB and exposure to TB can be greatly diminished with early identification and isolation of patients at risk, environmental controls, appropriate use of respiratory protection equipment, education of laboratory employees, and when necessary early initiation of therapy. 

The employer will provide proper personal protective equipment (PPE), skin testing, education, and training at no cost to employees. Employees are responsible for the information contained in this plan and are expected to wear proper respiratory protection when directed and trained by the employer. Prevention of TB exposure will be based on adherence to the recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The employer will ensure employees use provided guidelines for patient assessment and evaluation of TB. 

The first two control levels minimize the number of areas in which exposure to M. tuberculosis might occur and, therefore, minimize the number of persons exposed. These control levels also reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk for exposure in the limited areas in which exposure can still occur. Because persons entering these areas might be exposed to M. tuberculosis, the third level of the hierarchy is the use of respiratory protective equipment in situations that pose a high risk for exposure. Use of respiratory protection can further reduce the risk for exposure from droplet nuclei expelled into the air from a patient with infectious TB disease. Take the following measures to reduce the risk of exposure (1) implement a respiratory protection plan, (2) train employees on respiratory protection, and (3) educate patients about respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette procedures. 

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