Non-Infectious Occupational Exposure Program (General Order 08-08)

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms, roles, procedures, and record-keeping rules from Prince George’s County Fire/EMS General Order 08-08 on the Non-Infectious Occupational Exposure Program.

Absorption

Process by which chemicals enter the body through the skin (or after inhalation/ingestion) and pass into the bloodstream.

Acute Exposure

Contact with a substance over a short period (minutes or hours) that can cause effects within up to one year.

Chronic Exposure

Repeated or continuous contact with a substance over a long period, leading to potential long-term health effects.

Ingestion

Exposure route that occurs when a chemical is swallowed—via contaminated food, drink, utensils, cigarettes, or hands.

Inhalation

Exposure route involving breathing contaminants that may deposit in the lungs or enter the bloodstream.

Non-Infectious Occupational Exposure

Employee contact with non-infectious substances (chemicals, toxic gases/vapors, PCB’s, radiation, etc.) arising from duty performance.

Infectious Occupational Exposure

Contact with blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials that may transmit communicable disease during duty.

Non-Infectious Occupational Exposure Report (PGC Form #4553)

Official form used to document suspected or confirmed exposures to non-infectious substances; must be submitted within 24 hours.

Infection Control Officer

Designated official who coordinates the exposure program, provides 24-hour advice, tracks cases, and maintains medical records.

Fire/EMS Department Call Center

24-hour notification line (301-583-2200) employees must call immediately after a suspected non-infectious exposure.

Immediate Notification Requirement

Employee must inform the Infection Control Officer via the Call Center AND notify an immediate supervisor right after an exposure.

Education and Training Requirement

Formal training on non-infectious exposures is mandatory before riding apparatus/providing care, with annual refresher sessions.

Education & Training Records Retention

Training records (date, station, attendees, instructor) are kept at the Training Academy for at least three years.

Medical Records Content

File includes employee ID, exposure details, routes, circumstances, test results, follow-up, and physician’s written opinion.

Medical Records Confidentiality

Exposure-related medical files are confidential and released only with written consent of the employee.

Medical Records Retention Period

Fire/EMS keeps exposure medical records for the duration of employment plus 30 years.

Employee/Member Responsibilities

Comply with the Order, attend annual training, make duty-log entries, complete Form #4553 within 24 hrs, and attend follow-up care.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Ensure compliance and training, notify Infection Control Officer, help track exposures, forward reports within 24 hrs, and complete injury packets.

Infection Control Officer Responsibilities

Implement program, provide 24-hr guidance, coordinate referrals, and keep complete pre-/post-exposure medical documentation.

Authorization for Release of Employee Medical Record (Form #4558)

Document allowing an employee to specify which medical information may be disclosed, for what purpose, and any restrictions.