The authority for this chapter is RCW 70.24.290 which requires the superintendent of public instruction to adopt rules mandating appropriate education and training for public school employees on the transmission, prevention, and treatment of diseases caused by blood-borne pathogens as defined by RCW 70.24.017(1). The superintendent of public instruction is further required to develop the course content and educational material necessary in consultation with the department of health. OSPI is adopting rules from chapter 296-823 WAC unless otherwise provided here.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide public school districts with the mandatory course content requirements for training school district employees regarding the transmission, prevention, and treatment of diseases caused by blood-borne pathogens.

In accordance with RCW 70.24.290, the blood-borne pathogen training provided by public school districts must include the elements outlined in WAC 296-823-12005 with an emphasis on basic, essential skills such as handwashing and use of personal protective equipment.

Each school district must ensure that newly hired school district employees receive the blood-borne pathogens training prescribed in WAC 392-198-015 prior to assigning tasks where occupational exposure might occur and at least annually and within one year of the previous training, in alignment with WAC 296-823-12005.