TOOL BOX TALKS Infection Control

Universal/Standard Precautions Protect against the transmission of infectious diseases Basic assumption ANY BODY FLUID IS POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS

Universal Precautions Wash hands frequently and thoroughly Wear gloves when handling body fluids Wear other PPE if splattering of body fluids likely Clean surfaces which have been in contact with body fluids thoroughly Dispose of waste material appropriately Take care when handling syringes or any sharp object potentially contaminated with body fluids

Wash Hands Before and after contact with client Before and after eating After using toilet Before and after using gloves After contact with used equipment Immediately following contact with body fluids or equipment, materials (including linen) or contaminated surfaces

Hand Washing (take 30 secs) From National Health and Medical Research Council Rub hands for hand hygiene, wash hands when visibly soiled. Turn off tap using paper towel Hand washing should occur: On arrival at each client’s home Prior to food preparation After cleaning After touching animals Whenever body fluid contamination may occur (e.g. toiletting, giving medication, before and after wound care) Before and after going to the toilet Before and after eating or smoking Before leaving each client’s home If access to soap and water is not available use of antibacterial solutions can be included in procedures if the hands are not visibly soiled as they are generally more effective than soap and water Alcohol based hand rubs should contain between 60 and 80% v/v ethanol or equivalent. Use the recommended amount, rub hands together so all surfaces come in contact with the solution and keep rubbing until dry.

Wear Gloves When handling blood and/or body fluids Touching mucous membranes Touching non-intact skin Handling contaminated skin Cleaning body substances spills Remember to always Cover abrasions with waterproof bandaid prior to putting on gloves Change gloves if torn or contaminated

Use of PPE Taking off gloves Gloves should be worn to prevent contact with blood or body fluids (e.g. when changing or laundering wet or soiled linen or clothing, cleaning articles that may be contaminated such as toilets, changing dressings or bandages Grasp one of the gloves and cuff and pull it partway off. The glove will turn inside out. It is important to keep the fir st glove partially on your hand before removing the second glove. This protects you from touching the outside of either glove with your bare hands. » Leaving the first glove over your fingers, grasp the second glove near the cuff and pull it part of the wa y off. The glove will turn inside out. It is important to keep the second glove partially on your hand to protect you form touching the outside surface of the first glove with your bare hand. » Pull off the two gloves at the same time, being careful to tou ch only the inside surfaces of the gloves with your bare hands. » Dispose of the gloves by placing inside out in the trash.

Wear Other PPE Protective eyewear and faceshield if splattering of body fluid possible Impermeable gown or apron to protect clothes from contamination Enclosed footwear Face mask fitted correctly

Donning and Doffing order Clean hands – remove jewellery and cover cuts or abrasions, lather for 20 seconds cleaning front and back of hands and between fingers  Put on surgical or P2 mask – secure fit over nose and mouth and fasten ties or tapes above and below ears  Put on goggles  Put on gown – long sleeved – tied at the back  Put on gloves – tuck end of gown into gloves if worn Remove gloves by turning inside out and dispose immediately into bin and clean hands Remove gown ensuring that you do not touch exposed surfaces and dispose immediately into bin and clean hands Remove goggles by holding strap only and clean in warm water and detergent if reusable and clean hands Take off mask by holding ties and dispose immediately into bin Clean hands with soap and water or alcohol rub

Needlestick or Sharps Minimise handling Do not bend or recap needles or remove needle from syringe and place in sharps container Ensure sharps container avaialble at point of use Wear gloves and hold syringe by barrel and pointing away from body and place sharp end into container first

Cleaning Procedures Small spill – wipe clean with paper towel and then clean with detergent and warm water Quarantine areas with soft furnishings until dry Large spill – mop up with paper towel or use ‘kitty litter’ or granular chlorine, pick up larger amounts with cardboard, mop with detergent and warm water Dispose of all contaminated waste in secure plastic bag in waste receptacle