1. Infection Control Standard Precautions
Prepared by NSW Infection Control Resource Centre, NSW Health
[Insert name of presenter] [Insert title]
February 2007

2. Introduction
This PowerPoint presentation is designed to provide the viewer with current information to assist them apply Infection Control Precautions. The information covered in this presentation includes
A definition and overview of Infection Control Precautions & the two-tiered approach
Definition of Standard Precautions
Standard Precautions
Application - example of poster
Application – When to apply?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Additional resources for information
Points to remember
This presentation is part of a series and should be used in conjunction with the other components of the module and series.

3. Infection Control Process- The two-tiered approach
NSW Health endorse a two-tiered approach to infection control
The first tier includes those precautions designed for the care of all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status
These precautions are known as Standard Precautions and constitute the minimum acceptable level of practice in infection control.
The second tier includes precautions that are applicable only for the care of specified patients and are known as Additional (Transmission Based) Precautions.

4. Standard Precautions- Tier one (1)
These are the minimum standard of precautions to be applied to all people accessing health care services regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infectious status, there-by reducing the risk of transmission of organisms from both recognised and unrecognised sources.
These precautions apply to
blood and all body substances (except sweat)
acutely or chronically non-intact skin and
mucous membranes including eyes
Sweat is excluded because it has not been implicated in disease transmission – not because it does not carry micro-organisms.
Acutely non intact skin includes – cuts, lacerations abrasions and burns (skin that will usually heal to be intact in a short time)
Chronically non-intact skin includes – acne, exfoliating skin conditions, dermatitis, psoriasis (conditions that may be long lasting and not easily treated or able to be covered)
When considering protection of mucous membranes – always remember the eyes

5. You must use Standard Precautions when:
Handling blood or body substances
There is risk of splash to mucous membranes

6. You must use Standard Precautions when:
Providing care which induces coughing
Performing invasive procedures such as cannulation and catheterisations

7. You must use Standard Precautions when:
There is risk of hands being contaminated with blood or body substances
Before and after patient contact, perform hand hygiene

8. The use of Standard Precautions includes:
Hand hygiene practices including washing of hands before and after each patient contact
Cover any cuts before commencing work

9. The use of Standard Precautions includes:
Using PPE for risk of splash to clothes with blood and body substances
Safe handling and disposal of sharps

10. The use of Standard Precautions also includes:
The use of aseptic technique
Getting vaccinated and check your immunity to vaccine preventable diseases
Reporting all occupational exposures
Keeping a clean environment

11. Standard Precautions - Tier 1
Example of the poster- Standard Precautions
For consistency in terminology – Perform hand hygiene immediately by either a 15 second hand wash or using a water-free alcohol based skin cleanser

12. Recommendations for use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Prepared by [Insertname of presenter] [Insert title] [Insert Branch name]
February 2005

13. Standard Precautions-PPE
Assumes all blood and body fluids as
Potentially infectious
Involves the use of protective barriers
and safe work practices
PPE choice designed to
minimise contact with potentially
Infectious blood and body fluids
Remember not to remove mask until outside patient’s room as this may expose the staff member to accidental contamination to infectious respiratory secretions/particles

14. PPE for Standard Precautions (1)
GLOVES - must be worn on both hands and must be used in situations where the health care worker is potentially exposed to blood and/or body substances
GOWNS - A fluid-resistant gown/apron, made of impervious material must be worn during any procedure where there is a likelihood of splashes or contamination with blood or other body substances
Remember not to remove mask until outside patient’s room as this may expose the staff member to accidental contamination to infectious respiratory secretions/particles

15. PPE for Standard Precautions (2)
MASK AND PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR OR A FACE SHIELD: must be worn while performing any procedure where there is a likelihood of splashing or splattering of blood or body substances.
Remember not to remove mask until outside patient’s room as this may expose the staff member to accidental contamination to infectious respiratory secretions/particles

16. What type of PPE would you wear?
Showering or bathing a patient?
Suctioning oral or tracheal secretions?
Transporting a patient in a wheelchair?
Responding to a dislodged chest drain where visible blood is spurting out?
During venepuncture?
Cleaning a patient incontinent of diarrhoea?
Irrigating a wound?
Taking vital signs?
Discussion point !
Generally none
Gloves and mask/face shield- depends on open or closed suction
Gloves, fluid resistant gown, mask/eyewear or face shield
Gloves
Gloves and generally a gown or apron
Gloves gown/apron, mask/eyewear or face shield ?

17. Where do I go for more information?
Check local Infection Control Policy Manual
Check with facility or Area Infection Control Nurse
NSW Health Website