INFECTION CONTROL

Infection control is the responsibility of the employee.

Always work to the principle that all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious. Employees must adhere rigorously to measures which minimise exposure to these agents.

DO pay attention to hand washing as an essential safety precaution. Thorough use of moisturising hand cream is also recommended to prevent the skin from drying out and cracking.

DO wash hands:

• immediately they are contaminated with blood or bodily fluids.

• before eating, drinking, smoking, or leaving the workplace.

• after using toilet facilities.

 

How to Wash Your Hands in an infection control situation:

• Use soap and warm running water.

• Rub your hands vigorously as you wash them – counting to ten.

• Wash your hands all over including - back of hands, wrists, between fingers and under fingernails.

• Rinse your hands well, counting to ten.

• Turn off the tap with a single use towel.

• Discard the towel in the bin.

• Press dry your hands with a single use disposable towel.

• Discard the towel in the bin.

DO use protective clothing as a barrier to exposure. For example, use an apron if rinsing soiled linen.

DO wear gloves when direct contact with blood or bodily fluids is expected. Gloves should be readily available, well fitting and disposable.

DO wear safety glasses if there is a risk of blood or bodily fluids being splashed in your eyes.

DO cover all skin defects (e.g. cuts or abrasions) with a waterproof dressing.

DO soak up the blood or bodily fluid with an absorbent cloth and use a detergent to thoroughly clean the spill.

DO wipe the spill site with disposable towels soaked in disinfectant solution.

DO dispose of all contaminated waste material in a leak proof bag.

DO place the leak proof bag in the outside rubbish receptacle.

DO soak fabrics stained with blood in cold water and ensure that:

• the bleach use directions are followed.

• the container is designed for bleaching and soaking.

• the garment is rinsed and washed in cold water.

• the procedure is completed prior to the end of the shift.

DO NOT carry soiled linen or clothes against you and your clothing.

DO NOT sort used linen or clothes in the same work area as that used for folding clean linen. Use another area of the home such as the lounge room for folding clean linen.

DO rinse and soak soiled linen in a bleach solution.

DO remove lint from the dryer each day the dryer is used.

Free hepatitis vaccinations are available to all employees.

Detailed information on hepatitis is available from the Tasmanian Council on AIDS, hepatitis and related diseases on their website – www.tascahrd.org.au

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