6-771   UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS
Approved November 2009

POLICY

All staff should practice universal precautions to minimize the spread of infectious disease.  Universal precautions are infection control guidelines designed to prevent the spread of and exposure to infectious disease.  

PROCEDURE

The following Universal Precautions should be followed to prevent or minimize the transmission of germs. 

1. Hand Washing and Sanitizing

Regularly washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection.

When to wash your hands:

• Upon entering and leaving your workplace
• After having physical contact with a person or their bodily fluids
• Before and after eating
• After toileting
• After blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing
• Before and after smoking

• Wet hands and wrists and apply soap
• Lather for 20 seconds, scrub in between fingers and under nails
• Rinse and dry hands

Hand sanitizing:

• Apply alcohol-based sanitizer to unsoiled hands only
• Rub hands together until dry

2. Use of Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment can reduce the spread of infection by acting like barriers.

Tissues:

• Use to cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
• Hands should be washed immediately after using a tissue.

Gloves:

• Use whenever physical contact is expected with any bodily fluids (e.g., saliva, blood, vomit, urine)
• Hands should be washed immediately after using protective gloves.
• Do not re-use disposable gloves.

Masks:

• Use to prevent infectious droplets from getting into the air.

3. Cleaning 

Thoroughly cleaning areas that are touched regularly by a lot people including door knobs/handles, water faucets, light switches, telephones and toilet handles, will significantly reduce the risk of transmitting infectious germs.

Bodily fluids:

• Use a bleach disinfecting solution made by mixing 9 equal parts of water with 1 part bleach
• Be careful not to spill bleach on your skin.
• Always wear disposable gloves.
• Dispose any soiled cloths or paper towels immediately.

Garbage disposal:

• Discard all contaminated disposable material in a sealable plastic bag.
• When disposing garbage, do not reach into the bag or step on it with your feet.
• Do not over-fill bags.

Sharps disposal:

• Used syringes and needles should be carefully thrown in a designated sharps container made of puncture resistant, unbreakable material.

4. Personal Hygiene

Staff and clients will be encouraged to maintain good hygiene.  Clients will be discouraged from sharing washcloths, toothbrushes and razors.

Contact with bodily fluids:

• Wash the exposed area thoroughly with water and soap.
• Apply a topical antiseptic solution and bandage to any broken skin.