Prevention and Control of Infections - Standard Precautions Policy

Prevention & Control of Infections - Standard Precautions – 18.12
7.2.7 Inappropriate use of gloves increases the wearer’s exposure to the chemicals and
accelerants in the glove material which can result in skin sensitization. Gloves
should only be worn when risk of contact with blood or body fluids.
7.3 Disposable Plastic Aprons
7.3.1 Disposable plastic aprons must be worn when there is a risk that clothing may
become exposed to blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions onto the clothing of
staff, with the exception of sweat or when close/direct contact may lead to
contamination by microbes from the patient, materials or equipment. Plastic aprons
should be worn as single use items for one episode of patient care and then disposed
of as clinical waste.
7.3.2 Full body repellant gowns or suits must be worn where there is risk of EXTENSIVE
splashing of blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions, with the exception of
sweat, onto the skin of health care workers.
7.3.3 Gloves and aprons must also be worn whenever attending patients in source
isolation.
7.4 Face Masks/Eye Protection
7.4.1 Face masks and eye protection or a full face visor must be worn where there is a risk
of blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions splashing into face, mouth and/or
eyes or when clinically indicated.
7.4.2 Respiratory protective equipment e.g. a face mask should be used when clinically
indicated. For the care of patients with smear positive Tuberculosis or influenza, high
efficiency filter masks (FFP3 respirator masks) must be worn during cough induction
or prolonged close contact (within one metre). These masks must also worn when
any aerosol generating procedure, e.g. administering medication via a nebulizer, is
carried out on a patient with any of these conditions. If FFP3 masks are to worn
staff to receive specific training for this.
7.4.3 For non aerosol producing procedures, masks are not generally worn.
7.4.4 Masks and visors are single use and must be disposed of as clinical waste. Some
eye protection equipment is re-usable but must be thoroughly cleaned as per
manufacturer’s instructions after each use.
8.0 SHARPS MANAGEMENT
8.1 Sharps injuries pose a real risk to health, particularly from bloodborne virus (BBV)
transmission, such as Hepatitis C/B and HIV. Any exposure to blood and body fluids
through a sharp object, bite or splash into the eyes or mouth must be followed up
immediately to prevent the risk of infection. Refer to Sharps Management Policy 18.11).
8.2 Definition - a ‘sharp’ is any object which can pierce or puncture the skin, which is
potentially contaminated with blood or body fluids. (DoH 1998)
8.3 Sharp items include anything which has the potential to cause a penetration injury, ie:
• Needles
• Lancets
• Glass vials/ampoules
• Specimen containers
• Stitch cutters
ISSUE 1 – FEBRUARY 2011 5