Supporting Disability Support Workers - Workbook - IDEASWA

Infection ControlWhen working directly with people who require assistance with personalcare, there is a risk of cross infection. It is not essential to know if aperson you are working with has an illness that is infectious. It isessential to ensure Standard Precautions are followed when coming incontact with potentially infectious materials (blood, bodily fluids,secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, and non-intact skin).Standard Precautions make the assumption that all blood and bodyfluids are infectious and should be applied regardless of the perceivedrisk. Cross infection occurs when infectious material gets into anotherpersons body. Micro-organisms in infectious material can enter anotherperson through the mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose) or through35, 36, 37open wounds (cuts and scratches).The strategy behind following the Standard Precautions is to minimizethe risk of cross-infection between infected and non-infected people.This relates to both Disability Support Workers and people with adisability, as being either infected or not.To aid in the prevention of cross-contamination, Disability SupportWorkers should ensure they;1. Keep hands and nails clean and in good condition2. Limit jewellery on hands and wrists to prevent interference withcorrect hand washing procedures3. Limit jewellery on hands and wrists to prevent injury to theperson they are working with4. Follow correct hand washing procedures AND wear gloves5. Be aware of any cuts or scratches and keep them well covered6. Wear protective gear such as gloves and aprons, as appropriate.Hand washingCorrect hand washing is the single most important measure to reducethe transmission of micro-organisms.Prior to hand washing, ensure the following items are readily available: Warm running water Paper towels in a dispenser or clean, dry hand towels Liquid soap in a dispenser, or bar soap kept in a soap dish(ensure it is rinsed prior to use)Correct hand washing procedurea) Wet hands under warm running waterb) Apply one pump of soap from the container to your handsc) Rub the soap into a lather, massaging palms, between fingers,thumb, over the back of hands, around the wrists, finishing withrubbing the fingernails into the palms of each hand for 15seconds.Supporting Disability Support Workers 45