Describe OHS Describe Routine Practises Aware of neddle stick Policy Explain types of precautions

 T.B.  Hepatitis B  Influenza  Chicken pox  Fever respiratory surveillance amongst employees

 Universal Precautions  Body Substance Precautions

These practices combine the major features of Universal Precautions and Body Substance precautions These practices apply to ALL blood body fluids secretations & excretations non intact skin mucous membranes

 Routine Patient Practices  Additional Precautions

Designed for the care of all patients Stop spread of disease Minimize the risk of transmission from

Decrease the risk of transmission of germs from both patients with a known infectious agent and from those with an undiagnosed infection Standard for ALL patients

As Lab workers we decide if the activity we will be doing on the speicmens may potentially splash or soil us If we believe we may get splashed or soiled then we will take the precautions that will protect us

On arrival at the hospital Before eating, drinking or handling food. Before and after performing any personal body function –i.e. after blowing and wiping the nose, using the toilet, combing hair Whenever your hands become obviously dirty.

After touching equipment or surfaces known or considered likely to be contaminated with blood, body fluids, secretations or excretations

Always after you take off your gloves After taking off masks, eye protection and gowns

Effective alternative to soap and water Waterless antiseptic hand rinse Outside patients rooms and placed throughout the hospital If your hands are visibly soiled then you must use soap and water

HANDWASHING is the SIMPLIEST practice that has been shown conclusively to decrease the spread of infections in hospitals and in the community

Gloves are not required for routine patient care activities where contact is limited to patient’s intact skin

When you anticipate contact with: Any body fluids Put on gloves before contact with potentially contaminated object

Remember gloves are NOT a substitute for hand washing. Gloves are an added measure. Always wash after wearing gloves.

Change when soiled Are not to be reused or washed

The need for gowns, masks and eye protection depends on the tasks being preformed If the activity is likely to generate splashes or sprays then wear the appropriate personal protective equipment that will protect you

Use if procedures activities are likely to generate splashes, or sprays of blood or body fluids Worn to protect YOUR mucous membranes

Masks need to cover your nose and mouth to fully protect Fully operating laminar flow hood does protect the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth

To protect uncovered skin during procedures and patient care activities likely to generate splashes To prevent your clothes from becoming soiled

Single rooms are not usually required for routine patient care A single room may be required for certain patients who will are incontinent of stool and can not contain their faeces so they contaminate their immediate area

Reusable equipment that has been in direct contact with the patient must be cleaned before the piece of equipment is used for another patient Other items that are shared should also be cleaned between patients i.e. walkers, commodes & blood pressure cuffs

Handle soiled equipment so you are not contaminating your self or your clothing or the patients’ environment

If the piece of equipment touches mucous membranes of a patient or penetrates intact skin, it must be cleaned and disinfected or sterilized before it is used with another patient

A process where the hospital is cleaned, including patient's rooms, and the patient’s environment Medical equipment surfaces and housekeeping surfaces all must be cleaned

Cleaning and disinfection schedules and methods vary according to: the area of the hospital type of surface to be cleaned amount and type of soiling or dirt present

 HANDWASHING  GLOVING  GOWNS/MASKS/GOGGLES  ACCOMMODATION  PATIENT CARE EQUIPMENT  ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

 Certain “Pathogens” or “clinical presentations” may require additional precautions

 Infection Control is everybody’s business…protecting patients and health care providers at Mount Sinai Hospital  Together we can make the difference in the spread of infectious diseases and improve outcomes