1. SKIN PENETRATION CODE OF BEST PRACTICE recommendations

2. Best Practice - Code of Best Practice Use single use equipment where possible Wash hands before and after a procedure and whenever necessary Assume all blood is contaminated Adequate knowledge First aid or medical knowledge recommended Procedure manual

3. Equipment - Best Practice Set up equipment prior to use Open sterile packaging just before use Prepare the skin prior to a procedure with an antiseptic solution Accidentally contaminated equipment must be cleaned and can be disinfected before it is reused

4. Hairdressers and Barbers - Best Practice Hairdressers and barbers are not covered by the guidelines Parts of the CoBP still apply to this industry - single use equipment (blades) All equipment should be thoroughly cleaned before used again Equipment that accidentally penetrates the skin must be cleaned immediately. Thermal disinfection can be used or the use of a 70% alcohol swab

5. Cleaning - Best Practice All equipment must be cleaned after it has been used Cleaning requires warm water, detergent or cleaning agent and mechanical or physical action

6. Sterilisation - Best Practice All equipment used to penetrate the skin must be sterilised and maintained in that condition until used Autoclaves are the recommended method for sterilising Records must be kept of sterilisation Important considerations: packaging and loading testing calibration and servicing record keeping AS 2182 - bench top steam sterilisers AS 4815 - cleaning, disinfection and sterilising

7. Work Areas - Best Practice Easy to clean Comply with council requirements Kept clean and hygienic condition Potable water supply Hand wash basin - recommended close to procedure area Separate sink for cleaning equipment Separate cleaning and storage areas for equipment

8. Waste Disposal - Best Practice Sharps disposed in sharps container Foot operated general waste disposal bin Sharps, and waste that is visibly or heavily stained with blood and/or body fluids is clinical waste (POEO Act) Separate clinical and general waste Clinical waste must be disposed of by a licensed contractor (POEO Act)

9. MOBILE OPERATORS recommendations Single use equipment Hands must be washed before and after each procedure Procedure packs should be prepared Council must be notified of each location Hand wash basin or alternatively hand cleaning substance if no running water available