Infection Prevention Manual

EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN health care workers who are allergic to gloves normally used. Hands shall be washed immediately before and after the use of gloves. Fluid-resistant clothing (gowns, aprons) shall be worn if there is the potential for splashing or spraying of blood or other potentially infectious body fluids. Masks, with eye protection (goggles with side shields) or chin length face shields must be worn whenever splash, spray, droplets or aerosols of blood or other potentially infectious body fluids may be generated and there is a potential for eye, nose or mouth contamination. Prescription eyeglasses will be equipped with protective side shields if used for eye protection. Protective eye wear will be worn by personnel wearing contact lenses when there is a potential for eye contamination. Health care workers will be trained regarding appropriate PPE for their job classifications and tasks/procedures they perform. Initial training regarding PPE shall be completed upon orientation. Additional training is provided ANNUALLY and as indicated: T Change in health care worker's position. T New job functions added. D. ENVIRONMENTAL Protective coverings such as plastic wrap, aluminum foil, wax paper or imperviously backed absorbent paper shall be used to cover environmental surfaces when potential for overt contamination by blood or other potentially infectious body fluids exists. Accidental spills and contamination shall be cleaned immediately using hot, soapy water while wearing gloves. The area shall then be treated with an EPA approved disinfectant. Broken glassware which may be contaminated shall not be picked up directly with the hands. It shall be cleaned using a brush and dustpan, tongs, forceps or other mechanical means. Soiled linen and laundry should be handled as little as possible using gloves and other appropriate PPE. Soiled linen and laundry should not be stacked but washed immediately using regular laundry detergent and warm water. Eating utensils/dishes shall be washed in hot, soapy water after use. A dishwasher may be used if available. Disposal of sharps and other waste contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Sharps: Refer to II,B. Disposal of wastes contaminated with blood and other potentially infectious materials: Contaminated dressings, not meeting the definition of biomedical waste, will be wrapped separately, placed in a nonred plastic bag, secured and discarded in the home. Contaminated dressings, meeting the definition of biomedical waste, shall be disposed of in accordance with the Agency Biomedical Waste Plan. Disposable equipment (medical devices and other non-sharp items) meeting the definition of biomedical waste shall be placed in a biomedical waste container or a red BMW bag at the point of origin. Disposal of body fluid wastes: Body fluids and wastes such as urine, feces, respiratory secretions, vomitus and blood will be carefully poured and flushed down the toilet. Transport and final disposal of biomedical waste shall be in accordance with federal, state, and local ordinance and Agency Biomedical Waste Plan. VII. INFORMATION AND TRAINING The Agency shall ensure that health care workers with potential for occupational exposure participate in a training program provided at no cost and during working hours. A. Training will be provided at the time of initial employment; at least ANNUALLY thereafter, and whenever there is a change in a health care worker's responsibilities, procedures or work situation such that the health care worker's occupational exposure is affected.