Hand washing is “the single most effective technique for preventing the spread of communicable disease” and should be done:
Wash Hands Before and After:
Eating
Handling food
Drinking
Smoking
Handling another person’s medication or food
Assisting another person with feeding or toileting
Using the bathroom
Protective clothing or equipment is used
Wash Hands Before:
Handling clean equipment or utensils
Handling contact lenses
Using cosmetics
Eating
Wash Hands After:
Contact with any bodily fluids (including blood, secretions, excretions)
Caring for another person and before moving on to the next person
Blowing nose, sneezing, or coughing
Playing with or handling an animal
The proper way to wash hands includes:
Removing jewelry
Washing for 10 to 15 seconds
Washing between the fingers and under the nails
Thoroughly drying
Turning faucets off using paper towels
Washing jewelry with soap and water before putting on again
Barriers
Gloves must be worn if there is a chance that the wearer will encounter bodily fluids. Vinyl gloves are recommended over latex ones because some people have an allergy to latex. After use, gloves must be removed immediately. The touching of any non-contaminated item or environmental surface post-use must not occur.
Activities with the potential for splashing of bodily fluids call for the caregiver to wear a gown. After use, the gown should be taken off immediately and stored safely for cleaning.
Personal Hygiene
On a more basic level, caregivers should take basic personal hygiene measures to fortify themselves against infection. These include:
Sufficient nutrition, rest and exercise
Regular medical care including recommended immunizations
Frequent hand washing
Short and clean fingernails
Avoiding mouthing objects shared with others
Avoiding sharing personal items with others (example: lipstick, nail file)
Avoiding touching or rubbing eyes
Covering nose and mouth when coughing/sneezing; disposing of tissues appropriately
Avoiding wearing jewelry at work
Avoiding insect bites (using repellants and appropriate clothes)
Environmental Control Measures
Environmental control measures should be used to minimize the spread of disease. These measures include:
Storing clean clothing, supplies and equipment in areas separate from soiled items
Storing food and handling food, first aid supplies and medications in areas separate from soiled items
Placing soiled disposal items (gloves, paper towels, cover-up sheets, under-pads, etc.) in covered receptacles which use plastic bags. The bags should be sealed and discarded daily. The use of cloth laundry bags should be avoided.
Routinely cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Just soap and water eliminates dirt and most germs. Using a disinfectant will kill additional germs. Don’t forget to clean door knobs, light switches and the wall areas around toilets.
Establishing a cleaning schedule
Paying special attention to the cleanup of body fluid spills including blood
Cleanup of Blood or Body Fluids
Secure the area so no one is contaminated and the spill is not spread.
Use a commercially available spill clean up kit.
Wear gloves during the cleanup (double gloves if picking up glass).
Pour an absorbent material over the spill.
Pick up material using a scoop.
Place glass in a special needle-disposal (sharps) container.
Use an absorbent towel to wipe up blood.
Apply a disinfectant to the area.
Place all cleanup materials in a special red bag for incineration.
Reporting
A doctor or administrative head of an institution in Maryland who has reason to suspect that a patient under care has an infectious or contagious disease (other than AIDS) shall report this to the local health officer, including the patient’s name. The person’s name shall be held as confidential by the local health officer.
