what is occupational health &...

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY INDUCTION HANDBOOK

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INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 3

WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY? ...................................................................... 3

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU? ......................................................................................................... 4

HAZARD MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................................. 5

TYPES OF HAZARDS .............................................................................................................................. 6

STEPS IN HAZARD MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................ 6

HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS .................................................................................................................... 8

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE .................................................................. 10

FIRE .................................................................................................................................................... 10

MEDICAL EMERGENCY ....................................................................................................................... 11

BOMB THREAT ................................................................................................................................... 11

REPORTING OF INCIDENTS .......................................................................................................... 12

INJURY MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 13

REPORTING OF HAZARDS ............................................................................................................. 14

CONSULTATION ................................................................................................................................ 14

TRAINING ............................................................................................................................................ 15

CHEMICALS IN THE WORKPLACE ............................................................................................. 15

Synergism ...................................................................................................................................... 16

Routes of Entry .............................................................................................................................. 17

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS ............................................................................................. 18

SAFETY AND SECURITY ................................................................................................................. 19

SAFE ACCESS AND EXIT ..................................................................................................................... 19

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING ........................................................................................................................ 19

SECURITY ........................................................................................................................................... 20

OCCUPATIONAL VIOLENCE ................................................................................................................. 20

ELECTRICITY .................................................................................................................................... 21

MANUAL HANDLING ....................................................................................................................... 22


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WHAT IS MANUAL HANDLING? .......................................................................................................... 22

EMPLOYER’S DUTIES .......................................................................................................................... 23

Back Attack ................................................................................................................................... 24

POSTURE............................................................................................................................................. 24

FITNESS .............................................................................................................................................. 25

LIFTING TECHNIQUES ......................................................................................................................... 25

The Lifting Process ....................................................................................................................... 26

INFECTION CONTROL .................................................................................................................... 27

HAND WASHING .................................................................................................................................. 28

STANDARD HANDWASHING PROCEDURE: ............................................................................................ 28

Waterless handwashing................................................................................................................. 29

CORRECT HANDWASHING TECHNIQUE (BASIC) .................................................................................. 30

STANDARD PRECAUTIONS .................................................................................................................. 30


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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Baptcare. As a new staff member it’s important that you take the

time to read and understand the information in this handbook.

Occupational Health and Safety is a priority for all areas within Baptcare.

The following induction handbook is provided as a preliminary guide for you

and will be supplemented by specific training depending on your area of

work. Your manager will brief you on specific OHS issues that relate to your

work area.

When you have read the induction handbook complete the relating workbook

and hand to your manager within one week of commencing work at Baptcare.

The purpose of the workbook is to check and record your understanding of

OHS issues.

WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY?

Occupational health and safety is important in all workplaces. Good

occupational health and safety practices will ensure that you are not injured in

your workplace and that you do not become ill or contract a disease as a result

of your workplace. It is:

Prevention of work related injury and disease


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Designing the work environment in a way that promotes improved

efficiency and productivity, improves the morale of staff and keeps

them free from injury.

What does this mean to you?

Australian Occupational Health & Safety legislation is essentially

State and Territory based. Separate OHS legislation covers Commonwealth

Government workplaces. OHS legislation consists of Acts, Regulations and

Codes of Practice or Compliance Codes in each jurisdiction. In any workplace

the final responsibility for providing a healthy and safe working environment,

as far as practicable, rests with the employer. This duty of care is set out in all

State, Territory and Commonwealth OHS Acts and places a requirement on all

employers to provide:

A working environment which is safe and without risks to the health

of employees;

Adequate training, information and supervision to ensure the health

and safety of employees; and

Processes for consultation about occupational health and safety as set

out in legislation.

Employers can ensure employees work in a safe and healthy manner in a

number of ways. More specifically:

Carry out work safely and ensure it does not affect employee’s

health.

Make sure that tools, equipment and machinery is safe and kept safe.


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Store, transport and work safely with dangerous materials.

Provide employees with the information, instruction and training

they need to do their job safely and without damaging their health.

Consult with employees directly or through their health and safety

representatives about health and safety in the work place.

Check the work place regularly (monitor) and keep a record of what

is found during these checks.

Employees also have a duty of care in relation to OHS. Generally, they must

perform their duties in a manner which ensures their health and safety, and

that of others in the workplace, to the extent to which they are capable of doing

so. OHS means employees are required to:

While at work, take reasonable care of their own health and safety

and the health and safety of anyone else who may be affected by their

actions.

Cooperate with their employers on any action taken by the employer

to comply with any requirements imposed by the Occupational Health

and Safety Act or Regulations.

They are required to use any equipment in the workplace following

the manufacturers’ guidelines and/or training.

HAZARD MANAGEMENT

A hazard has the potential to harm life, health or property. Hazard

management is important as it involves identifying the sources of potential

harm and determining suitable prevention strategies.


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Types of Hazards

There are two main types of hazards in the workplace that need to be

managed.

Hazard Type Examples of Hazard

1. Safety Hazards ▪ Slippery floor

▪ Poorly maintained work areas

▪ Manual handling tasks

▪ Fire

2. Health Hazards ▪ Workplace violence

▪ Chemicals

▪ Working in hot/cold environments

▪ Increased workloads

▪ Repetitive and boring tasks

Steps in Hazard Management

Baptcare has a system in place for the identification and management of

hazards and potential hazards. This procedure is available in writing for all

staff to access.

Risk management is a four step process. The table below details these steps

and actions to take for each step.


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Steps in Hazard

Management

Actions to take

1. Identification ▪ Keep Records of injuries and accidents.

▪ Read publications- e.g. Codes of Practice

and Guidelines which will help identify

potential hazards.

▪ Inspect the workplace using a standard

workplace inspection checklist to identify

potential hazards.

▪ Consult with employees.

▪ Consult with employer organisations and

unions, government authorities or OH&S

specialists.

2. Assessment (What is the

likelihood of an injury or

illness occurring from a

hazard?)

▪ The nature of the hazard

▪ Identify the health effects of the hazard

▪ The number of people that may be

affected by the hazard

▪ The number of times the hazard poses a

risk

▪ Work organisation i.e. rostering, job tasks,

shiftwork

▪ Note the layout and condition of the work

environment


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▪ The training and knowledge needed by a

person to work safely in that environment

▪ The degree of risk from the hazard

▪ Determine the need for control measures

3. Controlling Risks (getting

ideas about how to

control risks?)

▪ Read Regulations, Codes of Practice or

Guidance notes which provide control

measures for that hazard.

▪ Consult employees.

▪ Take advice from government authorities.

▪ OHS Committees

▪ Communicate with OH&S specialists

▪ Implement the Hierarchy of controls.

(This is detailed below).

4. Review/Monitor Review and monitor the effectiveness of the

controls in place.

Hierarchy of controls

There will be times when not all hazards can be controlled immediately. In

these situations the risks may require you to take a number of actions to

control them. This risk control strategy is called the Hierarchy of Controls.

When using the Hierarchy of Controls you should always aim to use the highest

level of control that is achievable. For example, if possible, it is better to

eliminate the risk completely rather than substitute the risk. Sometimes a


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combination of controls may be the most effective solution in reducing the

exposure to hazards.

Refer to the following diagram known as the Hierarchy of Controls.

Eliminate where possible

If elimination is not practical then substitute e.g. can a chemical be used which

is less harmful?

If substitution is not practical then use engineering controls i.e. Place guards

on dangerous parts of machinery or use a trolley to move heavy loads.

If engineering controls are not practical then use administrative and training

controls e.g. rotate jobs to reduce time spent on single work tasks. Train staff

in safe work processes and procedures.

Personal Protective Equipment

Administration & Training

Engineering

Substitution

Elimination


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If administrative controls are not practical then use of Personal Protective

Equipment is required. Use masks, hard hats and other protective equipment

to protect staff. This is the control measure that should be least considered.

Summary

Review and monitor the process to ensure the controls are effective and not

causing further risks or hazards. It is great to have controls in place but if they

are ineffective or result in another hazard or another injury then the employees

are still at risk.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE

Baptcare has emergency procedures in place and prominently displayed for

staff at each site. This information includes: Names of staff designated as

emergency coordinator and officers, qualified ‘first aid officers’ or supervisory

authority in emergency situations.

Fire

Follow Standard Fire Orders

Anyone finding a fire or smell of smoke shall:

1. Assist any person in immediate danger if safe to do so, and isolate

the fire by closing the door.

2. Call the Fire Brigade on 000.

3. Notify Emergency Coordinator in your area. The Emergency

Coordinator will decide whether to evacuate the area or if an attempt

is to be made to extinguish the fire, only if safe to do so. If no alarms


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are sounding the Emergency Coordinator will operate the break

glass alarm or if no break glass alarm if available sound other fire

alarm.

4. When notified evacuate to nominated assembly area and remain

there until accounted for and given ‘All Clear’ to return to the

building.

Medical Emergency

The first person to arrive on the scene should:

1. Assess the situation

2. Remain with the casualty and provide appropriate support

3. Notify Emergency Coordinator

4. Notify Ambulance service – 000 Give details/address, etc

Note: NEVER leave the casualty alone. Do not move a casualty unless

exposed to life threatening danger.

Bomb Threat

Bomb threats should always be treated seriously.

Do:

Remain calm – take notes of all the information the caller gives you

Try to keep the caller talking, while trying to identify background

noises


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Try to get information about the device (type, location and why)

Report to Police - 000 or get someone else to – stating clearly you are

reporting a bomb threat

Notify your Emergency Coordinator – but do not create panic by

telling other staff

If you find anything suspicious, do:

not touch it

clear the area

report it to Emergency Coordinator

REPORTING OF INCIDENTS

Incident reporting

Reporting workplace accidents, incidents and near misses is a

significant source of information, which is aimed to assist in the improvement

and development of prevention initiatives. Through investigation of near

injury type incidents and workplace injury incidents we can establish the facts

and draw conclusions to find out where in the system of work things went

wrong. From this information recommendations and actions can be

implemented to prevent a recurrence and create a more efficient and safe

working environment.

Reporting requirements:

All incidents, near misses, hazards and injuries must be reported

immediately or within 24 hours to the manager, by the individual who

observed or was involved in the incident. The responsibility falls upon


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a colleague, witness or person’s manager/supervisor, if the individual

has been prevented from making the report.

Where the incident involves a Volunteer, Contractor, Agency

Personnel or Visitor, the relevant point of contact for the person within

Baptcare shall assist the person to make a report to the relevant

Manager of the area.

All incidents are also to be reported in RiskMan within 24 hours of

receiving notification by that be verbal or from a paper incident form.

Where entry is direct into RiskMan, a paper incident form is not

required to be completed.

Where direct entry to RiskMan is not possible, the paper incident

report form is required to be completed and forwarded to the Manager

/Supervisor within the 24 hour period.

All Lost Time Injury (LTI) incidents or those that result in medical treatment

(claim) must be reported to the Manager Occupational Health and Safety and

Injury Management.

Refer: HR/OHS Manual OHS.PRO.2.06

Injury Management

Baptcare is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all

workers. In the event of a work related injury or illness Baptcare will take all

necessary steps to ensure it does not happen again. Where a workplace injury

or illness occurs that means the worker is unable to continue their normal

duties Baptcare will provide necessary assistance for them to remain at work,

or return to work as soon as possible.


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Baptcare has an Injury Management and WorkCover procedure in place.

Refer: HR/OHS Manual OHS.PRO.2.08

REPORTING OF HAZARDS

Workers are the ones that know the workplace best. They are also

the victims of most accidents and should be directly involved or via

a nominated OHS Representative in the hazard reporting process and

assessment of their own workplace.

Baptcare has a clearly defined hazard reporting system. The reason for such a

system is to:

Identify hazards quickly

Control the hazard by the most appropriate method

Where hazards are not immediately resolved:

Inform the Health & Safety Representative;

Document the hazard on a Continuous Improvement Request (CIR)

for further action to occur; and

Document on the maintenance request (where applicable)

CONSULTATION

Employers are by law to consult with their employees about the

health and safety aspects of their work. This includes any changes

to the workplace, equipment or work processes.

Occupational Health and Safety Committees are set up within Baptcare with

elected employee representatives and appointed managers. Employees have


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the right to elect a health and safety representative (HSR) for their designated

work group. Both the OHS committees and representatives have a role in

resolving safety issues.

Any employee can consult with management or the committee about OHS

issues. Consultation may be undertaken in the form of OHS committees, health

& safety representatives, formalised risk assessments, local staff meetings

memos, emails or other such communication.

TRAINING

It is important that everyone in the workplace receives some OHS

training so that they understand their responsibilities and are competent to

meet those responsibilities. OHS induction should be provided to all new

employees. It should briefly outline relevant OHS policy and procedures.

Training should be provided for specific job tasks, such as safe use of

equipment. Any new task or equipment introduced staff are required to be

provided with the necessary training. Existing staff should have regular and

ongoing OHS training to ensure they are maintaining competence and working

safely.

All OHS training including induction is to be documented in the employee’s

file.

CHEMICALS IN THE WORKPLACE

Exposure to chemicals may result in a wide range of health effects and

any part of the body may be affected: Chemicals can affect the body:


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At the site where the substances enter the body.

In the circulatory system by which chemicals may be transported

through the body.

In the excretory organs and mechanisms which attempt to remove

chemicals from the body.

In the central nervous system.

In any other organ or tissue.

All substances are toxic to humans given the right dose and time of exposure.

There are no substances which do not have a toxic effect.

The effects may be:

Acute - fairly immediate response to exposure. For example, rash,

coughing spell, watering eyes, unconsciousness, death

Chronic -this may not always be always immediately obvious. It

may involve gradual onset of symptoms. Also, it may not be

experienced for a long time after exposure, i.e. cancers.

Chronic health problems are usually irreversible.

Synergism

Synergism is exposure to more than one chemical or in conjunction with other

hazards like heat or noise. The resultant effects of such combined exposure

may be greater than the effects of exposure to individual hazards.


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Routes of Entry

Chemicals have many routes of entry into the body. The table below provides

details of these entry points.

Route of Entry Description Results

1. Inhalation ▪ Most common route

of entry in the

workplace.

▪ Breathing in dusts,

gases and vapours.

▪ Irritation to the

respiratory system.

▪ Substance remaining in

the lungs causing

scarring, cancers (e.g.

asbestos)

▪ Substance being

absorbed directly into

the bloodstream,

thereby affecting other

parts of the body such

as nervous system.

2. Absorption ▪ Through the skin or

eyes.

▪ Burning of the

skin/eyes.

▪ Irritation of the skin

(dermatitis) or

sensitising effects

(contact dermatitis)-

may cause skin cancer.

▪ Substance penetrating


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skin and being

absorbed into the

bloodstream affecting

other organs.

Route of Entry Description Results

3. Ingestion ▪ Least common route

of entry in the

workplace

▪ Inhaled compounds

which are trapped in

the mucous of the

respiratory tract may

be swallowed

▪ Eating or drinking

foods contaminated

by toxic substances

▪ Eating with

contaminated hands

▪ Damage to the gastro-

intestinal organs.

4. Injection ▪ Needle stick injuries

▪ Drugs/medications

▪ Exposure to blood

▪ Exposure to drugs

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that is provided by the

manufacturer which describes the identity, properties, health hazards and


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precautions for use and safe handling of a hazardous substance or dangerous

good. The MSDS provides vital information to the users of the chemical who

are required to know how to use it safely. Legislation states that a MSDS is

required for all hazardous substances and dangerous goods held at a worksite.

MSDS must be available for all employees to access and refer to when using

chemicals. Some products are listed as non-hazardous; however MSDS are still

required for safe use and precautions.

Baptcare has a procedure in place for the safe handling and storage of

hazardous substances and dangerous goods.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

A safe place of work must have a safe means of access and exit, be clean,

secure and of safe construction so that people can enter/work without

risks to their health and safety.

Safe Access and Exit

Safe access and exit includes the need to escape during an emergency. An

emergency evacuation plan is the employer’s legal responsibility. It is vital that

staff know what to do, are able to escape safely and have a safe assembly area

to go to in case of an emergency.

Good housekeeping

Good housekeeping standards assist in maintaining a clean organised working

space for staff therefore reducing the risk of accidental hazards and near

misses.


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Good housekeeping will reduce the risk of:

People tripping over

Emergency exits and stairways being blocked

A build up of combustible waste and deposits which can cause fire

Overloaded electrical points

Infection

Security

A safe premise includes protecting staff from unwanted persons entering the

workplace who may commit:

Theft and malicious damage to property

Violent or criminal incidents such as threat or assault

Workplace safety inspections are conducted regularly to ensure safety and

security measures are in place and in good working order e.g. lighting.

Occupational Violence

Occupational violence is described as any incident where an

employee is physically attacked or threatened in the workplace.

Threat means a statement or behaviour that causes a person to believe they

are in danger of being physically attacked. Physical attack means the direct or

indirect application of force by a person to the body of, or clothing or

equipment worn by, another person, where that application creates a risk to

health and safety.


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Occupational violence can be perpetrated by a co-worker (including a

supervisor, manager or employer), a customer or client, a person known or

unknown to the organisation or employee. It can include:

- Confrontation with an armed person;

- Confrontation with an unarmed person;

- Armed hold-up;

- Assault/physical injury (or the threat of physical injury or assault);

- Threatening the life of others or oneself;

- Hostage/kidnap scenarios.

Employees are required to report any incident of occupational violence to

their manager. Employees should also report any threats or ‘near misses’ as

soon as practicable or within 24 hours to their manager aswell.

Baptcare provides training for employees on prevention and management of

occupational violence.

Baptcare also provides an Employee Assistance Program – a short term

counselling service for all employees to use for personal or work related

issues. (See staff handbook and relevant brochure for more information)

ELECTRICITY

Electrical accidents can be fatal however non fatal accidents can lead to

serious and permanent injury. Whenever using electrical equipment it is

important to remember the following;

NEVER use equipment with frayed or damaged cords

NEVER use electrical equipment near water

NEVER use electrical equipment unless you know how to safely use it or

have been trained in safe use.


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ALWAYS ensure cords are free from tangles, liquid or being crushed.

NEVER use a power outlet which has evidence of damage or discolouration.

DO NOT use double adapters or piggy back plugs. Only use approved power

boards.

DO NOT overload power outlets.

NEVER perform temporary repairs. Repairs should be carried out by a

qualified person or have the equipment replaced.

ALWAYS report any electrical hazards or unsafe equipment immediately.

DO NOT withdraw a plug from a socket by pulling the cord.

MANUAL HANDLING

Manual handling is the most costly hazard in industry today, with

approximately 60% of all accident costs relate to strains or sprains.

What is Manual Handling?

Manual Handling is defined as:

‘Any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift,

carry or otherwise move or restrain any animate or inanimate object.’

Manual handling covers a range of activities including lifting, pulling, holding,

throwing and carrying. It also includes repetitive tasks such as packing, typing

cleaning, using hand tools and operating machinery or equipment.

Manual Handling injuries can occur in the workplace as a result of:

Workers adopting harmful postures in order to handle loads

Expectations to lift loads that are too heavy

Objects not easy to handle


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Poorly designed workplaces (workstations)

Poorly designed work systems e.g. frequency and pace of handling

tasks

Sustained exposure to vibration e.g. hand tools

Working in hot / cold environments.

Injuries occurring from Manual Handling tasks are named Musculo-Skeletal

Disorders (MSDs).

These injuries may include:

Muscle sprain and strains

Injuries to ligaments, muscles and back

Soft tissue such as nerves, ligaments and tendons in the wrist, arms,

shoulders neck etc

Hernias

Chronic pain.

Employer’s Duties

Baptcare has a duty under Occupational Health & Safety Legislation to protect

its employees from the risk of MSDs and to eliminate or reduce manual

handling tasks. A risk assessment process consists of:

Identifying hazardous manual handling tasks that could cause MSDs

Assessing the risks including postures, movements, forces, duration

and frequency, environmental factors


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Controlling the risks, eliminate or reduce the risk by using the

Hierarchy of Controls

Consult and communicate with employees regarding manual

handling issues when conducting a risk assessment.

Back Attack

Baptcare has a manual handling training program in place called ‘Back

Attack.’ This training is conducted at most sites and facilities for various

job roles. Whilst training persons in applying practical manual handling

skills the program also gives employees an understanding of risk

identification, assessment and control aimed at eliminating or at very least

minimising the severity of injuries.

Posture

Although many have an understanding of incorrect lifting methods, how often

do we take unnecessary risk with our back when we are lifting or moving

objects? How often do we fail to correct poor posture, even though we know it

is not good for our bodies? The posture you adopt is just as important to the health

of your back as to how you lift!!

A good posture is achieved by:

Weight is evenly distributed

Knees are slightly bent

Buttocks are tucked under pelvis

Shoulders are relaxed and even


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Chin slightly tucked in.

This produces an ‘S’ shape curve of the spine. These should not be over-

exaggerated.

The clothing you wear can also affect your posture. Clothing must allow full

free movement. It must be:

Safe

Practical

Applicable to the task.

Fitness

The fitter a person is the easier it will be to cope with the physical demands

of the job.

Strong stomach muscles will strengthen the lower back.

Keep lower back and legs muscles flexible

Keep fit (walk daily)

Lifting Techniques

Assess area for obstacles

Legs have the strongest muscles of the body so use them

Check centre of gravity

Think before you lift anything and consider:

Its size and weight


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The number of times you have to lift the objects

The distance you have to carry the object

Ask yourself:

Can I lift it myself?

Do I need mechanical help?

Should I ask for a co-worker for help?

The Lifting Process

get close to the object

use short levers

maintain a good grip

keep balanced

flat back

knees bent

head forward

breathe in as you lift

lift smoothly- no jerky movements

keep object under control

reverse procedure when putting the object down.

Avoid twisting as this places the greatest strain on your back and can lead to

serious injury. Make sure your feet, knees, torso are pointed in the same

direction when you lift.


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INFECTION CONTROL

A documented infection control program is in place throughout Baptcare

to reduce the transmission of infections.

Whenever there are groups of people living and working together, there will

be opportunity for disease carrying micro-organisms to spread. We are all

able to spread and catch disease. Infection control refers to the practices we

can implement to reduce the chance of spreading disease from one person to

another.

Infections can be transmitted in several ways:

Direct Contact – direct physical transfer of micro-organisms from an infected

person to a susceptible host. Indirect contact transmission involves contact of

a susceptible host with a contaminated object, such as equipment or

instruments.

Droplets – Droplets containing micro-organisms are generated during

coughing, sneezing and talking. Droplet transmission occurs in close contact,

usually within 1 metre.

Airborne – occurs when dispersed in the air such as dust particles containing

micro-organisms. Can be widely dispersed via air currents and remain

airborne for long periods before being inhaled by the susceptible host.

Vehicle – applies to micro-organisms being transmitted by contaminated

water, food, drugs, blood or body fluids.

Vectorborne – when mosquitoes, flies, rats or other vermin transmit micro-

organisms.


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Hand washing

Hand washing is the single most important thing you can do to

prevent the spread of infection

Hands should be washed with soap and water when the following occurs:

After going to the toilet;

Before and after eating or drinking;

Before and after handling residents;

Before visiting clients, between and after visiting clients;

When handling food;

After removing gloves;

Whenever they get dirty;

If you come into contact with blood or body fluids;

After blowing your nose; and

After handling rubbish

Standard handwashing procedure:

1. Remove jewellery.

2. Wet hands thoroughly all over.

3. Use a pH neutral soap.

4. Lather soap all over hands.

5. Rub hands together vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Pay particular attention

to the fingertips, thumbs, wrists, finger webs and the backs of the hands.


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6. Rinse under running water.

7. Turn water off.

8. Pat hands dry with paper towels.

Intact skin provides a natural barrier to the spread of infection. Cuts and

grazes on skin should be covered with protective dressings to avoid the

spread of infection to others or to you.

Waterless handwashing

There are waterless alcohol based hand wash solutions that are as effective as

soap and water hand washing in most instances. These preparations should

only be used when there is no visible soiling of the hands or if infection

control guidelines suggest otherwise. If there is visible soiling, then soap and

water hand washing should be used. These waterless preparations contain an

emollient and aid in reducing damage to the hands.

Note: Using gloves does not replace hand washing; they are simply an

additional protective measure that you can take. Hands should always be

washed after wearing gloves.


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Correct Handwashing Technique (Basic)

Standard Precautions

Standard Precautions are designed to reduce the transmission of micro-

organisms between clients/residents and staff and minimise the risk of

infections.

Standard Precautions apply to all clients/residents at all times and must be

implemented when contact with any of the following is anticipated:


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• Blood

• All body fluids, secretions and excretions except sweat

• Non-intact skin

• Mucous membranes

They include routine procedures for:

- Non touch technique (Aseptic technique)

- Personal hygiene measures (such as hand washing)

- Personal protection (gloves, gowns, masks or face shields, plastic

aprons, eye protection, etc)

- Safe handling and disposal of waste (including sharps)

- Proper cleaning of instruments and equipment, including appropriate

use of disinfectants

- Environmental measures (design and maintenance, cleaning and spills

management)

- Support services (such as linen and food handling).

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