Transcript fpr film four - Prevention of exposure to blood and body fluids including safe handling and disposal of sharps

Introduction

You need to protect yourself against exposure to blood and body fluids and injuries from sharps as they are a source of infection

Spillages of urine, faeces and vomit

Spillages should be cleaned immediately. Put on a disposable apron and single use gloves and if there is a risk of splashing wear face protection.

• Remove any excess material with paper towels. Use absorbent granules if necessary. 
• Clean with hot water and detergent using a cloth or mop designated for use in that area (this is explained in film six) 
• Remove Personal Protective Equipment and dispose of it in a bag used for offensive waste

Spillages of blood

You should use a special spillage kit containing: disposable apron, single use gloves, a disposable tray, absorbent powder or granules, disinfectant or bleach and disposable cloths. If there is a risk of splashing wear face protection.

• Sprinkle the powder or granules on the blood and leave for two minutes
• Once the powder has absorbed the blood scoop onto the tray. 
• Pour or mix the disinfectant depending on manufacturers instructions and clean with a cloth
• Dispose of all used items in an infectious waste bag
• Then remove and dispose of personal protective equipment. 
• If the spillage is on carpet or furnishings and you cannot use bleach  the area must be steam cleaned

Sharps injuries

Sharp objects like lancets are used to draw blood from residents, for example in devices which test blood sugar levels. They can be a source of infection. The lancet must be sterile when used and should not be used again even if it is by the same person. Lancets must be disposed of safely in a sharps container. This should conform to European standards and be labeled and dated correctly.

If your skin is punctured or scratched by a lancet which is being used, or has been used by a patient, you must take the following immediate action:

• Wash the injury under running water making it bleed
• Cover the injury with a waterproof dressing
• Report the injury to your manager
• Seek medical advice from your GP or your local A&E department

You should follow the same procedure if you receive a bite injury from a resident which breaks the skin

Still screen and voice over

• Clean spillages immediately 
• Use the right cleaning equipment for the area you are cleaning
• Use a special spillage kit when cleaning blood 
• Lancets must be sterile and must not be reused even by the same person
• Dispose of lancets in a sharps container
• Puncture wounds must be washed immediately and covered with a waterproof dressing
• Tell your manager and seek medical advice from your GP or nearest A&E department

Last reviewed: 22 July 2010