Clean, disinfect and remove spillages of blood and other body fluids to minimise the risk of infection
Overview
This standard concerns the safe and effective cleaning, disinfection and removal of spillages of blood and other body fluids to minimise the risk of infection to health and social care staff, individuals/service users and visitors. The standard applies in all health and social care environments, including community and domiciliary settings and ambulance vehicles.
Exposure to blood and other body fluids poses a potential risk of infection from microorganisms. Exposure may include injuries from sharps, bites and splashes. All staff working in health and social care should receive training in how to deal with spillages, including the immediate management (including first aid), but it should be clear who is primarily responsible for cleaning blood and body fluid spillages within each area or care environment.
Cleaning and disinfecting are the terms that are used in this standard however in some areas the term 'decontamination' is used. 'Decontamination' is an umbrella term which incorporates cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising as appropriate.
The standard should be used alongside relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols.
Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
- work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
- deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
- identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
- confirm identity of the individual in accordance with organisational procedures
- gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
- communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
- respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
- provide support to the individual and carers and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
- act immediately to deal with spillages of blood or other body fluids by placing warning signs and a physical barrier as appropriate
- assess the spillage and gather the equipment and personal protective equipment you will need
- follow the methods set out in local and national policies for cleaning, disinfecting and removing spillages of different types of body fluids including the use of disposable paper towels or chlorine releasing agents as appropriate to the environment
- remove personal protective equipment discarding disposable equipment in an appropriate waste receptacle, clean or disinfect any non-disposable equipment ready for re-use
- return disinfectants to safe storage, following regulations and guidance concerning hazardous substances, health and safety policies and the manufacturer's instructions
- remove warning signs and re-instate the area
- take appropriate action if you are exposed to blood or body fluids while cleaning the spillage
- dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
- complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
- the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
- how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
- specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
- the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
- the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
- how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual
- the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
- the needs of individuals and carers including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
- relevant standard infection prevention and control precautions, national legislation/guidance and local policies/procedures
- the chain of infection
- hierarchy of controls
- the key moments of hand hygiene
- how approaches in clinical and social environments may differ
- how to access facilities for hand hygiene
- effective techniques for maintaining hand hygiene
- how to deal with exposure through injuries from sharps, bites and splashes.
- how to safely put on, remove and dispose of personal protective equipment
- the different types of spillage and the appropriate cleaning and disinfection processes to follow
- the uses, dilutions, methods of application, storage and disposal of cleaning and disinfectant products used to remove spillages
- the range of action to take if you are exposed to blood or body fluids while cleaning the spillage
- how to segregate different categories of waste
- the different colour-coded bags and waste containers available and the correct use of each
- how to distinguish between single-use, single-individual use, and reusable equipment and/or personal protective equipment and how to dispose, launder, clean, disinfect, maintain or store them safely
- safe use and storage of superabsorbent polymer gel granules for containment of bodily waste
- how the environment impacts on safe dealing of blood and body fluids
- how and when to report any issues
- how to dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
- how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements