1. Hand Hygiene
Why: Germs spread mostly through hands.
When to Wash Hands:
- Before and after helping a client with personal care.
- Before preparing food or handling clean items.
- After touching body fluids, used tissues, or dirty surfaces.
- After removing gloves.
How to Clean Hands:
- Use soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, if hands are visibly dirty.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
2. Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safely
Why: PPE (like gloves, masks, and gowns) protects DCWs from germs and body fluids.
When to Wear It
- When touching blood, body fluids, or open wounds.
- If there’s a risk of getting splashed with body fluids.
- When body fluids might spray into the face (e.g., helping with wound care). If the client has an airborne infection (e.g., tuberculosis).
How to Remove PPE Properly:
1. Take off gloves first, turning them inside out.
2. Remove gown by pulling it away from the body.
3. Take off mask and eye protection last, handling by the straps.
4. Wash hands after removing PPE.
3. Covering Coughs and Preventing Germ Spread
Why: Coughing and sneezing can spread illnesses like the flu or COVID-19.
What to Do:
- Encourage clients to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
- Provide tissues and hand sanitizer if available.
- Wear a mask if the client is coughing a lot.
- Keep some distance if the client is sick, when possible.
4. Keeping Surfaces and Equipment Clean
Why? Germs can stay on surfaces and spread to people who touch them.
What to Clean and Disinfect:
- Frequently touched items (doorknobs, bed rails, remote controls, countertops).
- Shared care items (thermometers, blood pressure cuffs).
- Any soiled or contaminated surfaces right away.
How to Clean Safely:
- Use disinfectant wipes or sprays approved for killing germs.
- Follow instructions on disinfectant labels for proper use.
- Use disinfectant wipes or sprays approved for killing germs.
- Follow instructions on disinfectant labels for proper use.
5. Handling Laundry and Waste Safely
Why: Dirty laundry and trash can spread infections if not handled properly.
How to Handle Soiled Laundry:
- Wear gloves when handling dirty clothes, bedding, or towels.
- Place items directly into a laundry bag without shaking them.
- Wash hands after handling laundry.
How to Handle Waste:
- Dispose of used tissues, dressings, or contaminated materials in a plastic bag.
- Use biohazard bags if required by your employer.
6. Handling Sharps (Even If You Don’t Use Them)
Why: Some clients use needles for medications (like insulin). Direct Care Workers should know how to avoid accidental needle sticks.
What to Do:
- Never touch or recap used needles.
- Remind clients to dispose of sharps in a proper sharps container (not in the trash).
- If a used needle is left out, ask the client to dispose of it safely or notify a supervisor.
- If stuck by a needle, wash the area immediately and report it.
7. Safe Injection Practices (Even If You Don’t Give Injections)
Why: Some clients self-inject medications, and
improper use can spread infections.
What to Do:
- Remind clients to use a new, sterile needle each time and never share syringes.
- Ensure used needles go directly into a sharps disposal container.
- Never handle or dispose of syringes unless trained and required to do so.
- If exposed to a needle, wash the area and report it immediately.
8. What to Do If Exposed to Blood or Body Fluids
IMMEDIATE STEPS
1. Wash the area with soap and water.
2. If fluids get in eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
3. Report the exposure to your employer or supervisor.
4. Seek medical evaluation if needed.
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