IPC3.2012 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, patients/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 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. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 2

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. relevant standard infection prevention and control precautions, national legislation/guidance and local policies/procedures
2. health and safety regulations covering your area of work
3. regulations and guidance concerning hazardous substances
4. the chain of infection
5. how to access facilities for hand hygiene
6. effective techniques for maintaining hand hygiene
7. the appropriate personal protective equipment to use when cleaning spillages
8. how to safely put on, remove and dispose of personal protective equipment
9. the different types of spillage and local policies on the appropriate cleaning and disinfection processes to follow
10. the uses, dilutions, methods of application, storage and disposal of cleaning and disinfectant products used to remove spillages
11. how to segregate different categories of waste
12. the different colour-coded bags and waste containers available and the correct use of each
13. how to distinguish between single-use, single-patient use, and reusable equipment and/or personal protective equipment and how to dispose, launder, clean, disinfect or store them, safely
14. your own role and responsibilities, and the responsibilities of others
15. how to complete the records required in your area of activity
16. how to report adverse events, accidents and incidents
17. how and when to report issues that are within and outside your scope of practice

Performance Criteria

You must be able to:

1. take precautions and apply safe working practices to minimise the risk of exposure to blood and other body fluids
2. act immediately to deal with spillages of blood or other body fluids by placing warning signs and a physical barrier as appropriate
3. assess the spillage and gather the equipment and personal protective equipment you will need
4. put on personal protective equipment in accordance with the local and national policies/procedures before dealing with the spillage
5. 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
6. dispose of spent or unused cleaning and disinfection solutions in a designated area
7. remove personal protective equipment discarding disposable equipment in an appropriate waste receptacle, clean or disinfect any non-disposable equipment ready for re-use
8. return disinfectants to safe storage, following regulations and guidance concerning hazardous substances, health and safety policies and the manufacturer's instructions
9. remove warning signs and re-instate the area
10. perform effective hand hygiene in accordance with local and national policies
11. if you are exposed to blood or body fluids while cleaning the spillage:
    1. perform first aid immediately to the exposed area, following national/local guidelines
    2. report the incident immediately and seek advice on the need for further medical care
    3. document the incident, following local policies
12. report any spillage in accordance with the local policy/procedures for adverse event reporting

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: Core 3 Health, afety and security