Precautions

Precautions are a set of recommendations and practices that are designed to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. There are two tiers of recommended precautions: standard precautions for all patient care and transmission-based precautions.

Standard Precautions

Standard precautions are the basic level of infection control that should be used in the care of all patients to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission. Standard precautions should be used in the care of all patients; this applies to blood, all body fluids, secretions and excretions; non-intact skin; and mucous membranes.

Hand Hygiene

Cleaning your hands can prevent the spread of germs, including those that are resistant to antibiotics. Healthcare workers should clean their hands before and after contact with a patient. Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, especially if hands are visibly soiled. An alcohol-based hand rub is appropriate if hands are not visibly soiled.

Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

Implementing the Hand Hygiene Guidelines

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protective Clothing and Ensembles

Skin Exposures & Effects

Eye Safety

OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Brochure

Respiratory Hygiene

OSHA Respirator Reccomendations

Health and Safety Authority

Patient Placement

Transmission Based Precautions Literature Review