Top 10 Infection Control Tips
Margaret Jennings June 08
These tips will assist you in preparing for reaccreditation.
10. How to fit a mask
Make sure staff know how to fit a P2/N95 mask for high risk situations (e.g. pandemic flu) as part of additional precautions.
9. HepB boosters
Staff do not normally require HepB boosters or repeat testing after successful immunisation.
Staff who fail to respond to HepB may be given intradermal HepB (9th ed and RACGP 4th ed IC standards).
8. Using paper towel
Apply a thick wad of paper towel leaflets to spills rather than try to tear off paper towel roll.
Use paper wad for urine and blood and kitty litter or equivalent for vomit. Provide vomit bags at reception and in the toilet as well as treatment room and cons rooms.
7. Daily detergent wipes
Use detergent wipes to daily clean telephones, frequently used handles, computer keyboards.
Avoid alcohol wipes on plastics etc. as it damages them. Alcohol is not for environmental surface cleaning.
6. Sharps injuries
It is mandatory to report sharps injuries, and work must stop immediately for an assessment.
Make sure your staff know the national needlestick injury hotline number 1800 804 823.
5. Clinical waste
Use a small kitchen bench tidy for clinical waste - it should not be accessible to children.
Practices do not generate much clinical waste. Place lined labelled bin on bench & empty daily.
4. Washing hands
Wet hands first before applying liquid soap, and use compatible handcream 2-4 times per day.
Ensure your liquid soap is health care worker quality, and that it is above or at the sink to encourage correct technique. Use a compatible hand cream - I understand sorbolene may not be compatible.
3. Sterilisation
It is part of correct procedure to perform the 3 Biological Cycles yourself the day of validation.
Before the service tech leaves ask what the sterilising time is that you should be using. You don't need to wait for their paper work to be sent to you.
2. Plastic draining rack
Use a plastic draining rack over the sink to drain rinsed items after washing.
Do not allow items to air dry but this prevents spread of contaminated wet areas.
1. Wipe sharp instruments
Wipe sharp instruments items free of visible soil safely by wiping onto paper towel or tissue.
Carry sharp used items to the steri area in a container with a lid - preferably dry.
More
Please call me on 0404 088 754 if you wish me to present on any of these topics with demonstrations to your practice, or you may attend my 4 hour (4 CNE points from RCNA) education sessions at Eltham (available monthly).
This article is available online at http://bddgp.org.au/article/2008/06/infection-tips
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