Page 37 - Home Health Marketing

If you do not have visibly dirty hands, use a hand sanitizer with 60-90%
ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. Apply a dime-size amount (or the amount
recommended on the label) in one palm, then rub hands vigorously, covering
all surfaces of hands and fingers, until they are dry.

DISPOSABLE ITEMS AND EQUIPMENT

This may include paper cups, tissues, dressings, bandages, plastic
equipment, catheters, incontinence supplies, plastic tubing and gloves.

Store these in a clean, dry area. Throw away used items in waterproof (plastic)
bags. Fasten the bags securely and throw them in the trash.

NON-DISPOSABLE ITEMS AND EQUIPMENT

This may include dirty laundry, dishes, thermometers, toilets, walkers,
wheelchairs, bath seats, suction machines and oxygen equipment.
Wash dirty laundry separately in hot, soapy water. Handle it as little as
possible so you don’t spread germs. If the patient has a virus, add a mix of
one part bleach and 10 parts water to the load.

Clean equipment as soon as you use it. Wash small items (not
thermometers) in hot, soapy water, then rinse and dry them with clean towels.
Wipe thermometers with alcohol before and after each use, and store in a
clean, dry place. Wipe off equipment with a normal disinfectant or bleach mix.
Follow the cleaning instructions that came with the item and ask your nurse
or therapist if you have questions.
Pour liquids in the toilet. Clean the containers with hot, soapy water, then
rinse them with boiling water and air dry.

SHARP OBJECTS

This may include needles, syringes, lancets, scissors, knives, staples, glass
tubes and bottles, IV catheters and razors.

Put used sharps in a clean, hard plastic or metal container with a screw-on
or tight lid. Seal it with heavy-duty tape and dispose of it in the trash or
according to area regulations. Do not overfill sharps containers or re-cap used
needles. Do not use glass or clear plastic containers. Never put sharps in
containers that will be recycled or returned to a store.

BODY FLUID SPILLS

Put on gloves and wipe the fluid with paper towels. Use a solution of one part
bleach and 10 parts water to wipe the area again. Double bag used paper
towels and throw them in the trash.

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