HLTINF001 – Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures;
(from Nationally Accredited Training)
T De Maria 15/9/22
Masks and protective eyewear
- Wear a mask and eye protection or a face shield to protect mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth:
- during procedures and client-care activities that are likely to generate splashes or sprays; of blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions
- during cleaning activities.
Masks and protective eyewear protect the worker, the client, or both from transmission of pathogens. For example, masks are recommended to prevent the exposure of mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes, during procedures that are likely to cause splashes of body substances. Different types of respiratory protection are available for different tasks and purposes,
Removing the mask
Remove the mask by holding the ties only and dispose of the mask into a clinical waste bin. Reusable face shields or goggles should be removed carefully and placed in a receptacle for cleaning.
A disposable N95 mask (respirator) is a safety device that covers the nose and mouth and helps protect the wearer from breathing in some hazardous substances. An N95 mask protects you from breathing in small particles in the air such as dust and mould.
Let’s Compare
| Uses for Masks: | Uses for Respirators |
| Masks are loose fitting, covering the nose and mouth | Respirators are tight fitting masks, designed to create a facial seal |
| Designed for one way protection, to capture bodily fluid leaving the wearer | Designed for two-way protection, by filtering the air breathed in |
| Example – worn during surgery to prevent coughing, sneezing, etc on the vulnerable patient | These are designed protect the wearer (when worn properly), up to the safety rating of the mask |
| Contrary to belief, masks are NOT designed to protect the wearer | Available as disposable, half face or full face |
| The vast majority of masks do not have a safety rating assigned to them (e.g. NIOSH or EN) |
Protective clothing
Protective clothing (e.g. gowns, plastic aprons) is recommended to be worn when it is anticipated that clothing will be contaminated by splashes of blood or bodily substances.
Gloves
Gloves should be worn during contact. Gloves should be changed appropriately. Where there is a high risk of blood or body fluid splashes, face masks and eye protection must be worn. Facemasks must be appropriate to their situation.
Wear gloves (clean non sterile gloves are adequate) when touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions and contaminated items; put on clean gloves just before touching mucous membrane and non-intact skin. Sterile gloves are required for invasive procedures.
Change gloves between tasks and procedures on the same client after contact with material that may contain a high concentration of microorganisms.
Remove gloves promptly after use, before touching non-contaminated items and environmental surfaces and before going to another client. Dispose of gloves in the clinical (infectious) waste or place in a plastic bag and tie before disposing of it in the general household waste.
Wash and dry hands immediately after removing gloves to avoid transfer of microorganisms to other clients or environments.
Gowns
Choose the type of gown that will provide adequate protection for the task planned. When using Standard Precautions, an isolation gown is worn only as needed to protect the wearer from contact with blood or body fluid. Wear a gown for direct client contact if the client has uncontained body fluids.
Wear a gown (a clean non-sterile gown is adequate) to protect skin and prevent soiling of clothing during procedures and client care activities that are likely to generate splashing or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions or cause soiling of clothing.
Select a gown (long or short sleeved) that is appropriate for the activity and the amount of fluid likely to be encountered.
Remove the used gown as promptly as possible using gloved hands, roll up carefully and place in a linen receptacle for laundering.
Wash and dry hands to avoid transfer of microorganisms to other clients and environments.
Overall, personal protective clothing and equipment are most effective when appropriately selected, properly fitted, worn according to manufacturer’s instructions, inspected frequently to verify integrity of the barrier, and changed between clients. The cost of personal protective clothing and equipment are far less than the cost of treating preventable infections of clients and staff.
Waterproof aprons
Wear waterproof aprons are required when splashes or sprays of blood or body fluids/substances are likely such as during cleaning activities or in times of special precautions. Remove the used apron as promptly as possible using gloved hands, roll up carefully and place in a clinical waste bin.
