Universal Precautions for Home Care Providers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that universal precautions were designed as a protective measure against infectious diseases. Standards of precaution were developed to protect health care workers from coming into contact with bodily fluids that may contain pathogens, or disease producing organisms. Home care providers should adopt universal precautions as a safety measure.

OSHA

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that is responsible for regulating exposure to infectious materials in the workplace. OSHA has created a set of standards, known as universal precautions, to help eliminate the possibility of worker contamination. OSHA requires health care facilities to have the necessary supplies to counteract exposure to infectious materials. Home care providers need to be especially vigilant about universal precautions and recognize contaminated materials as well as have supplies and materials ready if exposure occurs.

Pathogens

• The pathogens present in human body fluids can cause diseases including, but not limited to, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, syphilis, malaria, Colorado tick fever and lymphotropic virus types I and II. Universal precautions will help the home care worker avoid potential infection of these diseases.

Infectious Materials

• Human body fluids that may contain pathogens include blood or body fluids contaminated with blood, urine, feces, semen, vaginal secretions, amniotic fluid and saliva. Consider any bodily fluid to be infectious if it is impossible to identify. Exposure can occur when these fluids come into contact with the home care worker's eye, mouth, broken skin or mucous membranes. Personal protective equipment should be worn to avoid contact with infectious materials.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Gloves will prevent contact with infectious materials, especially if the home care worker has a cut or broken skin on the hands. Gloves should be latex or vinyl, puncture free and fit well. Never reuse disposable gloves. Eye protection, face shields and masks may be worn to protect against sprays and splashes that may occur. Disposable mouthpieces should be available if resuscitation is necessary. Lab coats or protective body covering should be impervious to fluid. The home care worker can determine which, if any, pieces of protective equipment are necessary based on the potential for exposure.

Hand Washing

• Hand washing is essential to prevent the spread of infection. The home care worker should designate a sink to be used for hand washing and maintain a supply of antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Use paper towels to dry hands.