Yale
New Haven Hospital
QISS
GB 325
New Haven, CT
06504 USA
Dr. Jeff Topal
688-4634
|
|
|
Employees involved in housekeeping activities should utilize handwashing
procedures and protective barrier precautions when performing
cleaning tasks. The type of barrier protection required is dependent
on both the procedure performed and environmental conditions.
Use of the following guidelines, along with the exercise of good
and reasonable judgment on the part of the employee, is needed.
Handwashing should be performed:
|
Just prior to the start of cleaning procedures.
|
|
|
Following contamination of the hands by blood or body substances.
|
|
|
After removing a pair of gloves and before donning a new pair of gloves.
|
|
|
After completing cleaning activities.
|
Gloves
Non-sterile gloves should be worn for all cleaning procedures.
General purpose utility gloves, such as household rubber gloves used for housekeeping and equipment cleaning, may be washed, disinfected, and reused. However, these gloves must be discarded if there is any evidence of peeling, cracking, punctures, tearing, discoloration, or any other form of deterioration.
Disposable golves should be changed:
|
|
Whenever they are torn, punctured, cut, or show any other evidence of deterioration.
|
|
|
Between cleaning each patient room/area.
|
|
|
Following contact with grossly or visibly contaminated items or surfaces.
|
|
|
Disposable gloves should not be washed, disinfected, or reused. Gloves hands may not be washed as an alternative to changing gloves.
|
Gowns
Moisture-resistant gowns should be worn for any procedure involving the management of large amounts of blood or body substances that may be difficult to properly contain and may splash or splatter.
Mask
Masks should be worn for cleaning procedures involving:
|
|
The management of blood or body substances that may accidentally contaminate the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose or which may become aerosolized, such as during bulk trash removal, and disposal of large volumes of blood and secretions (e.g. emptying suction bottles).
|
|
|
The rooms of patients on Airborne Precautions, for suspected/confirmed pulmonary TB: specifically a N-95/HEPA respirator must be worn.
|
|
|
The rooms of patients on Droplet Precautions:
only if cleaning personnel are within 3 feet of the patient.
|
Protective Eyewear (safety glasses/goggles)
Protective eyewear should be worn for cleaning procedures involving the management of large amounts of blood or body substances that may splash or splatter, such as when emptying large-volume suctions bottles or during bulk trash and linen removal.
|
Last modified: September 30, 2002.
Copyright ©2001 Yale New Haven Hospital, Quality Improvement Support Services. All rights reserved.
Comments or suggestions to the site editor.
Home URL: http://www.ynhh.org
|
