Universal Precautions and
Infection Control
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Universal
Precautions
- Use barrier protection at all times.
- Use gloves for protection
when working with or around blood and body fluids.
- Change
glove between patients.
- Use glasses, goggles, masks, shields,
and waterproof gowns/aprons to protect face from splashes.
- Wash hands if contaminated and after
removing gloves.
- Use puncture-resistant sharps disposal
containers (at point of use).
- Do not recap, bend or break needles and handle
all sharps carefully.
- Use resuscitation equipment and devices for
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
- Minimize spills and spatters; use leak-proof
containers; appropriate biological safety cabinet.
- Decontaminate all surfaces and devices after
use.
- Observe prudent laboratory practices.
- Use proper waste management/housekeeping.
- Promptly seek medical attention and counseling
if exposed to contaminated materials (see below).
Other Protection
Procedures
- Use safe-design needle kits.
- Use
needle guard or needlestick prevention devices if recapping
needle is necessary.
- Reduce the use of needles
and other sharps.
- Use occlusive bandages as
needed.
- Follow infection control/body
substance isolation practices.
- Review and monitor protocols
and/or practices for improving safety conditions.
- Change or modify protocols/practices
according to risk of tasks or biosafety level with additional
use of personal
protective equipment or special precautions.
Decontamination
- Use approved disinfectant (e.g. 1:10 household
bleach, etc.).
- Use proper personal protective equipment.
- Use a suitable strategy for decontamination
and clean-up.
- Absorb, contain and decontaminate spills.
- Clean area with detergent and water after
decontamination.
- Properly dispose of contaminated materials.
Disposal Procedures
- Place infectious waste
in labeled "red bag"/designated
containers.
- Dispose of sharps in labeled, puncture-resistant
containers.
- Utilize: proper storage/transport/treatment
(decontamination) of infectious materials.
In Case of Accident:
- Immediately report the incident to your supervisor
and fill out "Supervisor's First Report of Injury" form.
- Report the incident as soon as possible to Environmental
Health & Safety at 500-8100 (Biological Safety 500-4193).
- Seek medical attention and/or counseling.
- Contact UT Student and Employee Health Services
at 500-3267; take completed "Supervisor's First Report
of Injury" form with you for office appointment.
- Needlesticks should be reported to 951-8013
(a 24 hour pager).
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