Evaluation And Selection Of Effective Engineering And Work Practice Controls Essay

Steeve & Mallison (1975) stated hand hygiene has often been singled out as the most important procedure in preventing infection. Guidelines from national and international infection prevention and control organizations acknowledged that hand washing is the single most important procedure for preventing infections (Ganner and Favero,1985).

It is our responsibility as employees to take precautionary measures to prevent and control the spread of infection in the workplace. This involves working safely to protect myself, other staff, visitors and individuals from infections.

Dirty hands is the common source of spreading infection. It is very important to keep hands clean to avoid getting infected and spreading infection in the community. It is important to wash hands to keep hands clean. There are two ways to keep hand clean, one way is wash hands with soap and warm water while rubbing hands together for minimum 15 to 30 seconds. Indication of washing hands with soap and water is when hands are visibly dirty, before and after eating, feeding, using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, after using gloves, taking care of patients. There is also second way to clean hands, but it is advisable to wash hands with soap and water all the time, but it can ignore when soap and water is not available so it is okay to use hand gel or foam in the form of sanitizer. This helps to clean hands or kill germs when hands are not visibly dirty.

Washing your hands before and after doing individual jobs, using the correct PPE for the task you are carrying out, Gloves, Aprons etc. This can stop the spread of fluids and germs which can be carried on clothes. Simply covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing then washing your hands will stop the spread of possible infection. Many surfaces can hold germs and bacteria, so even after touching any surfaces hands should be washed or gloves worn where ever possible.

Hands must be washed thoroughly, after every contact with potential source of contamination/ before food

1.1 Explain the employees roles and responsibilities’ in relation to the prevention and control of infection

All task in the work setting should be carried out with special training for the care for standard quality care.

In addition to diligent hand washing and the consistent use of other Standard Precautions, which measure will help reduce the transmission of Hepatitis?

Wash your hands following the use of the bathroom and before handling food or water.

CLEAPSS Hazcards (which stands for: Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services) are used in schools and other education centres to give potential hazards and information for technician staff that use concentrated chemicals to prepare more dilute solutions for a class/lesson. In working environments they are used to produce data sheets for chemical manufacturers to give all relevant information for all of the products that they use. Details referencing what to avoid when using the substance, exposure limits and any specific hazards will also be displayed on the hazcards. The CLEAPSS service also provides; newsletters for schools, free

Within the essay I am going to discuss whether good hand hygiene practices are the single most important factor in preventing cross infection. Some may argue for this statement others against. Jeanes A (2005) refers to the NMC code of professional conduct (2004) who state that you must act to identify and minimise risk to patients and clients.

Washes his or her hands well with soap and water to keep the flu from spreading.

* Hand washing is the most important method of preventing the spread of infection by contact (Ayliffe et al 1999). The Nottingham University Trust Policy on Hand Hygiene (2009) states that there are three types of hand hygiene, the first is ‘routine hand hygiene’ which involves the use of soap and water for 15 – 20 seconds or the application of alcohol hand rub until the hand are dry. The second is ‘hand disinfection’ which should be used prior to an aseptic procedure by washing with soap and water and applying alcohol hand rub afterwards. The third is ‘surgical hand washing’ which is the application of a microbial agent to the hands and wrists for two minutes. In addition to which a sterile, disposable brush may be used for the first surgical hand wash of the day although continued use will encourage colonisation of microbes. The third example is the most appropriate to any O.D.P undertaking the surgical role as it is the best way for the surgical team to eliminate transient flora and reduce resident skin flora (World Health Organization 2010). The first and second are important to any O.D.P undertaking any other role within the Operating Department as this is the best way to reduce the transient microbial flora without necessarily affecting the resident skin flora

For example, we know that the Aids virus is readily killed with soap and water and by common disinfectants. You should avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or any items contaminated by blood, feces, or other body secretions. Personnel with wounds or abrasions on exposed body surfaces, such as the hands or face, should try to protect those areas from contact when emergency treatment is being given. It is good practice to wear disposable gloves while handling

A defensive strategy is important when trying to avoid infecting oneself with an illness lying in wait (Wisegeek.com, 2011). According to Mayo Clinic (2009), frequent handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness. Although it is impossible to keep hands germ-free, washing hands frequently can help limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes.