Safety Procedures

Infection Control in the Home

Controlling infections that can occur in the home is most important in preventing further illness. The following infection control procedures are guidelines for use in the home and may be used in conjunction with other instructions received from your doctor and/or home care professional.

Hand washing should always be done:

• Before and after contact with the patient
• Before handling dressing, tubes, medications, or cleaning the equipment
• After handling items soiled with blood or body fluids
• Before eating
• After handling or caring for pets
• After using the toilet
• After caring for a person with an infection
• After removing gloves

Gloves (latex or vinyl) should be worn:

• Before contact with blood or other body fluids
• Before touching an open wound
• Before handling soiled linen or clothing
• Remove gloves immediately after use and dispose of properly.

Electrical Grounding

Electrical products should be grounded. In the event of an electrical short circuit, grounding reduces the risk of electrical shock by providing an escape wire for the electrical current. Electrical products with a 3 prong plug must be plugged into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded.

If it is necessary to use an extension cord, use only a 3-wire extension cord that has a 3-blade grounding plug and a 3-slot receptacle that will accept the plug on the product. Replace or repair a damaged cord.

Have any equipment with frayed or cracked cords promptly repaired.