Standard Precautions

• Wash hands frequently.

• Wear utility gloves during at-risk activities.

• Avoid chapped and cracked hands and use a water-based hand lotion frequently. (Petroleum-based products break down latex.)

• Wear protective barriers such as gowns, boots, masks, and eye protection when working with blood and blood products, body fluids, or waste that may contain blood.

• Do not recap, shear, or break needles at any time. Discard needles and sharp objects in protective containers

• Sterilize or disinfect reusable equipment.

• Place items that contain blood in a red biohazard plastic bag.

• Do not pick up broken glass with bare hands.

• Use mouthpieces or resuscitator bags whenever resuscitation is required.