Page 25 - Norco Patient Orientation Handbook e-book

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Infection Control

Norco provides information to our patients/clients and their family members and/or caregivers in an effort to
help minimize the spreading of germs and disease as it relates to medical equipment. The following is
considered hazardous or infectious material:
♦ Liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potential infectious materials (OPIM - i.e. body fluids).
♦ Items contaminated with blood or OPIM and which would release these substances in a liquid or semi-liquid
state if compressed.
♦ Items caked with dry blood or OPIM and are capable of releasing these materials during handling.
♦ Contaminated sharps.

Standard precautions – All body fluids either wet or dried that might be, from time to time, on equipment due
to patient use should be considered potentially infectious. Gloves should be worn when cleaning equipment.

Hand washing – Hands and any other exposed skin should be washed with soap and water after handling or
cleaning contaminated equipment. Any other skin exposed to potentially infectious material is also washed
with soap and water.

“Hand washing is the single most important thing you can do to

prevent the spread of infection”

Cleaning equipment – The person doing the cleaning should wear gloves, apron and safety glasses or other
form of eye protection.

Remove any disposable material – Dispose of all disposable material, including rags in a separate garbage
bag for garbage pickup. Clean all external surfaces with a disinfectant solution.

BEDROOM SAFETY

Create a safe and cheerful bedroom environment for patients who are confined to their bedroom for a given part
of the day. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Open curtains or windows to allow sunlight to shine into the room. Inadequate bedroom light is a
common cause for patient falls. The use of nightlights in the bedroom will also aid in preventing such
accidents.
2. Keep personal belongings accessible. Place the telephone, a lamp or some type of light source, reading
materials, snacks and beverages, etc. within easy reach. Obtain a bell or some type of calling device to
notify caregiver when assistance is needed.
3. Remove items that could pose a hazard. Area rugs, loose carpeting, electrical extension cords, tables,
and chairs not in use, and miscellaneous items on the floor could cause a patient to trip or fall.
4. NEVER SMOKE IN BED and NEVER allow anyone to smoke while there is an oxygen system in use.