Usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by Supporting Staff:
Supporting staff members are required to utilize necessary PPE when
delivering care services.
The office will provide the following equipment: gloves, aprons, and Type IIR fluid repellent surgical masks. Care staff should collect the PPE from the office as needed and ensure the safekeeping of their masks separately. It is also the responsibility of supporting staff to make sure that gloves and aprons are available for other care staff at the service user's residence.
Importance of Hand and Respiratory Hygiene:
It is crucial to note that the effectiveness of PPE is maximized when combined with proper hand hygiene, which involves regular and appropriate cleaning of hands, and respiratory hygiene, which includes avoiding touching the face and adhering to standard infection prevention and control precautions. Hand gels will be provided to all staff members by the office.
Updated Guidelines on Face Masks:
According to the latest guidance, care workers can wear the same face masks when continuously working with clients. However, masks should be discarded and replaced under the following circumstances: if damaged, soiled with secretions or body fluids, damp, uncomfortable, causing skin irritation, or difficult to breathe through. After removing the mask, it should be carefully folded to minimize contact with the outer surface and stored in a clean, sealed bag or box. Staff must practice good hand hygiene before and after removing masks.
Proper Usage of PPE:
Care staff members must wear appropriate PPE while providing support to service user
s. The office will supply the necessary PPE. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wear PPE:
Put on the mask before entering the service user's property.
Perform hand hygiene before putting on PPE.
Wear the apron and tie it at the waist.
Use eye protection if necessary (currently not required, but any changes will be notified to all staff).
Put on gloves.
Proper Removal of PPE:
Care staff members must remove PPE after commencing care and dispose of it correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove PPE:
Remove gloves by grasping the outside of one glove with the opposite gloved hand, peel it off, and hold it in the remaining gloved hand. Slide the fingers of the un-gloved hand under the remaining glove at the wrist, peel it off, and discard both gloves appropriately in a disposable rubbish bag.
Clean and wash hands appropriately.
Unfasten or break apron ties at the neck and let the apron slide down. Break the ties around the waist, fold the apron, and discard it in the rubbish bag. Avoid touching the outside of the apron.
Remove eye protection if worn, handling the straps with both hands and pulling them away from the face. Discard appropriately.
Clean and wash hands appropriately.
Remove the mask after leaving the property.
Minimizing Transmission of COVID-19:
If the individual receiving care and support shows symptoms of COVID-19, it is essential to minimize the risk of transmission through safe working procedures. Care workers should utilize PPE, including aprons, gloves, fluid repellent surgical masks, and eye protection when necessary. Each episode of care requires the use of new personal protective equipment. Additionally, cleaning and laundry procedures should be followed meticulously to ensure hygiene and prevent the spread of the virus.
Note: The provided information is based on guidelines and recommendations. Please refer to the latest government guidance for the most up-to-date information.
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