Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must have procedures in place to manage infection risks during first aid. Where there is a risk of exposure to blood or body substances, first aiders should use standard precautions, including:
- good hand hygiene
- the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- safe disposal of sharps and waste
- cleaning of surfaces and reusable equipment
- managing spills and soiled laundry.
These precautions should be used for all patients to prevent infection. Where there is a risk of disease, first aiders should be offered vaccinations in line with the Department of Health Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Contaminated items
Items soiled with blood or body substances should be placed in securely tied plastic bags and disposed of in line with State or local government requirements.
Sharps, such as needles, syringes and disposable probes must be placed in a rigid-walled, puncture-resistant sharps container immediately after use.
For guidance on the design, construction, colour and markings of sharps containers see AS 4031 Non-reusable containers for the collection of sharp medical items used in health care areas and AS/NZS 4261 Reusable containers for the collection of sharp items used in human and animal medical applications.
Reusable items contaminated with blood and body substances should be washed and disinfected by a competent person or disposed of safely.
If a first aider sustains a sharps injury or thinks they are at risk of infection from blood or body substances, they should seek prompt medical advice.
Cleaning spills
Start cleaning right away after any accident involving blood or body fluids. First aiders should wear disposable gloves when cleaning up spills. If there is a risk of splashing, they should also use extra protective equipment such as eye protection, plastic aprons and masks. Wipe up spills with paper towels and clean the area with warm soapy water. If the surface is hard to clean, consider using chlorine bleach.