Infection control
Risk of infection
First aid personnel and workers may be at risk of exposure to infectious diseases or biological hazards
Blood or body substance spillage
Spills should be attended to immediately and protective gloves should be worn. Absorbent material such as paper towels should be used to absorb the bulk of the blood or body substance
Cleaning, disinfecting, sterilising
Single use disposable sterile items like disposable splinter forceps, should be used to reduce the risk of cross infection. When disposable items are used for first aid they should not be reused
Waste management
Contaminated waste should be placed in a leak-proof bag or container and sealed. The bag or container should not be overfilled
Sharps
Sharps are a major cause of accidents involving potential exposure to biological hazards which can pose a risk of transmission for Hepatitis B, C and HIV viruses
Laundry and storage of equipment
All first aid items and equipment should be stored to maintain an appropriate state of cleanliness and sterility
Immunisation
Employers should consider providing an immunisation program
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