Personal protective equipment appropriate to specific task requirements is available at all times.
Policy Implementation
Personnel who perform tasks that may involve exposure to blood/body fluids are provided appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at no charge.
Personal protective equipment provided to our personnel includes but is not necessarily limited to:
- gowns/aprons/lab coats (disposable cloth and/or plastic);
- gloves (sterile non-sterile heavy-duty and/or puncture-resistant);
- masks; and
- eye wear (goggles and/or face shields).
Not all tasks involve the same risk of exposure or the same kind or extent of protection. The type of PPE required for a task is based on:
- the type of transmission-based precaution;
- the fluid or tissue to which there is a potential exposure;
- the likelihood of exposure;
- the potential volume of material;
- the probable route of exposure; and
- the overall working conditions and job requirements.
A supply of protective clothing and equipment is maintained at each nurses’ station. PPE required for transmission-based precautions is maintained outside and inside the resident’s room as needed.
Training on the proper donning, use, and disposal of PPE is provided upon orientation and at regular intervals.
Employees who fail to use personal protective equipment when indicated may be disciplined in accordance with personnel policies.
Visitors and residents who are asked to comply with transmission-based precautions are educated on the proper use of PPE and provided with equipment at no charge.
Reference
State Operations Manual. (2023). §483.80(a) Infection prevention and control program: F880
Centers for Disease Control. [CDC]. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ppe.html
Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA]. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/personalprotectiveequipment/index.html.