Australian Red Cross Blood Service

PPM-00074
Infection Control Guidelines for staff and contractors Version: 1

Why do I need to know about infection control?

Staff working in areas that handle blood, tissue and other body substances have the potential to be in contact with
blood borne infections. Often you cannot tell if a person is infectious, therefore, all body substances should be
considered as potential sources of infection.
If you visit or work in an area such as Collection, testing laboratories, processing or distribution areas, you need to
take precautions to reduce and prevent your risk of contracting and/or spreading potential infection.
What do I need to do?
Different tasks require different management. The main distinction is whether or not you will be working with blood
and tissue or surfaces/equipment that come into contact with blood and tissue.

Important:
 Wash hands when visibly soiled.
 Disinfect hands using alcohol-based hand gel at all other times
The following table outlines your responsibility from the time you enter an at risk site.
What level of activity am I involved in?
Entering the area.
Performing tasks not involving:
 contact with blood or tissue products
and/or
 touching surfaces or equipment that
have had contact with blood or tissue
products.
Performing tasks with the potential of:
 contact with blood or tissue products
and/or
 touching surfaces or equipment that
have had contact with blood or tissue
products.
What do I need to do?
 Practice good personal hygiene by washing your hands each time
you:
 enter and leave the area
 blow your nose or cover a sneeze.
 Cover any broken skin on your hands with a waterproof dressing.
In addition to the above:
 Wear personal protective equipment (PPE):
 Take direction from your site contact on what is required
relevant to the task, e.g. gloves, glasses, face shield,
overshoes.
 Wash hands:
 prior to and following removal of gloves.
 when hands are visibly soiled.
 Dispose of biohazardous waste appropriately.
 Ensure appropriate cleaning and disinfection of contaminated
items. This includes items or equipment you remove from the site.

What if I am accidentally exposed to blood?

Always report to your site contact if you have accidental exposure to blood, but there are some immediate actions
you need to take.
Exposure: What do I need to do?
Skin surface Immediately wash the area with soap and water
Break to the skin 1. Let the wound bleed freely for a few seconds
2. Wash the area with soap and water
Eye Gently irrigate the eye with water (do not use soap)
Mouth 1. Spit out your saliva
2. Rinse the mouth with water then spit – repeat several times.
Your site contact has been trained in all aspects of infection control relevant to the area you are visiting.
Clarify with your contact on the level of infection control you need to practice prior to commencing.

Before you go any further…wash your hands and cover any broken skin.

Template: PPM v1 Effective date: 08/05/2017

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