How would you disinfectant a plastic chair surface contaminated with blood in the hospital? (Please note in detail the steps required for personal protection, initial clean-up, follow-up disinfection, and the disposal methods of contaminated items.)
a. Personal protection requirements:
b. Initial clean-up process:
c. Follow-up disinfection:
d. Disposal method for contaminated items:
a. Personal protection requirements:
To ensure personal protection while disinfecting a plastic chair surface contaminated with blood in the hospital, the following precautions should be taken:
1. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, a mask, and a protective gown or apron.
2. Use eye protection, such as safety goggles or a face shield, to protect against splashes or aerosolized particles.
3. Consider wearing shoe covers to prevent contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
4. Make sure the PPE is properly fitted and covers all exposed areas to minimize the risk of contamination.
b. Initial clean-up process:
Before proceeding with disinfection, it is important to remove any visible blood or bodily fluids from the plastic chair surface. Follow these steps for initial clean-up:
1. Put on the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), as mentioned in point a.
2. Carefully remove any visible blood or bodily fluid from the plastic chair using disposable absorbent material, such as paper towels or absorbent pads.
3. Gently blot the affected areas to absorb as much of the blood as possible. Avoid rubbing or spreading the blood further.
4. Dispose of the used absorbent material in a leak-proof, labeled biohazard bag or container. Seal the bag/container properly.
c. Follow-up disinfection:
After the initial clean-up, the plastic chair surface needs to be effectively disinfected. Follow these steps for follow-up disinfection:
1. Prepare a disinfectant solution that is approved for use against bloodborne pathogens, such as a 1:10 dilution of household bleach (1-part bleach to 10 parts water) or a hospital-grade disinfectant.
2. Apply the disinfectant solution to the plastic chair surface, ensuring complete coverage of all contaminated areas.
3. Allow the disinfectant to remain on the surface for the recommended contact time specified by the manufacturer. This contact time is crucial for effective disinfection.
4. After the contact time has passed, use disposable absorbent material to remove excess disinfectant solution from the plastic chair surface.
5. Allow the surface to air dry. Avoid wiping or rinsing off the disinfectant solution, as this may reduce its effectiveness.
d. Disposal method for contaminated items:
Proper disposal of the contaminated items is essential to prevent the spread of infection. Follow these guidelines for disposing of contaminated items:
1. Remove the used personal protective equipment (PPE) and dispose of it in a designated biohazard waste container. Follow the hospital's guidelines for proper disposal of PPE.
2. Place all other contaminated items, such as disposable absorbent material used for clean-up, in a leak-proof, labeled biohazard bag or container.
3. Seal the bag/container tightly to prevent leakage or contamination during transportation.
4. Dispose of the biohazard bag/container according to the hospital's protocols for disposal of biohazardous waste. This typically involves submitting it to a certified medical waste disposal service.