Infection Control

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What are Infections?

A man with a cough checks into the building.

Because he isn't wearing a facemask, he covers his mouth with his hands as he coughs when he rides the elevator.

The man doesn't use a hand sanitizer before he presses the elevator buttons.

Based on your observations of the man, what do you think he is doing wrong?

The man in the scenario had an infection.

He was being careless, and his actions could spread his infection to other people.

Infections happen when disease-causing organisms, called germs, enter a person’s body.

Once germs enter the body, they reproduce and kill healthy cells. When they have reproduced enough, the infected person will start to feel the effects.

Most of the time, the symptoms of an infection may be: Fever Cough Runny nose But other times, there could be no symptoms at all.

How Can We Control Infection?

Infection Control is the process of reducing the risk of the spread of infections within an area. Source

As part of the housekeeping team, you have a big role to play in controlling the spread of infections.

You perform duties in sanitizing rooms and general areas within the building.

By dutifully performing your tasks and responsibilities, you become a **guardian ** of health and protect people from diseases.

The company thanks you because of your contribution to keeping our clients, guests, and your fellow employees safe from disease-carrying germs.

Infection Control Precautions As part of the housekeeping team, here are some precautions you need to take note of to control the spread of infections: Observe proper hand hygiene by washing your hands regularly. 2. Maintain proper personal hygiene such as keeping your nails short and your hair secure. 3. Use personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as gloves, face masks, fluid resistant aprons, and goggles, while on duty. 4. Segregate and manage wastes properly to prevent contamination. 5. Identify cleaning standards.

Which of the following is not a precaution you need to observe to control the spread of infections?

You and other members of the housekeeping team must strictly follow cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

Aside from sanitation duties, you may also be asked to know how to segregate wastes. Pay close attention to infectious wastes such as used tissue papers used for bodily fluids.

Take special care in handling wastes with bodily fluids. Examples of bodily fluids which may contain disease-causing germs include: Blood Urine & Faeces Saliva & Mucus

Protecting Yourself from Infections

Proper Handwashing Swipe right to go through the why, when, and **how **of proper handwashing.

HOW Wet your hands with clean running water. Lather your hands with soap and rub them together for at least 20 seconds (we advise singing the song Happy Birthday in your head while you're doing this). Rub your knuckles and palms in circular motions Rinse your hands thoroughly. Dry your hands with a towel.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Bedrooms

Steps to sanitizing a bedroom: Inspection and observation Stripping the bed Remaking the bed Sanitizing other areas

Stripping the Bed

Depending on company policy, the frequency of changing beddings may change.

Steps: Take off the beddings. Remove blankets. Separate the pillowcases from the pillows. Place all soiled beddings in a bag for washing.

For tips on removing stains on articles of clothing, you may check out (insert V's course here).

After stripping the beds, you must remake it with fresh beddings and linens.

The bed must make a good impression on the next guest or client who would use the room. It is vital to make it neat, attractive, crisp, and clean.

Steps to Make the Bed Align the mattress correctly. Cover the mattress with the mattress protector. Add the bottom sheet over the mattress protector, then tuck all sides of the sheet under the mattress.

Place the top sheet above the bottom sheet. Position the blanket above the top sheet with its seams up. Smooth out any creases. Align the bedspread onto the head of the bed and smooth out any creases

Fluff the pillows and cover them with fresh pillowcases. Position the pillows on top of the bedspread as specified by our guidelines. Tuck in the bedspread securely around the bed.

However, there are cases wherein you need not replace all the beddings or curtains. Consult with your supervisor about these kinds of cases and when they apply.

You must also clean and disinfect other areas in the room, but that will be tackled in greater detail in another lesson.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Bathrooms

Steps to Sanitize the Shower or Bath Area

Wet the bathtub or shower area Clean the tiles and floor or the bathtub itself with a brush and soap or detergent. Rinse the walls and the floor or the bathtub thoroughly.

Clean and polish the taps and other furnishings. Place new shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and lotions. Do a final inspection of the shower area or bathtub.

Which of the following are part of the steps to sanitize the shower area? Select all the correct answers

Steps to Sanitize the Toilet

Flush the toilet so the sides of the toilet bowl will be wet. Place cleanser and let the toilet soak. Wash the toilet seat and lid with soap and water. Include the body of the toilet in cleaning. Be sure to get those hard-to-reach places.

Using a toilet brush, scour the toilet bowl. Rinse all toilets down. If available, add a hygiene strip over the toilet lid. Leave the lid down for the next user.

Steps to Sanitize the Bathroom Floor Get rid of everything that shouldn't be on the floor. Place mats and trash cans to the side and sweep the floor for any hair or other debris. 2. ## Clean the floor with detergent or soap. You may use a special cleaning solution for those stubborn stains. 3. ## Scrub the entire floor, then rinse thoroughly. 4. ## Prepare a fresh batch of cleaning solution in a bucket, take a mop and use it to mop the floor. 5. ## Rinse the mop and re-mop the floor. Dry the floor once done.

Cleaning and Disinfecting General Areas

Light switches Light switches are electric, so it is not advisable to use soap and water here. Instead, you may wipe light switches with a clean cloth with disinfectant.

Faucets or Taps You may sanitize faucets or taps by using soap and water as identified in Lesson 5: Sanitizing Bathrooms.

The Toilet Lid or Lever You may sanitize toilet lids and levers using soap and water, as mentioned in the previous lesson. You may also add a hygiene strip after every sanitation session.