Minimise the risk of spreading infection when removing used linen
Overview
This standard concerns the removal of used and soiled linen at the point of use in such a way as to minimise the risk of contamination and cross infection. It applies in all health and social care environments, including community and domiciliary settings, and ambulance care settings.
This standard does not cover the removal of radioactive linen or linen from individuals with known infectious diseases, where additional precautions will be required.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and others in minimising the risk of spreading infection when removing used linen
P2. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
P3. perform effective hand hygiene and put on personal protective equipment in accordance with national and organisational procedures
P4. assemble the equipment and supplies required to safely remove used linen
P5. when removing linen with an individual present, explain what you are doing in a way that is appropriate for their communication needs, pace and level of understanding
P6. ensure that no other items including an individual’s belongings, or clinical equipment are discarded with the used linen
P7. prior to linen removal use paper towels to remove any solid faeces or vomit and discard in correctly colour coded waste receptacle in accordance with workplace procedures
P8. remove the used linen and place each item in the designated receptacle in accordance with workplace procedures
P9. place used and soiled linen into the appropriate colour bags/receptacle ensuring correct storage in accordance with workplace procedures
P10. where an exposure occurs while removing linen:
a. perform appropriate first aid procedures immediately to the exposed area, following organisational guidelines
b. report the incident immediately and seek further advice on the need for further medical care
c. document the incident, following organisational policies
P11. place any disposable personal protective equipment in the appropriate waste receptacle immediately after use and perform effective hand hygiene in accordance with workplace procedures
P12. complete all relevant documentation required for minimising the risk of spreading infection when removing used linen
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. the current legislation, guidelines, workplace policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K4. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
K5. the application of standard infection control precautions and other relevant health and safety issues
K6. the chain of infection
K7. how to access facilities for hand hygiene and the effective techniques for maintaining hand hygiene
K8. the risk of carrying soiled linen and the importance of safely containing and disposing of soiled linen in a way that protects all of those involved in the laundering of soiled linen
K9. how to perform appropriate first aid procedures and access first aid resources and support
K10. the appropriate personal protective equipment to use when handling linen and how to safely put on, remove and dispose of it.
K11. how to segregate and bag used and soiled categories of linen in line with workplace procedures
K12. the different colour-coded bags and waste receptacles available and the correct use of each
K13. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements