Risk Assessment: Legislation To Infection Control

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Question and Answer Explain the importance of risk assessments in relation to the prevention and control of infections. What is risk? Risk is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard. It may also apply to situations with property or equipment loss. The risk is the chance, high or low, that somebody could be harmed by these and other hazards, together with an indication of how serious the harm could be. Factors that influence the degree of risk include: • how much a person is exposed to a hazardous thing or condition, • how the person is exposed (e.g., breathing in a vapour, skin contact), and • How severe are the effects under the conditions of exposure.…show more content…
A risk assessment enables all parties, employees, employer and visitors that they are within a safe environment; those things are in place to reduce the risk of harm or potential risk. Describe correct procedures that relate to skincare? Infection control procedures relating to good personal hygiene include: • Hand washing - the spread of many pathogens can be prevented with regular hand washing. You should thoroughly wash your hands with water and soap for at least 15 seconds after visiting the toilet, before preparing food, and after touching clients or equipment. Dry your hands with disposable paper towels. • Unbroken skin - intact and healthy skin is a major barrier to pathogens. Any cuts or abrasions should be covered with a waterproof dressing. • Gloves - wear gloves if you are handling body fluids or equipment containing body fluids, if you are touching someone else's broken skin or mucus membrane, or performing any other invasive procedure. Wash your hands between each client and use fresh gloves for each client where necessary. • Personal items - don't share towels, clothing, razors, toothbrushes, shavers or other personal

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