CDS-E: Universal Precautions

Resources and References

CDS-E: Universal Precautions

Resources:

Guidance for Direct Service Providers

DSPs have close and consistent contact with people with disabilities. DSPs are considered to be in the same general risk category as healthcare personnel. DSPs are essential for the health and well-being of the people they serve. They should be aware of how infectious diseases (such as coronavirus/COVID-19) spread. They should also understand risk factors and preventive actions. This provides detailed information about how DSPs can protect themselves and the people they support. It also has guidance about what to do in the case of a positive test for an infectious disease (such as COVID-19).

Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Settings: Minimum Expectations for Safe Care

This guide has a summary of universal precautions and general infection control procedures. It focuses on evidence-based guidelines for safe practice in support settings. It provides links to additional resources. You can find a checklist for employers to use to make sure support settings have proper infection prevention policies and procedures in place.

Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness. This site provides free materials about handwashing that can be downloaded or printed. They may be used for training. They can be posted at work sites.

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI)

This site provides resources about universal precautions. You can access many topic areas and articles. You can learn about types of infections. There is information about preventing healthcare-associated infections. There is access to and research and statistics. This includes state-based recommendations. You can find resources for specific settings, such as long-term care settings. You can review guidelines and patient safety information.

Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law!

This fact sheet explains rights to safety in the workplace. It explains federal employee protections for the workplace. It is a helpful tool for understanding your rights and promoting safe practice in support settings.

OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

This fact sheet reviews the steps to meet OSHA standards related to bloodborne pathogens. It describes exposure control plans. It explains what is required of employers to keep their workers safe when they may be exposed to blood and other potentially infectious materials on the job. It includes information about employee training. It also talks about worker medical and training records. It explains how to contact OSHA to file a complaint or get advice. It explains the skills that DSPs and other professionals need to practice safely.

Safe Sharps Disposal: Community Toolkit

This toolkit is intended to help teach safe disposal of sharps (syringes, blood testing lancets, and so on). It can help communities assess and determine the best sharps disposal option for them. It can be used by anyone has an interest in learning more about how to dispose of sharps properly.

Check out additional content in the College of Direct Support or in other DirectCourse curricula. Content most related to the materials in this lesson include:

References: