Safety Tips
- Never cap a used needle. After giving a shot, place the needle and syringe in the sharps container. Many syringes now come with “retractable” needles or special caps that can be moved into place to protect you from needle sticks.
- Always wear a pair of clean disposable gloves if you have to handle medical waste.
- Use disposable antiseptic wipes whenever possible to clean up. This limits the number of times you touch the soiled material.
- Wash any clothes soiled with body fluids separately from other clothing. See Show Me How
- Caution the person who is ill about spreading waste with their hands.
- Wash or disinfect your hands after removing the gloves.
- If you are a sexual partner of the person you care for, follow safe sex practices if the person has Hepatitis or HIV.