Infection prevention and control: Guideline for speech pathologists, Version 1,2020.

5.0

5.2 Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette The practice of appropriate respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette behaviour minimises the transmission of infectious agents transmit through droplet and airborne routes. A series of actions can be used when coughing or sneezing to reduce the transmission of respiratory illness to other individuals. These actions include: • Cover the nose and mouth with disposable single-use tissue when coughing, sneezing, wiping and blowing nose. • Dispose of tissues in the appropriate receptacle immediately after use (e.g., general waste with a foot peddle operated bin lid preferred. • Sneeze or cough into inner elbow if no tissues available. • Practice hand hygiene immediately afterwards. • Keep contaminated hands away from the face (mucous membranes of mouth, eyes and nose). • Practice hand hygiene following coughing, sneezing, wiping or blowing nose. • Where possible sit to the side and maintain appropriate physical distancing for clients with symptoms of respiratory infections. Offer them a mask. • Consider separate waiting areas and client scheduling to prevent or minimise the risk of transmission.

Checklist E: Respiratory Hygiene

Yes No N/A Action Required/ Evidence

Does your practice or workplace display respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette educational material (or have access to materials)? Do you separate clients with respiratory symptoms as much as possible? Do you have surgical masks available for clients with acute respiratory symptoms? Is there suitable availability of tissues, hand hygiene products and bins for clients, visitors and staff in all areas?

5.3 Personal Protective Equipment Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to a variety of barriers, used alone or in combination, to protect from infectious agent contact with blood or body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, airways, clothing, potentially infectious materials and equipment. PPE such as aprons, gloves, gowns, masks, eye and face protection, are required across all practice settings (e.g., acute care, aged care, community clinics, schools, private practice). The combination of PPE required is dependent upon the task to be undertaken and any transmission-based precautions IN ADDITION to standard precaution requirements.

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Infection Prevention and Control - Guideline for Speech Pathologists | Version 1, 2020