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

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include blood, skin, faeces, urine, vomit, and other body tissues or fluids. 60 The laundering process (mechanical, thermal and chemical factors) is an antimicrobial action. It is an effective means of physically removing and destroying infectious agents. 54,61,62 • Launder work clothes (own and uniform) daily using the warmest appropriate water setting and ensure items dry completely 63. o Wear clean clothes each workday. o Consider minimising the risk of contamination by changing before leaving work and/or removing clothes once home as guided by each situation (e.g., the level of risk). o Launder work clothes separately from other clothes and household linen if there is known contamination or confirmed/suspected infectious agent. o Take clothing contaminated with blood or body substances home in a sealed bag and wash separately with detergent and hot water. • Wear enclosed footwear to protect feet from dropped sharps or other objects and the risk of contamination with potentially infectious material. o If required clean shoes (e.g., with detergent/disinfectant wipes. o Avoid wearing neckties and lanyards in clinical or practice areas and - consider using a retractable plastic clip for identification and swipe access (as relevant) • Consider wearing plastic or rubber gloves when handling high-risk laundry. • Wash hands thoroughly after handling laundry (with or without glove use). • Avoid shaking dirty laundry. • Clean and disinfect clothes hampers and hamper liners as appropriate (i.e. plastic hamper - clean surfaces with soap and water and then use a disinfectant; cloth hamper liner – launder according to manufacturer’s instructions, use the warmest possible water setting and dry item completely). • Use water that is at least 60°C with a bleach-based product (if appropriate) to launder clothing and linen that is likely to cause illness (high risk) due to suspected or confirmed exposure to an infectious agent. • Use a pre-wash cycle if items are soiled with body fluids or substances 64-66 . • Consult the manufacturer’s washing instructions to ensure the selected products and temperatures are appropriate to maintain the integrity of the laundered item.

Checklist K: Clothing and linen

Yes No N/A Action Required/ Evidence

Are there policies in place to ensure staff meet clothing or uniform requirements for the practice or work environment? Are there appropriate safety protocols and proce- dures in place for protective clothing in non-client care areas? Are there displayed resources/guides such as the “bare below the elbows” initiative for staff to comply with? Are there facilities on-site to allow for cleaning of soiled clothing or linen? Is there an adequate supply of PPE to protect employees uniform or clothes?

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