Hygiene and equipment

Author: The SCIRE Professional Team | Reviewers: Cynthia Morin , Andrea Townson | Published: 5 August 2020 | Updated: ~

Historical pandemic information reproduced with its original publication context.

Wash hands often

  • Use soap and water to wash hands for 30 seconds before and after contact with your client.
  • Use a hand sanitizer (with at least 70% alcohol) if soap/water are not available.

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean frequently touched surfaces in client’s home (e.g. doorknobs, light switches, counters, cabinets, phones, remote controls, handles on toilets and faucets) once every few days using soapy water to wipe away debris/dirt.
  • After cleaning, use only disinfectants (e.g., Clorox, Lysol, Microban) that have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) and have been approved by Health Canada for use against COVID-19 in Canada/your country’s standards.
  • For clients who use mobility aids or other equipment, regularly clean the: wheelchair joystick, armrest, wheel rims, mechanical lift controller and other frequently used surfaces.
  • If approved disinfectants are not available, a diluted bleach solution can be prepared for household disinfection in accordance with the instructions on the label, or follow instructions for proper handling of household (chlorine) bleach.
  • Place contaminated laundry (including non-medical cloth masks), into a container with plastic liner.
    • wash using regular laundry detergent and hot water (60-90°C)
    • wear gloves when handling laundry
    • clean hands with soap and water for 30 seconds immediately after removing gloves

Protective equipment

  • If your caregiving role requires the need to be within 2 metres (6 feet) to assist with daily tasks (ex. Bathing, brushing teeth, dressing) wear personal protective equipment such as: a medical mask, disposable gloves, and eye protection.
  • Do not re-use medical masks or gloves. However, under extreme supply limitations, masks may be re-used if not visibly damaged, contaminated, or wet.
    • If a mask is re-used, prevent contamination by storing it in a clean paper/plastic bag, or cleanable container with a lid (discard bags after each use)
    • Healthcare practitioners have been instructed to use 1 mask/day (put on when entering facility/home and removed when eating or leaving facility/home at end of shift)
  • Place used medical masks, gloves, and other contaminated items in a lined container, secure the contents and dispose of them with other household waste.
    • Take gloves off first, wash hands, then remove mask
    • Clean your hands again with soap/water/hand sanitizer before touching your face/other surfaces