Proper infection control will help to eliminate pests, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. All of these things can lead to disease. Health Care Assistants should complete proper handwashing before and after each care activity. This is the best way to prevent the spread of infection (CDC, 2015). If hot water and soap are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (CDC, 2015). Hands should be washed prior to and after contact with the client and their belongings, prior to and after using the bathroom, prior to, during, and after preparing food, and after changing incontinence pads, handling pets or pet waste, or after coughing or sneezing (CDC, 2015).

Use gloves as appropriate to the situation. HCAs should wear gloves whenever they will come into contact with body fluids such as blood, feces, urine, or saliva. Wear gloves when changing clients, assisting them to toilet or bathe, and when handling dirty linens. Never reuse disposable gloves. Discard them after one use. Review the handwashing procedure in Unit 2: Infection Control and Handwashing. Use rubber or household gloves when handling harsh chemicals. These gloves can be sanitized and stored for later use.

Use separate cleaning rags and towels for clean and dirty areas. Only use clean dishcloths and towels in the kitchen for handling food. Use a separate cleaning cloth and rubber gloves for the bathroom. Whenever possible, use disposable wipes or cloths for cleaning areas such as the toilet, which have many microorganisms on its surface.

Ensure food is properly stored and refrigerators and freezers are at proper temperatures. Ensure that packaged food stored in cupboards is kept closed in air tight seals which will prevent spoilage and invasion of pests. If Health Care Assistants notice evidence of pests such as roaches, lice, bed bugs, or mice, they should inform a supervisor. Additional precautions will need to be taken to rid the client’s home of infestations.

Cleaning Products

There are many types of cleaning products on the market. The type used will depend on the surface being cleaned, the purpose of the cleaning, client preferences, and what is available in the client’s home. Health Care Assistants should ask their client if a cleaner is safe on a particular surface.

• All–purpose cleaners are generally used for many purposes and on many surfaces. They can be used on countertops, cook ranges, walls, floors, and other surfaces. Always check the label to see what surface the cleanser can be used on. Some cleansers are not safe on surfaces such as unfinished wood. When in doubt, ask the client and/or a supervisor.
• Disinfectants are used to disinfect (get rid of germs) surfaces. They can be sprayed on surfaces such as faucet handles, doorknobs, light switches, phone handles, refrigerator handles, and other surfaces. Disinfectants come in many forms, such as sprays, wipes, and solutions.
• Bleach can be used as a disinfectant and cleaner to clean the bathroom and surfaces such as cutting boards, and for laundering white clothing. Never use full-strength bleach on surfaces. To make a cleaning solution using bleach, mix 5 ml (1 tsp.) of bleach to 3.78 litres (1 gallon) of water (CDC, 2014). Be cautious of spilling bleach on unsafe surfaces and clothing as it will discolour the surface. Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner (CDC, 2014). Fumes can be toxic and fatal.
• Soaps and detergents are used for washing dishes and laundry. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount of detergent required for dishwashers and washing machines. Using too much detergent can ruin the appliance.
• Abrasive cleansers are used for scouring surfaces such as stainless steel sinks and stovetops. These types of cleaners should only be used on certain surfaces as they could ruin surfaces for which abrasive agents should not be used.
• Glass cleaners are used for glass surfaces such as windows and mirrors.
• Dusting spray is used for dusting. Dusting spray should be sprayed onto a cleaning cloth and not directly onto the surface to be cleaned.
• Specialty cleansers are cleansers that are available for special purposes or surfaces. Stovetops, appliances, and electronics may require a specialty cleaner.

Safety Tips for Health Care Assistants Using Equipment and Supplies

• Never mix cleaning products. Dangerous chemical reactions can occur that can harm you or a client.
• Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaning product, as the fumes are toxic and can lead to your or a client’s death.
• Always read the instructions on the label of the cleaning product and follow them exactly. Be familiar with WHMIS labels. 
• Whenever possible, open windows while cleaning and be cautious of using chemicals such as ammonia or bleach in closed-in spaces. Fumes can be toxic and deadly.
• Always find out how to use equipment by reading instruction manuals or by asking the client or a supervisor.
• Do not overload equipment on electrical circuits.
• Never use electrical equipment near water. This could result in electrocution and death.
• Always unplug electrical appliances before cleaning.
• Never poke or repair electrical equipment with metal objects.
• Never use electrical equipment with a frayed or damaged cord. This could result in electrocution and death.
• When unplugging appliances, grasp the plug at the base to remove from the electrical outlet. Never pull from the cord as this could damage the cord.
• Keep equipment clean and in good working order. Speak to the client and supervisor if equipment is in need of repair.