Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Children and Families › DCF 021-99 - Safety and Permanence › Chapter DCF 52 - Residential Care Centers For Children And Youth › Appendix A - Basic hygiene and sanitation practices policy guidelines for regulated programs

Current through June 24, 2024
The following guidelines provide simple and effective
				  protection against transmission of disease for all persons who may be exposed
				  to the blood or other body fluids of another person. Body fluids consist of
				  urine, vomitus, feces, wound drainage and blood.
1. The licensee shall promptly disinfect all hard (not cloth)
				  surfaces soiled with blood or body fluids by using a freshly prepared
				  disinfectant solution of household bleach (1/4 cup bleach to 1/2 gall on of
				  water) or a comparable disinfectant solution**. Disposable towels or tissues
				  shall be used, and mops shall be rinsed in the disinfectant.
Persons cleaning up, particularly those with chapped hands,
				  cuts or broken skin, are advised to wear disposable latex gloves.
2. Areas of the skin which come in contact with another
				  person's blood or body fluids shall be immediately washed thoroughly with a
				  disinfectant solution**. When contact occurs to a mucus membrane, such as the
				  eye, nose or mouth, rinse immediately with water and have the person contact a
				  physician for any further advice.
3. Toothbrushes, razors and other personal hygiene utensils
				  shall not be shared and shall be stored in a manner to prevent contact with
				  other persons' personal hygiene utensils.
4. Sponges and other cleaning utensils used to clean the
				  floor of any body fluid spills shall not be used to wash dishes or to clean
				  blood preparation areas. Mop water shall not be poured down the sink where food
				  is prepared. Sponges and mops shall be disinfected after each use by soaking in
				  a solution of bleach (1/3 cup of bleach in 1/2 gallon of water) for 5 minutes.
				  The soaking solution shall be changed every week.
5. Rugs and cloth furniture (not hard surfaces) that have
				  been soiled with blood or body fluids shall be cleaned with rug shampoo which
				  contains a germicidal detergent, then vacuumed as usual.
6. Linen and laundry:
a. Laundry soiled with blood or body fluids shall be rinsed
				  clean and laundered in hot, soapy water. Bleach shall be added to the wash load
				  according to the product manufacturer's recommendations, but care shall be
				  taken that ample rinsing occurs, as any residue may cause skin irritation and
				  subsequent infection. Soiled (by any fluid produced by the body) clothing or
				  linens not washed immediately shall be placed in a bag separate from other
				  laundry.
b. Towels and wash cloths shall not be shared without
				  laundering in between use.
** The following disinfectant solutions are comparable in
				  terms of their effectiveness. However, a 70 percent alcohol solution is
				  preferred for objects that may be put into the mouth of a person as, for
				  instance, a thermometer.
1. Sodium hypochlorite with at least 500 ppm available
				  chlorine (1:100) needs to be freshly prepared each time it is used or
				  daily.
An easy way to dilute bleach is to add 1/4 cup bleach to 1/2
				  gallon water - 1:65. The date of preparation of the bleach solution must be
				  indicated because freshness of the solution is important, for effectiveness.
				  The solution should not be stored for longer than one week.
2. Ethyl or isopropyl alcohol (70-90 percent). Use full
				  strength.
3. Phenolic germicidal detergent in a 1 percent aqueous
				  solution, such as Lysol. Follow product label.
4. Hydrogen peroxide, a 3 percent solution.
5. Quaternary ammonium germicidal detergent in 1-2 percent
				  aqueous solution, such as Tri-Quat, Mytar or Sage. Follow manufacturer's
				  recommendations.
6. Iodophenol germicidal detergent with 30-50 ppm available
				  free iodine, such as Wescodyne. Follow product label for
				  dilution.