Safety practices for infection prevention & control

Recommended safety practices that support the goal of infection prevention and control include:

1. Communicating with clients and others that anyone who enters the practice environment must not show signs of communicable disease
   • Prior to arrival at the clinic and/or at the time of booking, clients should be informed of the following:
     • Clients must arrive at their appointment with no signs of communicable disease.
     • Clients must be advised of options regarding the availability and use of masks. Masks should be available in the clinic.
     • Clients must be advised of additional requirements they will be asked to meet upon arrival at their appointment (e.g., hand washing upon arrival).
2. Hand Hygiene
   • Clients clean their hands upon entry to the practice environment.
   • Registrants wash their hands often, as appropriate.
   • Hand-washing protocols are posted in reception area, in the treatment room, and at sinks (including bathroom for client’s use if applicable).

     See BC Centre for Disease Control: Hand washing and Hand Hygiene poster

3. Cleaning
   • All registrants and staff will practice consistent cleaning protocols.
   • Linens must be single use only.
   • Frequently clean and disinfect:
     • handles: doors, cabinets, faucets, fridge, microwave, etc.,
     • electronic devices and phones,
     • arm rests of chairs,
     • desks and table surfaces,
     • water coolers,
     • washrooms.
   • Ensure the treatment room is thoroughly cleaned between patients:
     • Clean equipment and supplies (table, table levers, lotion bottles, hydrotherapy supplies, etc.) after each patient.

       See BC Centre for Disease Control: Environmental Cleaning and Disinfectants for Health-Care and Clinic Settings and Government of Canada: Hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers (COVID-19)

   • Air purifier/filter in the treatment room may be helpful if the room has no windows or external air exchange. Use of an air purifier/filter is at the registrant’s preference and discretion

     See WorkSafeBC: Ventilation and air circulation

4. Updating safety practices as needed
   • Registrants must remain up to date on guidance from the Provincial Health Officer, BC Centre for Disease Control, and WorkSafeBC regarding communicable disease prevention, and update safety practices accordingly. See Resources below for more information.