Standard Precautions reduce the risk of disease transmission. While Standard Precautions were designed with the healthcare setting in mind, workers in other settings who may be at risk of infectious disease exposure should observe as many of these precautions as possible.

The main practices include:

Hand Hygiene: Wash hands with soap and  water if they are soiled or if exposure is proved or suspected. If hand washing is not possible, rub hands with an alcohol-based preparation.

Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette: Cover nose and mouth when coughing/ sneezing. Dispose of used tissues and masks and perform hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions.

Gloving: Wear gloves when touching body fluids/waste, contaminated or potentially contaminated surfaces, and potentially contaminated waste, trash, or other materials. Change gloves between tasks. Remove after use, and perform hand hygiene before touching non-contaminated items, people, or surfaces.