Hygiene and safety

Personal Protective Equipment 

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when supporting an individual with continence, following your organisation's policies and procedures. 

Notice unusual smells 

If urine has a strong smell (and certain food and drink that makes urine smell has not recently been consumed), this could mean there is an infection and the individual may need to see a doctor. 

Be prepared 

Have spare pads, pants and disposable moist wipes available. You can use scented bags for soiled items to hide the smell if you are out in public. Faeces generally do smell and it is harder to hide. Soiled pads should be changed as soon as possible. Waste can be put in an airtight container or a sealed bag.  

Follow procedures 

Follow your employer’s Infection Prevention and Control procedures for the disposal and laundry of soiled items.

And...try not to get stuck in the washing machine!

Change clothes

Wet or soiled clothes should always be changed straight away to reduce discomfort and infection risks.

Personal hygiene

Washing regularly and carefully drying the skin with a soft towel will help to keep the skin healthy. Encourage individuals to maintain personal hygiene.

Environment

Keep the environment clean, tidy and accessible before and after use.

Reviews

Products like absorbent pads or urine collecting devices (sheaths, hand held urinals, faecal collectors) must be reviewed regularly to ensure that the risk of infection is minimised and the product is fit for purpose