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. 

Mouth, nose, eye (face) protection: Wear required protection (masks, goggles, face shields, respirators, etc.), especially during activities that are likely to generate splashes or sprays of contaminated material. 

Gowns/Protective clothing: Wear protective clothing that keeps out contaminants. Remove soiled gowns/protective coverings as soon as possible and perform hand hygiene. 

Appropriate handling of laundry: Handle, transport, and process used linens in a manner that prevents contamination of self and transfer of pathogens to others and the environment. 

Environmental cleaning: Use required procedures for cleaning/disinfecting surfaces.