4 Important Points to Remember on Universal Precaution Training for Massage Therapists

In order to keep healthcare workers and other people and staff working with human bodies, blood and fluids safe, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) framed the Universal Precautions. The Universal Precautions, or the Standard Precautions, as it is known now, is a set of basic rules framed for people working in the healthcare industry to preserve their health and keep them disease free. It is governed by the basic assumption that "all bodies are infected from bloodborne pathogens".

Bloodborne pathogens are deadly particles in human blood and other body fluids like vaginal secretions, seminal fluids, saliva and others that can cause Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. These particles are capable of infecting the healthiest of bodies if they enter the blood stream. The only way to avoid getting infected by these viruses is to exercise precaution. The Universal Precautions primarily deal with keeping hands clean, surroundings clean, wearing protective gear while in contact with a patient and cleaning and scrubbing after meeting with a patient. For those working in the healthcare sector, a training program in Universal Precautions is mandatory in order to work. Massage therapists are required to be in contact with human bodies as a part of their jobs. This makes it essential for them to undergo this training. Find out how it is essential for massage therapists to undergo Universal Precautions training.

• Sanitizing the Workplace

The Universal precautions enlists sanitation as one of the most basic and important factor. The massage therapists are required to maintain the highest levels of hygiene, bathe regularly and keep themselves clean round the clock. The massage tables, chairs and all equipment related to the process has to be cleaned and disinfected using a mild detergent. The bathrooms, steam rooms and saunas have to be disinfected regularly for use.

• Maintaining Hygiene

The massage therapists are required to wash their hands after using the bathroom, eating and before starting to work with a patient. Clean, manicured hands and short nails are encouraged. Minimal or no jewelry is recommended for it not only causes discomfort to the patient but may carry germs.

• First Aid training and Certification

It is strongly recommended that the massage therapists are trained in First aid and CPR. There may be emergency situations when the patients may require medical assistance or first aid.

• Bloodborne Pathogen Training and Certification

As per the Universal precautions, as massage therapists' deal with a human body, it is mandatory to exercise all the caution the bloodborne pathogen training recommends. As the Universal Precautions assumes that all bodies are capable of spreading the deadly Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV, it is essential that the provider exercises caution.

Like all other people working in the healthcare sector, massage therapists are also at a great risk of contracting bloodborne diseases. The training program not only keeps them healthy and disease free, it also maintains the hygiene levels, making the place safe for all the visitors, keeping them all disease free as well.