Universal precautions are for everybody who deals with any kind of human body secretions. Universal precautions recommend that blood and certain body fluids from all patients be considered potentially infectious and that infection control precautions be taken to minimize risk of exposure.(Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030(b) definitions).

        There are two main reasons why we use universal precautions;

        The first being is to protect all workers by teaching them about hand washing, probably the most important reason to wash your hands it stop the spread of exposure. When working in a janitorial environment it is useful if you use gloves and wash your hands after leaving every room changing gloves frequently and sanitizing in between and  after each task. This helps stop the spread to patients and others in your cleaning environment

         The second reason is to protect ourselves. when we wear protective gear to do our jobs we are protecting ourselves from potential exposure to blood borne pathogens. When we use universal precautions it makes the employee safe and the environment around them safe, it also lessen the probability of exposing your family to the pathogens. 

           There are specific recommendations for Universal precautions, 

          For example:  Nurses may only be required to wear mask and gloves during normal routine patient care, as a universal precaution the nurse then may donn a gown, boot covers, and outside gown, may use two pair of gloves.  Janitorial workers must follow universal precautions for their safety and the safety of others as well; 

          Universal precautions for custodians are a little different,

          Wearing rubber gloves,  do not pick up any needles or syringes with your hands always use some type of tongs or a broom and dustpan,do not use your hands to scoop trash out of one bag into another,(such as to make room in the bag), Use disinfectant or bleach (ratio:1 to 10)  when cleaning blood,always wash your hands after removing your gloves,