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Universal Precautions: Surface Safety

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Basic universal precautions for surfaces that should be used at each harm reduction services sites include:

  • All surfaces touched by supplies should be wiped down with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial surface cleaner at the beginning and end of each shift.
  • Harm reduction staff or volunteers should wipe down all surfaces used by more than one person, including pens, clipboards, chairs, desks, cabinet fronts, floors, doors, steering wheels, and so on. This should be done regularly/at least once per month with a broad spectrum anti-microbial surface cleaner.

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Principles of Harm Reduction

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These principles were developed over a period of about four years in the 1990s amid much debate among early harm reductionists, who came to consensus on these enduring principles of harm reduction.
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Universal Precautions: Gloves

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Medical gloves should be worn whenever handling exposed or used supplies, especially those that might be used to prepare or use injection drugs such as syringes, cottons, cookers, tourniquets, and ascorbic acid. Gloves should be changed often, especially between activities or participants.
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