Assessing Client Risk and Ensuring Safety

Before starting any procedure, it’s important to understand how to assess whether a client poses a risk to you or others. Unfortunately, you cannot visually determine if a client poses a risk as bloodborne pathogens, viruses, and bacteria are generally not visible to the naked eye. Therefore, it's crucial to adhere to a basic safety policy:

Basic Safety Policy

Treat every person and item that could come into contact with bodily fluids as a potential risk and take appropriate precautions to protect yourself.

Conducting a Mini Risk Assessment

Each time you start a job, perform a mini risk assessment as procedures and risks may vary. This involves evaluating:

• Whether disposable seat covers are needed
• Whether eye and face protection is required to guard against splashing bodily fluids

Utilising Client Information

Client medical questionnaires can offer useful background information if you ask the right questions and receive honest answers. While these forms provide good insights into the client’s health, they are only helpful if the information is accurate and comprehensive.

Identifying Visible Health Risks

Visible conditions such as skin diseases may affect the type of treatment you can offer and could pose a health risk to you or exacerbate the client's condition. Always consider these factors in your risk assessment and adjust your procedures accordingly.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safer environment for both yourself and your clients, and effectively manage potential health risks.