> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.arborconnect.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.arborconnect.com/safety-first/department-safety-and-hazards.md). # Department Safety, Infection, and Chemical Hazards ## Kitchen safety * Unplug all electrical appliances when not in use. Always make sure your hands are dry before touching electrical cords. * Keep appliance cords in good condition and safely stored so that no one can trip over them. * Clean all spills immediately. Place WET FLOOR signs after mopping a floor and stay out of areas with wet floors. * If you're using a knife, use a cut glove and cut away from your body. Knives should be stored in a knife holder. * Use gloves when handling chemical cleaners. ## Housekeeping safety * Use gloves when handling cleaning material. Ask your supervisor where the Material Safety Data (MSD) sheets are kept in case you have a spill. * Clean spills immediately. Place WET FLOOR signs if you've mopped a floor. * Make sure the housekeeping cart never blocks a fire exit or hallway. Never leave a housekeeping cart unattended. Store all cleaning material safely when not in use and lock the cart. * Push carts instead of pulling them. * Ask for help if you need to move something heavy. * Be sure you know how to handle all electrical equipment. Watch the cord when you're vacuuming so people won't trip and fall. ## Infection control Anyone who cares for another person's health needs could come in contact with infectious or contaminated material, such as blood or bodily fluids. As part of your orientation, you will learn more about bloodborne pathogens and the microorganisms in blood that can cause disease. You will be given a quiz to make sure you understand how infections pass from one person to another and what precautions will keep you safe. Your community has an Exposure Control Plan to comply with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Ask your Executive Director if you want to learn more. Your Business Office Manager will also talk to you about receiving a free Hepatitis B vaccine. **Remember:** * Handwashing is the single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of infection. * Wear gloves whenever you think you might come in contact with blood or bodily fluids (for instance, toileting, brushing teeth). * Change gloves and wash hands when moving from one resident to another. ## Chemical safety During the course of your job, you will probably use a variety of different chemicals — housekeeping cleaners, kitchen cleaners, laundry detergents. All chemicals found in your Community can be unsafe if they are used improperly. Be sure you know where the Material Safety Data (MSD) sheets are kept in your Community in the event of a spill or other problem related to chemicals. These sheets will tell you how to deliver first aid and treatment if a team member is harmed by chemicals. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.arborconnect.com/safety-first/department-safety-and-hazards.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.