Standard precautions are meant to reduce the risk of transmission of blood borne and other pathogens from both recognized and unrecognized sources. They are the basic level of infection control precautions to be used, as a minimum, in the care of all patients in the hospital and community settings.  Hand hygiene is very important in standard precautions and one of the most effective methods to prevent transmission of pathogens associated with health care. Along with hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment should be used according to the risk assessment and the extent of contact anticipated with blood and other body fluids, or pathogens. In addition to practices carried out by health workers when providing care, all individuals (including patients and visitors) should comply with infection control practices in health-care settings. The control of spread of  pathogens from the source is key to avoid transmission.

Keywords: Standard precautions; Safe practices; Nosocomial infection.