1.5 Describe the precautions needed when undertaking the care and transfer of deceased individuals with specific highrisk diseases and conditions.

This guide will help you answer 1.5 Describe the precautions needed when undertaking the care and transfer of deceased individuals with specific highrisk diseases and conditions..

When caring for and transferring a deceased individual who had a high risk disease or condition, great care must be taken. This is to protect both the person handling the body and the wider public. Some diseases remain infectious after death. These require strict procedures to prevent spread. The actions taken depend on the type of disease, the setting, and legal or organisational policy.

High risk diseases might include:

• HIV and AIDS
• Hepatitis B and C
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Meningitis
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
• COVID-19
• Viral haemorrhagic fevers (such as Ebola)

Risk Assessment

The first step is to carry out a risk assessment. This identifies possible hazards and the steps needed to reduce or remove them. You should gather information from medical records or from healthcare colleagues. Be aware of any warnings on the deceased person’s file or body bag.

A clear risk assessment helps staff decide:

• What personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed
• How to handle the body
• Where and how to transfer the body
• How to protect others who may come into contact with it

Risk assessments should be recorded and followed by all team members.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE forms a strong layer of protection. It stops infectious materials from reaching skin, eyes, nose or mouth. The type of PPE depends on the disease risk.

Common PPE items include:

• Disposable gloves
• Fluid-resistant gown or apron
• Face mask or respirator
• Eye protection such as goggles or face shield
• Shoe covers

For diseases such as COVID-19 or TB, respiratory protection is important. This might mean wearing an FFP3 mask or similar high-level respirator. Workers must be trained in how to correctly put on and take off PPE. This avoids contamination.

Body Preparation

Care of the deceased is carried out with respect but also with safety in mind. Some diseases can spread through body fluids such as blood or saliva. These remain infectious after death.

Steps often include:

• Keeping the body in a sealed, leak-proof body bag
• Using absorbent sheets inside the bag if there is leakage
• Disinfecting the skin if needed before transportation
• Avoiding unnecessary handling or movement of the body
• Avoiding invasive procedures that could expose body fluids

In some cases, such as with CJD, there are extremely strict limits on post-mortem handling. Only specially trained staff should be involved.

Labelling and Documentation

Clear labelling is important to warn others about the risk. The body bag must carry a hazard label if the person had a high risk disease. Records should state:

• Name and date of death
• Known infection risk
• PPE requirements
• Handling and transfer instructions

Only staff with a need to know should read the medical details. This protects confidentiality.

Transfer within a Facility

Moving the body within a hospital or care home must be done with care. This is to limit contact with other people and surfaces.

Measures might include:

• Using a closed stretcher or trolley
• Planning a clear route with minimal stops
• Avoiding public areas where possible
• Having all necessary staff, PPE and equipment ready before the move

The equipment used should be cleaned and disinfected straight after use.

Transfer to the Mortuary or Funeral Director

When moving the deceased outside the original location, further precautions may apply. The receiving mortuary or funeral director must be told of the infection risk. They can then take the right protective steps.

Some high risk cases might require transfer by a specialist team. The vehicle used must be cleaned after transport. Waste generated during care and transfer must be disposed of as clinical waste.

Waste Disposal

Items that have been in contact with the body can carry infection. This includes bedding, dressings, gloves and aprons.

Precautions include:

• Placing waste in yellow clinical waste bags
• Sealing and labelling the bags before removal
• Using sharps bins for any needles or sharp items
• Following local policy for incineration or other disposal methods

Liquid waste such as body fluids must be disposed of following infection control guidelines.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Surfaces and equipment used during handling of the deceased must be cleaned thoroughly. This reduces the risk to anyone else using the area.

Cleaning steps often include:

• Wearing PPE during cleaning
• Using the correct disinfectant for the disease risk (for example, chlorine-based solutions for viral haemorrhagic fevers)
• Cleaning from the least contaminated area to the most contaminated area
• Safe disposal of cleaning materials in clinical waste

Special Disease Precautions

HIV and AIDS

The virus can survive in body fluids after death. Wear gloves, gown, mask and eye protection. Avoid any contact with broken skin or mucous membranes. Routine mortuary procedures can be followed but with strict use of PPE.

Hepatitis B and C

These viruses can live in blood for days after death. Gloves, gown, and face protection must be worn. Handle the body gently to avoid splashing. Sharps injuries must be avoided at all times.

Tuberculosis (TB)

The bacteria can remain in the lungs after death and be released if the body is moved roughly. Respiratory protection is needed. Use a sealed body bag. Avoid procedures that could force air from the lungs.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)

This disease is caused by abnormal proteins called prions. They are very hard to destroy. Extra measures apply. Routine embalming is not advised. Surgical instruments used must be destroyed or put through special decontamination. Only trained staff should handle the body.

COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces. PPE should include gloves, gown, eye protection, and a fluid-resistant mask or respirator. Avoid touching the face when handling the body. Clean equipment with disinfectant after use.

Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (Ebola, Lassa)

These are extremely contagious. Handling is only by specially trained staff using full PPE including powered respirators and double gloves. The body must be sealed in a double-layered leak-proof bag sprayed with disinfectant. Only specific mortuary facilities should accept such cases.

Legal and Organisational Requirements

In the UK, there are laws and guidance on handling high risk bodies. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides rules under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. Public Health England gives detailed instructions for certain diseases.

Organisations will have their own written policies. Staff must follow these exactly. Failure to do so can be a breach of law and policy. This could lead to disciplinary action or legal consequences.

Training and Competence

Only trained staff should handle high risk deceased individuals. Training should cover:

• Infection prevention and control
• PPE correct use and disposal
• Safe handling and moving of bodies
• Waste disposal and cleaning procedures
• Emergency action after exposure or injury

Ongoing refreshers keep skills current. Training records should be kept.

Respect and Dignity

Even when infection risk is high, the deceased must still be treated with dignity. This means respecting their religious or cultural traditions as far as possible within safety limits. Communicate clearly with family members about what can and cannot be done. This helps to maintain trust.

Communication

Good communication between all involved services is important. The mortuary, funeral director, and any other professionals must be told about the infection risk in advance. This is done in a confidential and controlled way.

Information to share may include:

• Type of infection
• Handling and PPE rules
• Any limits on preparation of the body

Aftercare for Staff

Caring for high risk deceased individuals can be stressful. Staff should have access to support and debriefing. Where there has been potential exposure, medical assessment may be needed. Vaccinations and post-exposure treatments should be offered according to risk.

Cultural and Religious Considerations

Some faiths have specific rituals for preparing the body. For high risk diseases, some practices may not be safe. Staff should explain the situation and work with faith leaders to find safe alternatives that respect beliefs while reducing danger. Written protocols for such discussions can help.

Final Thoughts

Handling and transferring deceased individuals with high risk infectious diseases demands careful planning, skill and awareness. Infection control must remain a priority from the point of death to the final transfer. Every step has to be carried out with both safety and respect in mind.

By following clear policies, wearing the right protective gear and keeping accurate records, you reduce risks to yourself, your colleagues, and the wider community. Each disease poses different challenges, so specific procedures should always be checked against the latest public health advice. Your role in this process is important. You help to prevent the spread of infection and protect both the living and the dignity of the deceased.