Universal precautions refer to a set of standardized infection control practices designed to prevent transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as HIV in healthcare and community settings. The concept emerged from the understanding that it is often impossible to know who may be infected with HIV, therefore all blood and certain body fluids must be treated as potentially infectious. By consistently applying these precautions, the risk of transmission of HIV and other infections such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C can be greatly reduced. Universal precautions are particularly important in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, dental practices, and during emergency care, but their principles are also relevant in community health settings. One of the most fundamental universal precautions is proper hand hygiene. Hands are the most common vehicle for the transmission of microorganisms. Health workers must wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after contact with patients, after handling blood or body fluids, and after removing gloves. Handwashing should involve rubbing all parts of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails, for at least twenty seconds. In situations where soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used. Maintaining strict hand hygiene significantly reduces the risk of transferring infectious materials from one person to another. The use of personal protective equipment is another essential component of universal precautions. Protective barriers such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection help prevent direct contact with blood and body fluids. Disposable gloves should always be worn when there is a possibility of contact with blood, wounds, mucous membranes, or contaminated instruments. Gloves must be changed between patients and should never be reused. Masks and protective eyewear are necessary when procedures may produce splashes or sprays of blood or body fluids, as these fluids can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Gowns or aprons provide additional protection for the skin and clothing of healthcare workers. Safe handling and disposal of sharps is a critical precaution in preventing HIV transmission. Sharps include needles, syringes, scalpels, and other instruments capable of puncturing the skin. Accidental needle-stick injuries are one of the most common occupational risks for healthcare workers. To prevent such injuries, needles should never be recapped, bent, or broken after use. Instead, they must be immediately disposed of in puncture-resistant sharps containers that are clearly labeled and easily accessible. These containers should not be overfilled and must be sealed and disposed of according to