To demonstrate competence for this unit the worker must acquire the essential knowledge and skills described

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of

Additional precautions

Aspects of infectious diseases including

opportunistic organisms

pathogens

Basic microbiology including

bacteria and bacterial spores

fungi

viruses

Clean and sterile techniques

Disease transmission

paths of transmission including direct contact aerosols and penetrating injuries

risk of acquisition

sources of infecting microorganisms including persons who are carriers in the incubation phase of the disease or those who are acutely ill

Effective hand hygiene

procedures for routine handwash

procedures for surgical handwash

when hands must be washed

Good personal hygiene practice including hand care

Identification and management of infectious risks in the workplace

Organisation requirements relating to immunisation where applicable

Personal protective equipment

guidelines for glove use

guidelines for wearing gowns and waterproof aprons

guidelines for wearing masks as required

guidelines for wearing protective glasses

Standard precautions

Susceptible hosts including persons who are immune suppressed have chronic diseases such as diabetes and the very young or very old

Surface cleaning

cleaning procedures at the start and end of the day

managing a blood or body fluid spill

routine surface cleaning

Sharps handling and disposal techniques

The organisations infection control policies and procedures

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Consistently apply handwashing personal hygiene and personal protection protocols

Consistently apply clean and sterile techniques

Consistently apply protocols to limit contamination

In addition the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to

Apply standard precautions

consistently ensure instruments used for invasive procedures are sterile at time of use where appropriate

consistently follow the procedure for washing and drying hands

consistently limit contamination

consistently maintain clean surfaces and manage blood and body fluid spills

consistently protect materials equipment and instruments from contamination until required for use

consistently put into practice clean and sterile techniques

consistently use personal protective equipment

Apply additional precautions when standard precautions are not sufficient

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit

Observation of workplace performance is preferred for assessment of this unit

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

The assessee must demonstrate compliance with the organisations infection control policy as it relates to specific job role

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Where for reasons of safety access to equipment and resources and space assessment takes place away from the workplace simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Method of assessment

Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by

traditional or online computerbased assessment

written assignmentsprojects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Questioning

Staff andor client feedback

Supporting statement of supervisor

Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience andor formalinformal learning

Role playsimulation

Access and equity considerations

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Standard precautions include:

Additional precautions may include:

Minimising contamination may include but is not limited to:

Infection risks may include but are not limited to

Procedures for risk controlmay include but are not limited to:

Protocols for care following exposure to blood or other body fluids may include but are not limited to:

Hand hygiene procedures may include:

Hand care may include but is not limited to:

Protective clothing and equipment may include but are not limited to :

Clean zone includes but is not limited to:

Contaminated zone includes but is not limited to:

Waste may include but is not limited to:

Disposal of waste requirements may include:

Cleaning proceduresinclude but are not limited to