HLTIN504C
Manage the control of infection

This unit describes the skills required to oversee the adherence to established infection control guidelines and duty of care throughout a particular work environment

Application

This unit applies to a role with broad responsibilities for development, implementation and monitoring of infection control policy and procedures

Application of this unit should be contextualised to reflect any specific workplace infection risks, hazards and associated infection control practices


Prerequisites

Pre-requisite unit

This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisite:

HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Ensure potential infectious material is removed from the workplace

1.1 Ensure information and resources are provided to support the correct handling and disposal of waste according to established guidelines and procedures

1.2 Maintain procedures for use of personal protective equipment when sorting and separating waste

1.3 Ensure waste transport procedures support workplace safety

2. Ensure equipment and surfaces are clean and sanitised

2.1 Ensure information and resources are provided to enable effective cleaning and sanitisation of equipment and surfaces

2.2 Provide information on the correct procedure(s) for cleaning and sanitation of the workplace

2.3 Ensure appropriate recommended protective clothing is worn throughout the workplace

2.4 Ensure clear and accurate information on infection control guidelines is provided

3. Ensure personal hygiene is maintained in the workplace

3.1 Establish standards of personal presentation and hygiene in the workplace and ensure they are maintained

3.2 Establish clinical guidelines for hygiene and ensure they are maintained

3.3 Ensure appropriate and checked protective clothing is made available according to established guidelines and procedures

3.4 Ensure information is provided in the use of protective clothing

4. Establish and monitor guidelines for hazard identification and control

4.1 Review hazard/spillage response and documentation and assess need for further action/ improvement of practices

4.2 Ensure information is provided in hazard identification and control

4.3 Establish workplace policies and procedures in hazard identification and control and monitor to ensure their effectiveness

4.4 Monitor workplace to ensure hazards are managed in accordance with guidelines

4.5 Ensure hazard control procedures are carried out as necessary

Required Skills

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:

How infection is spread

Measures to manage and monitor infection control

OHS implications of work

Potential hazards in a health environment

Processes for managing and developing effective workplace policies and procedures relating to infection control

Time management strategies to set priorities

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Develop, implement and monitor strategies to address infection control across a specific work environment

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:

Communicate and maintain workplace policies and procedures relating to work performance in relation to infection control and duty of care, including:

helping others achieve planned outcomes

managing unsatisfactory performance and use of discipline as necessary

minimising disruption to the work environment

safe and competent use of technology

Develop staff on OHS and hazard identification

Implement cross infection and prevention strategies

Integrate learning from the broader health profession into improved work practices

Manage problems relating to infection control

Provide leadership in the development and communication of policies and procedures

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

Use effective communication skills to ensure application and maintenance in the workplace of:

correct hygiene procedures and hand washing techniques

hazard identification and control

OHS policies and procedures

procedures appropriate to the cleaning area and purpose

selection and use of appropriate equipment and chemicals for cleaning and sanitising in the workplace

standard and additional precautions

Evidence Required

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

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

This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

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

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 and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units:

Where relevant, the following competency unit should be assessed before or in conjunction with this unit:

HLTIN302B Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Disposal includes:

Bury

Flush

Burn

Storage for collection

Transport includes:

Bins

Trolley

Manual

Sanitising may include:

Sterilising in some situations

Carbolising

Soaking

Disinfecting

Equipment may include:

Buckets

Mops and brushes

Soap

Water

Guidelines include:

Standard and additional precautions

Policies and guidelines of the clinic

Hazards and risks may include:

Sharps

Human waste

Wet floors

Stagnant water

Body fluids

Animals, insects and vermin

Expiry dates

Waste may include:

Infectious waste

Sharps

Linen may include:

Bed linen

Gowns/masks

Clothing

Tea towels

Sorting may include:

On-site

Off-site

Storage

Transport

Protective clothing includes:

Safety glasses

Gloves

Gowns

Masks

Caps


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills


Licensing Information

Not Applicable