Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to follow organisational infection prevention and control procedures, including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and responding to infection risks.
This unit applies to individuals working in health and direct client care contexts.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element |
1. Follow standard and additional precautions for infection prevention and control | 1.1 Follow hand hygiene practices in accordance with organisations policies and procedures 1.2 Implement hand care procedures and cover cuts and abrasions 1.3 Follow organisation procedures for choice and use of personal protection equipment 1.4 Follow procedures for respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette 1.5 Follow procedures for environmental cleaning 1.6 Follow procedures for handling, transporting and processing of linen in a manner that controls the spread of infection 1.7 Follow procedures for disposal of contaminated waste 1.8 Follow procedures for handling and cleaning client equipment that prevents skin and mucous membrane exposures, contamination of clothing, and transfer of pathogens 1.9 Identify and respond to situations where additional precautions may be required to prevent transmission of infection |
2. Identify infection hazards and assess risks | 2.1 Identify infection hazards associated with own role and work environment 2.2 Identify own areas of responsibility in relation to infection prevention and control 2.3 Assess risk by determining the likelihood and severity of harm from identified hazards. 2.4 Document and report activities and tasks that put self, clients, visitors and/or other workers at risk 2.5 Identify appropriate control measures to minimise risk in accordance with organisations procedures |
3. Follow procedures for managing risks associated with specific hazards | 3.1 Follow protocols for care after exposure to blood or other body fluids as required 3.2 Place appropriate signs when and where appropriate 3.3 Remove spills in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation 3.4 Minimise contamination of materials, equipment and instruments by aerosols and splatter 3.5 Identify, separate and maintain clean and contaminated zones 3.6 Confine records, materials and medicaments to a well-designated clean zone 3.7 Confine contaminated instruments and equipment to a well-designated contaminated zone |
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance. | |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. | |