ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Follow infection control guidelines

1.1. The application of standard precautions to prevent the spread of infection is demonstrated in accordance with the organisation infection control plan.

1.2. The application of additional precautions is demonstrated when standard precautions alone may not be sufficient to prevent transmission of infection.

1.3. Organisation and legislative reporting and documentation requirements related to infection control procedures are followed.

2. Identify and respond to infection risks

2.1. Infection risks are identified, reported and appropriate response implemented within own role and responsibility.

2.2. Procedures for risk control and risk containment for specific risks are followed.

2.3. Protocols for care following needle stick injury or bodily fluid exposure are followed as required.

2.4. Spills are removed in accordance with organisation policies and procedures.

2.5. Suspicions of a notifiable disease or potential infectiousdisease signs are reported in accordance with organisation procedures and legislative requirements within own role and responsibility.

2.6. Infection control accidents/incidents are reported and risk control procedures actioned in accordance with legislative regulations and infection control requirements within limits of own role and responsibility.

3. Maintain personal protection

3.1. Hand hygiene is maintained before and after animal contact and/or any activity likely to cause cross-contamination in accordance with Australian/New Zealand Standards.

3.2. Hand care procedures are implemented.

3.3. Cuts and abrasions are covered with waterproof dressing and changed as necessary.

3.4. Personal protective clothing and equipment that complies with Australian/New Zealand Standards are worn and changed, as appropriate, for the intended use.

3.5. Personal immunisation/vaccination requirements for working with animals are identified, obtained (where required) and boosters kept up to date.

4. Limit contamination

4.1. Clean and contaminated zones are demarcated and maintained in all aspects of animal care work.

4.2. Demarcation procedures involving the movement of animals within or between facilities are followed in accordance with legislative requirements and infection control guidelines.

4.3. Animals identified and/or suspected of presenting with a contagious or zoonotic disease are housed in isolation as soon as possible.

4.4. Work surfaces, materials, equipment and instruments are cleaned, disinfected and sterilised, where required, in accordance with infection control guidelines.

4.5. Soiled laundry and protective clothing are handled and processed in accordance with organisation infection control procedures.

4.6. Hazards to animal and human health from food sources are identified and methods used to manage potential risks are implemented.

4.7. Organisation rodent and vector control procedures are followed.

4.8. Clinical, related and general waste, including sharps, are handled and disposed of in accordance with legislative requirements and organisation policies and procedures.

4.9. Animal care facility clients/customers are provided with information regarding infection control, including risks of zoonosis.

5. Contribute to incursion readiness processes

5.1. Infectious Disease Control Kit is maintained in accordance with infection control guidelines in readiness for facility or field activity requirements.

5.2. Contributions are made to the review and revision of the organisation's infection control plan and incident response procedures when problems are identified or government recommendations change.

5.3. Infection control documentation is updated and maintained in accordance with organisation policies and procedures.