Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
Descriptor |
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to comply with infection control policies and procedures. All procedures must be carried out in accordance with current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards for maintaining infection control and the policies and procedures of the organisation This unit acknowledges the importance of complying with an effective infection control strategy that ensures the safety of the client (or end-user of health-related products/services), maintains personal protection and prevents the transmission of infections from person to person All tasks must be carried out in accordance with State or Territory legislative requirements that affect work practices of the organisation and/or worker |
Application of the Unit
Application |
This unit is applicable to workers who are responsible for following workplace procedures to maintain infection control Application of this unit should be contextualised to reflect any specific workplace infection risks, hazards and associated infection control practices |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not Applicable
Pre-Requisites
Not Applicable
Employability Skills Information
Employability Skills |
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Follow infection control guidelines |
1.1 Demonstrate the application of standard precautions to prevent the spread of infection in accordance with organisation requirements 1.2 Demonstrate the application of additional precautions when standard precautions alone may not be sufficient to prevent transmission of infection 1.3 Minimise contamination of materials, equipment and instruments by aerosols and splatter |
2. Identify and respond to infection risks |
2.1 Identify infection risks and implement an appropriate response within own role and responsibility 2.2 Document and report activities and tasks that put clients and/or other workers at risk 2.3 Respond appropriately to situations that pose an infection risk in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation 2.4 Follow procedures for risk control and risk containment for specific risks 2.5 Follow protocols for care following exposure to blood or other body fluids as required 2.6 Place appropriate signs when and where appropriate 2.7 Remove spills in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation |
3. Maintain personal hygiene |
3.1 Maintain hand hygiene by washing hands before and after client contact and/or after any activity likely to cause contamination 3.2 Follow handwashing procedures 3.3 Implement hand care procedures 3.4 Cover cuts and abrasions with water-proof dressings and change as necessary |
4. Use personal protective equipment |
4.1 Wear personal protective clothing and equipment that complies with Australian/New Zealand Standards, and is appropriate for the intended use 4.2 Change protective clothing and gowns/aprons daily, more frequently if soiled and where appropriate, after each client contact |
5. Limit contamination |
5.1 Demarcate and maintain clean and contaminated zones in all aspects of health care work 5.2 Confine records, materials and medicaments to a well-designated clean zone 5.3 Confine contaminated instruments and equipment to a well-designated contaminated zone |
6. Handle, package, label, store, transport and dispose of clinical and other waste |
6.1 Wear appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures when handling waste 6.2 Separate waste at the point where it has been generated and dispose of into waste containers that are colour coded and identified 6.3 Store clinical or related waste in an area that is accessible only to authorised persons 6.4 Handle, package, label, store, transport and dispose of waste appropriately to minimise potential for contact with the waste and to reduce the risk to the environment from accidental release 6.5 Dispose of waste safely in accordance with policies and procedures of the organisation and legislative requirements |
7. Clean environmental surfaces |
7.1 Wear personal protective clothing and equipment during cleaning procedures 7.2 Remove all dust, dirt and physical debris from work surfaces 7.3 Clean all work surfaces with a neutral detergent and warm water solution before and after each session or when visibly soiled 7.4 Decontaminate equipment requiring special processing in accordance with quality management systems to ensure full compliance with cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation protocols 7.5 Dry all work surfaces before and after use 7.6 Replace surface covers where applicable 7.7 Maintain and store cleaning equipment |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
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:
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Essential skills : It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:
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:
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit : |
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Context of and specific resources for assessment : |
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Method of assessment |
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Access and equity considerations : |
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Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. |
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Standard precautions include : |
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Additional precautions may include : |
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Minimising contamination may include but is not limited to : |
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Infection risks may include but are not limited to |
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Procedures for risk control may include but are not limited to : |
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Protocols for care following exposure to blood or other body fluids may include but are not limited to : |
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Hand hygiene procedures may include : |
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Hand care may include but is not limited to : |
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Protective clothing and equipment may include but are not limited to : |
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Clean zone includes but is not limited to : |
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Contaminated zone includes but is not limited to : |
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Waste may include but is not limited to : |
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Disposal of waste requirements may include : |
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Cleaning procedures include but are not limited to |
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Unit Sector(s)
Not Applicable