Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply basic infection prevention and control principles in work settings including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and responding to risks.
This unit applies to individuals working in a range of industry and work setting contexts.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
• implement precautions for infection prevention and control according to national standards and guidelines on three different occasions, each responding to a different identified infection risk, including:
• carrying out hand hygiene procedures as relevant to the infection risk
• selecting and using correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• using correct cleaning and waste management procedures
• respond to three instances of exposure to infection risk, including:
• at least one instance that involves management of exposure to blood or body fluids
• documenting and reporting the incident and response
• identifying and managing clean and contaminated zones.

Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
• established national standards and guidelines for the prevention and control of infection
• types of infectious risks in the work environment and associated management to prevent and reduce harm
• causes of infection, including:
• classifications of microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites
• process of colonisation, infection and disease
• transmission of infectious agents as per the chain of infection including:
• infectious agent:
• degree of pathogen exposure
• reservoir:
• people, animals and birds
• other vectors
• blood and body fluids
• food, water and soil
• waste
• portal of exit
• transmission:
• direct contact including contact, droplet and airborne
• indirect contact including surface or object contamination, penetrating injuries and vectors (animal, insect or parasite)
• portal of entry
• susceptible hosts:
• factors that increase susceptibility to infection
• personal hygiene practices:
• personal care and cleanliness
• use of clean clothing or uniform
• management and laundering of work clothing
• not attending work when ill
• safe respiratory and cough etiquette
• principles of hand hygiene:
• hand care, including guidelines on maintaining intact skin, fingernails and jewellery or watches
• hand hygiene procedures:
• identifying when hand hygiene is required
• identifying correct hand hygiene product
• hand hygiene technique
• procedure for applying alcohol-based hand rub
• when to perform hand hygiene with soap and water rather than alcohol-based hand rub
• precautions where there are breaks in the skin or skin conditions
• 5 moments of hand hygiene
• safe and effective use of different types and grades of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including:
• masks
• gloves
• protective eyewear and face shields
• gowns and aprons
• techniques and sequence for applying, fitting and removing PPE
• preventing contamination while applying, wearing and removing PPE
• safe disposal of PPE after use
• cleaning procedures:
• routine environment and equipment cleaning
• enhanced cleaning
• reprocessing of reusable equipment or instruments
• managing a blood or body fluid spill
• management of linen and clothing
• principles of asepsis relevant to the job role
• waste management procedures:
• disposal of general waste
• safe handling and disposal of contaminated waste
• safe handling and disposal of sharps
• organisational policies and procedures for:
• managing exposure incidents
• recording and documenting risks and incidents
• reporting risks and incidents
• parties to whom reports may be made:
• supervisor
• general practitioner
• health care professional
• carer
• responsible person
• responsible authority.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in the work setting with the addition of simulations and scenarios where the full range of contexts and situations cannot be provided in the work setting or may occur only rarely.
Assessment must ensure use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
• national standards and guidelines for infection prevention and control and hand hygiene
• relevant Commonwealth state or territory legislation and industry frameworks
• hand hygiene facilities and equipment
• personal protective equipment
• waste and waste disposal equipment
• areas, equipment and supplies for cleaning
• organisational policies and procedures.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors.

Foundation Skills

• {'skill': 'Foundation Skills', 'description': 'Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.'}

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