Mr David Starkey Essay

UNIT 9:
The principles of infection prevention and control

1.1: Explain employees roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and Control of infection

It is our responsibility as employees to take precautionary measures to prevent and control the spread of infection in the workplace. This involves working safely to protect yourself, other staff, visitors and individuals from infections.
As employees we must ensure we attend all necessary training that our employers provide regarding infection control and prevention.

There are many roles where infection control is important, these include:
• Employees who work in communal living environments
• Employees who work with hazardous substances
• Employees whose work activities may expose them to infection
• Employees working with individuals who may be vulnerable to infection

Employees have responsibilities to:
• Self
• Colleagues
• Employer
• Clients/Customers
• Visitors

1.2: Explain employers responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control infection.

All employees are responsible for taking action to prevent the spread of infection, in accordance with legislation and local and organisational policies and procedures.
They also have a personal responsibility, as members of a caring profession.

Employers’ are responsible for:
• Assessing risks

• Putting procedures in place

• Ensuring procedures are followed

• Ensuring employees are appropriately trained in relation to infection control • Making sure employees are aware of the health and safety aspects of their work • Posting information on notice boards

•Keeping an information file such as Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

• Providing supervision • Keeping records • Ensuring that the relevant standards, policies and guidelines are available within the workplace.

2.1: Outline current legislation and regulatory body standards which are relevant to the prevention and control of infection

Some of the legislation and regulations that relate to the control and prevention of infection include; the Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA), the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) the Reporting of Injury, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).

It is important as employees that we are aware of these so that we can work safely.

2.2: Describe local and organisational policies relevant to the prevention and control of infection.

Organisation policies include

Glove policy

•Gloves must be worn if contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions or hazardous substances are likely.

•Do not keep gloves in your pocket Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene

•Household gloves may be used for cleaning the environment and must be correctly colour coded .Discard when punctured or torn.

•Disposable gloves are single use items and must be discarded after

Hand decontamination policy

•Hand hygiene can be undertaken using soap and water or hand sanitisers •Use the National Patient Safety Agency techniques
•An intact skin is an efficient waterproof barrier; therefore, everyone should look after their skin and cover any lesions with a waterproof plaster.

•If skin becomes contaminated with body fluids, wash off as soon as possible.

•Follow the World Health Organisations, five moments for hand hygiene when deciding when to decontaminate hands

Waste •Ensure waste is segregated and placed in the correct waste receptacle. •Ensure bags are not overfilled. Waste bags should be changed when 3⁄4 full and at least daily. •A label, detailing the ward / department must be attached to the waste bag before disposal. • Waste bags should be disposed of into the appropriate wheeled container, which should always be locked. •Waste should never be

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