HLTINF001 Comply with Infection Prevention and Control Policies and Procedures

Task 1
On page 21 of the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare there is a table of standard precautions that are to be used by healthcare workers to reduce the likelihood of infection.
Within that table, the following precautions are listed:
•    Hand Hygiene
•    Personal Protective Equipment
•    Handling and Disposal of Sharps
•    Environmental Controls
•    Reprocessing of Re-usable equipment and instruments
•    Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette
•    Aseptic non-touch technique
•    Waste and Linen

Within the table is direction to the guidelines for each standard precaution, select one of the standard precautions. Then go to the section relating to the standard precaution, within each section is a topic titled “Putting it into practice”. You will need to read this topic to answer the following question
Question 1.1
Based on the standard precaution you have chosen, name the standard precaution and describe in your own words, how you would put this precaution into practice.
Question 1.2
One page 22 of the guidelines is a table describing the transmission-based precautions. Chose one of the precautions then go to the section of the guide relating to that precaution. Summarise in your own how you would apply those precautions in a healthcare environment
On page 25 of the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare is a case study example of how an infection risk is managed. Using this and your workbook, describe how you could respond to an infection risk in the workplace.
Case example: A container of clinical waste is accidently drop onto the floor. The container breaks, spilling its contents on the floor of a busy walkway. The container included sharps, bandages with blood and other clinical waste.

Question 2.1
Describe how you would respond to this risk. Specifically, state what potential risk this case example could cause and how you would respond? (Hint: use the guidelines for use of PPE and cleaning)
Question 2.2
How could this case example put other workers at risk? What steps can you take to inform others of the risk whilst it is being managed
Task 3
Section B2.1 (begins on p46) of the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare provides information regarding the use of PPE.
Question 3.1
Describe briefly the key points in cleaning the healthcare work environment. In your answer please describe:
1.    When to wear PPE
2.    When is it appropriate to use normal detergent
3.    When is it appropriate to use disinfectant
4.    What processes can be used to sterilise equipment (see p78-82 of the NHMRC guidelines for infection control) and how can this equipment be stored

Question 3.2
When is the use of PPE required and how regularly should it be changed or removed?
Question 3.3
The management of clinical waste is essential to infection prevention. Describe what processes should be followed in the management of clinical and other waste. In your answer please describe:
1.    What PPE equipment can be used
2.    The role of colour coded waste containers
3.    Where clinical waste should be stored and what precautions should be taken to identify that space
4.    How should clinical waste can be handled and processed properly
Task 4
The following questions are related to clean and contaminated zones, provide a link to relevant health department resource in your state or territory in providing your answers.
Question 4.1
What is the purpose of a clean zone and what should be maintained within this area?
Question 4.2
What is the purpose of a contaminated zone in the healthcare environment and what should be confined to this space?

It has been identified that additional evidence is required for you to demonstrate competence in this unit. To meet all criteria for this unit, please select and provide evidence choosing one of the options shown below.

Options available for you to select:

1 Identify a Manager or Supervisor you have worked with for at least three months to complete the following form.  He or she should have had access to and have read through your case study and project in this unit prior to completing this evidence form, OR

2 Identify a qualified Assessor who can observe and assess you and complete the following form.  He or she should have had access to and have read through your case study and project in this unit prior to completing this evidence form, OR

3 Agree and organise for a teleconference (or skype) meeting with an AIPT Technical Advisor who will ask you a range of questions about this unit. He or she should have had access to and have read through your case study and project in this unit prior to completing this evidence form,   OR

4 Provide and attach copy of a Resume or CV which clearly demonstrates your competence in this field (AIPT/Foundation Education reserve the right to contact any identified referee – with your permission, to confirm competence), OR