The principles of Infection Prevention and Control: Explanation

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1.1 Explain employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection

All the staff needs to be sure that they do all they can to keep the workplace safe and follow the given rules and procedures. As employees we need to follow the procedures regarding health and safety and other that concern the prevention of infection. We need to wear aprons and gloves when dealing with individuals. We need to know how to use them also, and what to do if they are faulty, or not suitable.

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We need to look after our personal hygiene, too. This is very important in order not to spread the infection.

1.2 Explain employers’ responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection

The employer needs to provide the staff with the right, suitable PPE. The staff also needs to be trained on the use of it. The employer needs to be sure that the procedures and the regulations the organization follows are good and evaluated regularly and that the work place in general is safe.

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

There is many current regulation and regulatory body standards, which are relevant to the prevention and control of infection but most of them relate to infection prevention and control come under the Health and Safety at Work Act; this act is about ensuring a safe work place for employers, employees and members of the public by minimising accidents at work.

Also there is The Food Safety Act and its aim is to ensure safe practices for food to avoid contamination and spreading of infection. It also gives information on serving, storing and disposal of food. Others are: the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health; the Reporting of Injury; Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations

2.2 Describe local and organizational policies relevant to the prevention and control of infection

My organization has got many procedures that the employees need to follow, especially to prevent ourselves, and others from the spread of infection. As I said earlier, we need to wear protective gloves, apron etc. We also need to wash hands regularly and in the way that we were trained. We also need to follow rules when dealing with the waste that contains bodily fluids.

3.1 Describe procedures and systems relevant to the prevention and control of infection

We get regular meetings and trainings on how to use our PPE and how to protect the organization on spread of infection. Procedures such as washing hands in an appropriate manner, or following them by managing waste appropriately are there are in place to keep us employees and clients safe.

3.2 Explain the potential impact of an outbreak of infection on the individual and the organisation

The impact of an outbreak could be very bad, including even death. It could lead to many staff being off sick and feeling not well. The clients would feel that their health and well being is at risk and wouldn’t like to stay with us.

4.1 Define the term risk

Risk is a possibility of something bad, or dangerous to happen.

4.2 Outline potential risks of infection within the workplace

Potential risk of infection within my workplace is especially high when I do the personal care for individuals, because then I deal with the body liquids.

4.3 Describe the process of carrying out a risk assessment

The first stage of the process of carrying out risk assessment is identifying the hazard by talking to the individuals and also by observing them. Next step is checking/evaluating the risk that was identified. After that, the risk needs to be reviewed to make sure everyone’s good was taken into consideration. Once the evaluation was done the information on risk needs to be given to the staff and others interested (those who can be expose to it).

4.4 Explain the importance of carrying out a risk assessment

I think it is necessary because it tells us what kind of risk we are exposed to and tells us how we can avoid, or minimize it.

5.2 Describe different types of PPE

The PPE that I need to use are mainly gloves and apron.

5.3 Explain the reasons for use of PPE

PPE’s are to help individuals and staff, and the organization lower the risk of accidents and infections.

5.4 State current relevant regulations and legislation relating to PPE

Health and Safety at Work Act

5.5 Describe employees’ responsibilities regarding the use of PPE

I need to make sure I check if everything I use is in good condition and fits me. If I don’t know how to use something, I need to ask and also I have a training on it.

5.6 Describe employers’ responsibilities regarding the use of PPE

Giving us training and the protective equipment that we need.

5.7 Describe the correct practice in the application and removal of PPE

How I put on my apron- I must first wash and dry my hands and put my hair back. After that I put the neck strap over the head and tie behind my back the waist strap. I remove my apron by pulling at the neck strap and the waist strap, then scrunch it up in my gloves.

5.8 Describe the correct procedure for disposal of used PPE

An apron must be thrown away into a yellow bag. It must not be put into a bin or anywhere else to avoid a spread of infection.

6.1 Describe the key principles of good personal hygiene

Showering regularly, washing hands before and after you do any activity, taking shower, washing clothes, looking after hair, breath

6.2 Demonstrate good hand washing technique

Taking off jewelry. Turning on the tap and checking for the temperature. Wetting both hands. Applying soap and rubbing palms. It needs to be precise (in between fingers, thumbs, on top side). Rinsing and drying.

6.3 Describe the correct sequence for hand washing

As above:

6.4 Explain when and why hand washing should be carried out

It should be done after using the toilet and taking off gloves, before serving, having, or preparing the food, after doing personal care and being in touch with anything that can be infected. Washing hands is necessary in preventing and controlling the spread of infection.

6.5 Describe the types of products that should be used for hand washing

It can be liquid soap used for hand washing where many people use it. Other product that is used for washing hands are antiseptic gels eliminating pathogens. There are also hand rubs with alcohol used as an additional protection.

6.6 Describe correct procedures that relate to skincare

It is good to use moisturizers the skin regularly to protect it from damage and being exposed to pathogens.