Unit 224 – The Principles of Infection Prevention and Control 1. Understand roles and responsibilities in the prevention and control of infections 2.1 Explain the employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection. It is the duty of the employee to make sure that they follow the policies, procedures and guidelines that have been put in place in the prevention and control of infection 1.2 Explain the employers’ responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection. Employers have responsibilities for the health and safety of their employees. They are also responsible for any visitors to their premises such as customers, suppliers and the general public.
Unit 4222-264 The principles of infection prevention and control 1.1 Explain employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection. There will be policies and procedures in all health and social care organisations that will outline what the employees’ roles and responsibilities are in relation to the prevention and control of infection. There will also be legislation in relation to infection control. It is up to all employees to know the legislation and the organisation’s policies and procedures so that they can take action to prevent the spread of infection in accordance with these. Employees’ also have a personal and moral responsibility to prevent and control the spread of infection as they are members of a caring society and profession.
If I have any concerns whatsoever regarding the management of infectious diseases in the workplace, I should contact line / project manager, whom will then seek professional advice. All employees must also observe general precautions, other rules specific to a particular work activity must also be observe red. Roles and responsibilities of personnel in relation to infection control. Explain employers’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide employees with information on such policies, as well as ensure all employees receive sufficient training where necessary.
An employers responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection is to carry out risk assessments, this is to make sure that, where possible infection risks can be prevented. Also, to make sure staff are properly trained and, that information is always available for all staff. This could be posters showing handwashing techniques. Once a risk assessment has been carried out procedures can be put in place such as the wearing of PPE to minimise exposure to infection. Also, staff should be supervised to make sure procedures are being followed.
There are a range of roles were the prevention and control of infection apply, here are the ones that apply to my line of work; working with hazardous substances, working in an environment that exposes me to infection, working with people who are vulnerable to infection and working in a place that is a communal living area. 2. The employer is responsible for ensuring that all employees’ know and apply the correct working procedures, this can be undertaken via providing adequate training. The employer is required to provide the appropriate personal protective equipment and the correct medical equipment as well as carrying out risk assessments. The employer is also responsible for the organisation of the workplace, ensuring that the risk of infection is minimised as much as possible.
To ensure that systems are in place to prevent staff from choosing whom they will or will not care for. Ensure that all staff carries out Best practice in relation to infection control Ensure that all new members of staff have received adequate supervised induction and practical training in the health and safety requirements, including infection control procedures Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hand washing facilities Systems for the safe disposal of waste Employee responsibilities Employee must work safely in accordance with their training and instructions given to them. Employees must also notify the employer or the person responsible for health and safety of any serious or immediate danger to health and safety or any shortcoming in health and safety Employees must cooperate with their employers in the action taken to comply with the Act or Regulations. In particular, they should use or apply control measures as required and should cooperate with assessments, training programs and other action taken to protect health and safety. Employees who become aware of any situation or incident that could be a
Unit 4222-264 The principles of infection prevention and control (IC 01) 1. Explain employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection It is the responsibility of an employee to take precautionary measures to prevent and control the spread of infection in the workplace. This involves working safely to protect oneself, other staff, visitors and individuals from infections. One of the important responsibilities of an employee is to orient himself about the policies on safety, hygiene and sanitation in the work area and to undergo training regarding the policies. Through these trainings, the employee will learn the proper measures regarding infection control and prevention in spreading infection.
Roles and Responsibilities of Personnel In a health and social care setting each member of staff has a specific role when dealing with service users and the prevention and control of infections. Care workers such as nurses have a responsibility to keep the risk of infection to a minimum in a health and social care setting. They must consider themselves, their colleagues, their patients and visitors while on duty. Care workers must maintain a good personal hygiene at all times and wash hands thoroughly before and after contact with the patients that they are treating. They must also wash hands after using the toilet and before handling food.
• As an employee I must attend any necessary training that is provided by my employer regarding the prevention and control of infection. • It is important as an employee that I am aware of these regulations and legislation so that I can work safely; at work there is information which is provided in the health and safety file and COSHH file. • As an employee if I come across a hazard such as bodily fluids spilt in an area or a staff member not wearing gloves it must be reported and not ignore it as this may cause infection to spread. • In the workplace I need to put the safe ways of working into practice; for example by effective hand washing, not coming into work when I am not feeling well as this will be putting others at risk. • All equipment needs to be cleaned correctly to avoid
Employees must take precautionary measures to protect themselves, other staff, visitors and the individuals they are supporting. Employers will provide necessary training the employees must undertake. Guidelines relating to IPC; Health and Safety at work Act COSHH RIDDOR Food Safety Act NICE Employees must put safe ways of working into practice, simple step such as effective Han washing, correct use of PPE, not attending work while ill, effective cleaning of the environment and equipment will all help to prevent the spread of infection or cross contamination. 1.2) Explain Employers responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection Employers have a duty to provide PPE, Equipment, effective cleaning materials, that will assist in the prevention of the spread of infection. They must also provide / organise necessary and adequate training for all staff in the work environment.