IC01: The principles of infection prevention and control The prevention and control of infection is the responsibility of everyone working in a health and social care setting. Both employers and employees have particular roles to avoid the spread of infection. 1.1. As a health & social care practitioner it is essential to maintain a clean and hygienic environment and also to be aware of the infection control policies and procedures that are used in the workplace. Maintaining a high level of personal health and hygiene will also help in the prevention of infection.
The employer also has a duty of care for staff members, to ensure that working conditions are safe, and suitable to deliver the service. 1.2. Describe how duty of care affects own work role. My duty of care means that I must aim to provide high quality care to the best of my ability and say if there are any reasons as to why I may be unable to do so. My organisation and I have a duty of care to ensure that the service users we care for are safe, protected from abuse by other service users, staff, carers, friends and family.
The act requires Carers to : - Take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others. - Cooperate with the employer in respect of Health and Safety matters .Not intentionally damage any Health and safety equipment or materials provided by the employer - Attend training provided by the employer - Use protective equipment provide by the employer In respect of the prevention of infection you must think about the prevention and control for you and others around you. Basic controls are: - Dispose of waste correctly - Wash hands when appropriate - Keep equipment clean - Remain vigilant and report potential hazards
You will investigate the precautions, which are intended to preserve the safety of both staff and individuals who use the services. You will consider the key legislation, policies and procedures, which outline the responsibilities of social care workers within a range of settings. An examination of risk assessments and the responsibilities of professionals with regard to overall health and safety is included in the unit. Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria In order to pass this unit, the evidence that you need to present for assessment needs to demonstrate that you can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit. The assessment criteria determine the standard required to achieve the unit.
This act places overall responsibility for health and safety with the employer but also duties on employees, so everyone in a setting has some responsibility for the health and safety of anyone who is there. The act covers the conditions in which places of work must be kept- Buildings should be well maintained and designed with the safety of the users in mind The general environment should be clean and safe Equipment must be safely used and stored Working practice must promote the health and safety of children All employees should be aware of the written statement of safety policy that is required under the act. The act also provides for the protection of employees: The workplace should be safe and not pose a risk to employees’ health Safe systems of working should be in place Articles and substances should be stored and used safely Adequate welfare facilities should be available Appropriate
A written health and safety policy – this includes how procedures will be carried out, give notice of any revisions and procedures for any risks that are identified. Personal protective equipment – provided when required. 1.3 Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of: a) the social care worker • Take reasonable care of your
Examples of these include but are not limited to: P.P.E – Is in place to protect the service user and myself from cross contamination M.H.O.R – Moving and handling procedures are in place to prevent injury or harm to carers or service users. Health and safety policies and procedures are in place to ensure that all staff are up to date with current legislation and training and know how to record and report any accidents, incidents and faulty equipment. Outline the responsibilities the Health & Safety at Work act places on the: a.Employer It is the responsibility of the employer under the health and safety regulations to provide: Information, instruction, training, supervision and monitoring of employees Provision and maintenance of equipment and safe systems of work Maintenance of a safe and healthy working environment with necessary
The health and safety poster should always be put as it is the law. You should always work safely and follow instructions and guidance to ensure that everyone is safe. The health and safety policy will cover emergency procedures in the event of a fire or other emergencies. You should always know the procedures for things such as fire, security incident or if a child goes missing. In my work place we have been spoken to about what procedures you should follow.
1.Understand the different responsibilities relating to health and safety in social care settings 1.1 List legislation relating to general health and safety in social care settings Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (amended 2002) Controlling of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) (amended 2008) Health and Safety First Aid Regulations 1981 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 1.2Describe the main points of health and safety policies and procedures agreed with the employer The employer has to provide safe work place and employees need to show appropriate care of their own safety. For example, in case of fire in the service an employee needs to be aware of evacuation procedure: evacuation routes, meeting point and etc. the employers responsibility to create evacuation plans, make it available for employees. 1.3 Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of: The social care worker take care of their own safety as well as others follow employment's policies and procedures use PPE where required attend training and follow it's instructions use the right equipment for the right activities. The employer or manager provide safe working environment provide safe equipment to work with safe safe system of work and follow it provide training, information as well as do regular supervisions deal with hazardous substances appropriately.
2. Explain employers` responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control infection Employers` responsibilities include: - legal responsibilies * providing a safe working environment * Health and safety traning for all staff * regular health and safety checks * provide p.p.e. (personal protective equipment. - organisational responsibilities * manager has responsibility to the service users to take steps to ensure a home is clean * carers are following health and safe guidelines * carers should know who to contact in case of infection outbreak Outcome 2 Understand legislation and policies relating to prevention and control of infections 1. Outline current legislation and regulatory body standards which are relevant to the prevention and control of infections * The Health nad Safety at Work Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 * The Public Health