Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:30 AM AWST

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Implement and monitor infection control policy and procedures

Implement and monitor infection control policy and procedures

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTIN403C
State Code
D8309
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
25/03/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/08/2014
Field of Education
061399 - Public Health, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
12/08/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
DescriptorThis unit is concerned with infection control responsibilities of employees with supervisory accountability to implement and monitor infection control policy and procedures in a specific work unit or team within an organisation
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Provide information about infection control policies and procedures
  • 1.1 Explain accurately and clearly to the work group relevant information about infection control policy and procedures, and applicable industry codes of practice
  • 1.2 Regularly provide information about identified hazards and the outcomes of infection risk assessments to the work group
  • 1.3 Provide opportunities for the work group to seek further information on workplace infection control issues and practices
2. Integrate infection control policy and procedure into work practices
  • 2.1 Implement infection control policy and procedures with members of the work group
  • 2.2 Maintain liaison with person responsible for organisation-wide infection control
  • 2.3 Provide coaching and support as required to ensure that individuals/teams are able to implement infection control practices
  • 2.4 Adopt work procedures to reflect appropriate infection control practice
  • 2.5 Deal with issues raised through consultation and ensure they are resolved promptly or referred to the appropriate personnel for resolution
  • 2.6 Implement workplace procedures for dealing with infection control risks and hazardous events as necessary
  • 2.7 Encourage employees to report infection risks and to improve infection control procedures
3. Monitor infection control performance and implement improvements in practices
  • 3.1 Promptly investigate infection control hazardous events to identify their cause in accordance with organisation policy and procedure
  • 3.2 Monitor work procedures to control infection risks to ensure compliance
  • 3.3 Regularly review and adjust work procedures to ensure improvements in infection control practice
  • 3.4 Provide feedback to team and individuals on compliance issues, changes in work procedures and infection control outcomes
  • 3.5 Ensure training in work procedures is provided as required to maintain infection control standards
  • 3.6 Identify any inadequacies in work procedures and infection control measures and ensure they are corrected or reported to designated personnel
  • 3.7 Accurately maintain records of infection control risks and incidents as required
  • 3.8 Use aggregate infection control information reports to identify hazards, to monitor and improve risk control methods and to indicate training needs
  • 3.9 Report and investigate potential breaches of infection control in line with organisation procedures
RANGE STATEMENT

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.


Infection control policies and procedures may relate to:
Cleaning procedures and schedules
Cleaning agents
Cleaning equipment
Handling, storage and disposal of all types of waste
Food handling and food safety
Hygiene procedures
Infection control risk management
Infection control incident and hazard reporting
Sterilising
Linen production and handling
Maintenance procedures
Storage requirements
Personal protective clothing
Work flows
Management of blood and body fluid spills
Single use of disposables
Aseptic techniques
Skin preparation procedures
Immunisation
Needle stick injuries
Personal contact with infectious clients
Standard and additional precautions
Confidentiality
Employee training
Contractors


Industry codes of practice may include:
Australian Standards (e.g. AS 2182, AS 4815, AS 4187)
National Health and Medical Research Council Guidelines for infection control
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing Infection control guidelines for the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases in the health care setting, 2004
State, territory and local government guidelines and standards
Manufacturer's recommendations and operating manuals


Identified hazards and the outcomes of infection risk assessments may relate to:
Sharps
Glass
Waste
Human waste and human tissues
Personal contact with infectious clients
Animals, insects and vermin
Stock, including food, which has passed "used-by" dates.
Incorrect concentration of disinfectants and chemicals
Cleaning procedures
Linen handling procedures
Work flows
Use of personal protective clothing
Food safety
Personal hygiene


Infection control monitoring procedures may include:
Observations
Interviews
Surveys and inspections
Quality assurance activities
Review of outcomes
Data analysis


Designated personnel may include:
Manager
Infection Control Coordinator
Quality Improvement Coordinator
Infection Control Committee
Occupational Health and Safety Committee


Aggregate infection control information may include:
Records of needle stick injuries
Records of occupational exposures to blood and body fluids/substances
Hospital-acquired infection rates
Australian council on healthcare standards clinical indicators
HACCP records
Hazard reports
EVIDENCE GUIDE

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions
Assessment must demonstrate ability to ensure compliance with the health care establishment's infection control policy as it relates to specific job roles
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C5062 HLTIN3A Implement and monitor infection control policy and procedures Unit of competency
C9315 HLTIN403B Implement and monitor infection control policy and procedures Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AVA29 HLTINF003 Implement and monitor infection prevention and control policies and procedures Unit of competency