Elements and Performance Criteria

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 patients
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
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 patients
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
Hospital-acquired infection rates
Australian council on healthcare standards clinical indicators
HACCP records
Hazard reports

Critical aspects of assessment must include:
Accurate communication with team and individuals on organisational policy and procedures for infection control
Knowledge of infection control policies and procedures which impact on work processes of the specific work unit
Apply procedures for adopting appropriate infection practices within work unit
Provide appropriate supervision of work group

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other appropriate units of competency is encouraged.

Essential knowledge required includes:
Working knowledge, consistent with the elements of competence, of the organisation's applicable infection control policy and procedures and relevant industry codes of practice
The hierarchy risk control measures from most to least preferred, that is, elimination, engineering controls, administrative control, and lastly, personal protective equipment
Knowledge of infection risks and control measures in specific work unit and related work processes
The significance of patient confidentiality in relation to infection control
The significance of other management systems and procedures for infection control
Literacy levels and communication skills of work group members and consequent suitable communication techniques
Organisational procedures for monitoring, training
Basic understanding of communicable disease transmission

Essential skills must include:
Effective communication and interpersonal skills including:
language competence
literacy and reading competence
Negotiation
Work planning and management
Management of change of work processes
Monitoring compliance with policy and procedures
Maintain and interpret infection control records

Resource implications:
Resource requirements include access to:
Workplace infection control and health and safety policies and procedures
Waste management procedures
Food safety procedures
Other organisational policies and procedures
Duties statements and/or job descriptions

Method of assessment:
Assessment may include:
Observation of performance
Written tasks
Interviewing and questioning
Formal appraisal systems
Staff/client feedback
Portfolio/CV
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
Case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice in the work environment

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions. Assessment may be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of situations.

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.