Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance Criteria

1

Follow infection control guidelines

1.1

Demonstrate the application of standard precautions to prevent the spread of infection in accordance with organisation requirements

1.2

Demonstrate the application of additional precautions when standard precautions alone may not be sufficient to prevent transmission of infection

1.3

Minimise contamination of materials, equipment and instruments by aerosols and splatter

2

Identify and respond to infection risks

2.1

Identify infection risks and implement an appropriate response within own role and responsibility

2.2

Document and report activities and tasks that put clients and/or other workers at risk

2.3

Respond appropriately to situations that pose an infection risk in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation

2.4

Follow procedures for risk control and risk containment for specific risks

2.5

Follow protocols for care following exposure to blood or other body fluids as required

2.6

Place appropriate signs when and where appropriate

2.7

Remove spills in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation

3

Maintain personal hygiene

3.1

Maintain hand hygiene by washing hands before and after client contact and/or after any activity likely to cause contamination

3.2

Follow handwashing procedures

3.3

Implement hand care procedures

3.4

Cover cuts and abrasions with water-proof dressings and change as necessary

4

Use personal protective equipment

4.1

Wear personal protective clothing and equipment that complies with Australian/New Zealand Standards, and is appropriate for the intended use

4.2

Change protective clothing and gowns/aprons daily, more frequently if soiled and where appropriate, after each client contact

5

Limit contamination

5.1

Demarcate and maintain clean and contaminated zones in all aspects of health care work

5.2

Confine records, materials and medicaments to a well-designated clean zone

5.3

Confine contaminated instruments and equipment to a well-designated contaminated zone

6

Handle, package, label, store, transport and dispose of clinical and other waste

6.1

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures when handling waste

6.2

Separate waste at the point where it has been generated and dispose of into waste containers that are colour coded and identified

6.3

Store clinical or related waste in an area that is accessible only to authorised persons

6.4

Handle, package, label, store, transport and dispose of waste appropriately to minimize potential for contact with the waste and to reduce the risk to the environment from accidental release

6.5

Dispose of waste safely in accordance with policies and procedures of the organisation and legislative requirements

7

Clean environmental surfaces

7.1

Wear personal protective clothing and equipment during cleaning procedures

7.2

Remove all dust, dirt and physical debris from work surfaces

7.3

Clean all work surfaces with a neutral detergent and warm water solution before and after each session or when visible soiled

7.4

Decontaminate equipment requiring special processing in accordance with quality management systems to ensure full compliance with cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation protocols

7.5

Dry all work surfaces before and after use

7.6

Replace surface covers where applicable

7.7

Maintain and store cleaning equipment