Unit 61: The Principles of Infection Prevention and Control

1.1 Explain employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection.

When infection is not properly controlled, it can spread quickly and this can cause ailments which may lead to illness and death in some cases. Controlling infection entails proactiveness and taking preventive measures; everyone has roles to play in stopping the spread of diseases. Every worker has a part to play in keeping the workplace free of infections and stopping them from spreading. As an employee, you will be given a number of tasks that has to do with controlling and preventing infections. Some instances of these are given below:

• Each worker is responsible for following the employer’s established procedures for infection control. For example, each employee must comprehend and follow the standard operating procedure in connection to infection, study to understand corporate rules on infection and ask questions when necessary
• Employees are expected to work collaboratively with the employer in preventing and controlling infections, such as by reviewing company-provided materials and participating in infection prevention and control education
• Every employee must protect themselves, their colleagues and every other individual from the infections
• Employees should report and record every unsafe practise concerning prevention and control of infection.
• As an employee, your job is to stay current in your field by reading company-provided updated information, attending trainings, and consulting more seasoned colleagues for advice on how to best prevent and control infections

Other answers in the full document:

• 1.2 Explain employers’ responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection.
• 2.1 Outline current legislation and regulatory body standards which are relevant to the prevention and control of infection.
• 2.2 Identify local and organisational policies relevant to the prevention and control of infection.
• 3.1 Describe procedures and systems relevant to the prevention and control of infection.
• 3.2 Explain the potential impact of an outbreak of infection on the individual and the organisation.
• 4.1 Define the term ‘risk’.
• 4.2 Outline potential risks of infection within the workplace.
• 4.3 Describe the process of carrying out a risk assessment.
• 4.4 Explain the importance of carrying out a risk assessment.
• 5.3 Explain the reasons for use of PPE.
• 5.4 State current relevant regulations and legislation relating to PPE.
• 5.5 Describe employees’ responsibilities regarding the use of PPE.
• 5.7 Describe the correct practice in the application and removal of PPE.
• 6.1 Describe the key principles of good personal hygiene
• 6.3 Identify the correct sequence for hand washing
• 6.4 Explain when and why hand washing should be carried out
• 6.5 Describe the types of products that should be used for hand washing.
• 6.6 Describe correct procedures that relate to skincare