HLTINF001 – Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures; 

(from Nationally Accredited Training)

T De Maria   14/9/22

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

Standard Precautions are the primary strategy for successful control of infection when dealing with situations in any community setting no matter what your role is in a situation of imminent infection outbreak. Standard Precautions are recommended for the treatment and care of all clients, regardless of their perceived infectious status, and in the handling of:

• blood
• all other body fluids, secretions and excretions (excluding sweat), regardless of whether they contain visible blood
• non intact skin
• mucous membranes
• dried blood
• saliva.

Any exposure should be treated according to the organisation’s policies and procedures.

Prior to possible contact with blood and body fluids, always wear protective clothing and equipment. Protective clothing and equipment may include:

• gowns and waterproof aprons that comply with Australian/New Zealand and other International Standards
• examination gloves and surgical gloves that comply with current Australian/New Zealand standards Zealand and other International Standards
• glasses, goggles or face-shields
• surgical face masks that comply with current Australian/New Zealand and other International Standards
• footwear to protect from dropped sharps and other contaminated items
• guidelines for latex allergic clients and staff.

Masks and protective eyewear

• Wear a mask and eye protection or a face shield to protect mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth:
• during procedures and client-care activities that are likely to generate splashes or sprays; of blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions
• during cleaning activities.

Masks and protective eyewear protect the worker, the client, or both from transmission of pathogens. For example, masks are recommended to prevent the exposure of mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes, during procedures that are likely to cause splashes of body substances. Different types of respiratory protection are available for different tasks and purposes, including:

• single-use disposable masks are used for Droplet Precautions. They are also used on clients with respiratory symptoms as part of respiratory hygiene or on clients known or suspected to have TB or other current infections of concern. Simple masks contain the droplets coming out of the person wearing the mask (covering their portal of exit).
• single-use disposable mask with eye shield should be used when splash splatter is anticipated. These must be changed if wet or soiled. These protect the client and sterile field from the exhaled droplets of the healthcare worker as well as protecting their eyes.
• N-95 respirators are required for staff sharing air space with the client known or suspected to have tuberculosis or other dangerous viruses/bacteria. They must make a tight seal against the face, and must be fit tested. This type of respirator protects the person wearing it from possible pathogens in the air of the room, protecting their portal of entry. All types of respiratory protection should cover both the mouth and the nose.

We need to be committed to the prevention of cross infection through standard or special precautions, education, training, immunization, and information dissemination.

Given the contemporary nature of global infection spread it is important we all take note on a personal and professional level. All of us need to keep healthy and avoid contributing to an epidemic. Infections of a large scale are defined as epidemics or pandemics.

An epidemic is the rapid spread of infectious disease to a large number of people in a given population within a short period of time, usually two weeks or less.   

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. COVID-19, HIV/AIDS is an example of one of the most destructive global pandemics in history.

Recognized precautions

We must comply with the 2 types of recognized precautions to take when in contact (or are likely to come into contact) with Microorganisms capable of causing disease. In the light of recent epidemics 

At Blu Sky Care our policy and procedures set out how Organisations and Individuals will meet the clinically recognized requirements of practice and any underpinning information or legislation.