Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Infection Control

Module 1

Understanding the principles of effective decontamination, cleaning and waste management to reduce the risk of infection

Know why maintaining a clean environment is important

1. Explain why it is important to have a clean environment when working in a health care setting
2. Outline what is meant by a ‘workplace cleaning schedule’
3. Describe why colour coding cleaning equipment is necessary

Understand roles and responsibilities in relation to cleaning, decontamination and waste management

1. Describe the role and responsibilities of employers in relation to cleaning, decontamination and waste management
2. Describe the role and responsibilities of employees in relation to cleaning, decontamination and waste management
3. Describe the role and responsibilities that specialist personnel have in relation to cleaning, decontamination and waste management roles
4. Describe what action should be taken if an employee has concerns over standards of hygiene
5. Describe the importance of regular infection control training for health care staff

Know what decontamination is and why this is important in healthcare settings

1. Define the term ‘decontamination’
2. Describe the 3 stages of decontamination
3. Explain why decontamination is important
4. Describe the procedures to follow when using: a) cleaning agents b) disinfecting agents
5. Describe the safety procedures that should be followed when:
   • a) Cleaning
   • b) Disinfecting
   • c) Sterilising
   • d) Storing decontamination equipment
6. Explain why it is important that personal protective equipment is used during the decontamination process

Understand the sterilisation process

1. Describe what the term ‘sterilise’ means within a health care environment
2. Explain what methods can be used to sterilise equipment
3. Identify how sterilisation equipment should be cleaned and stored

Understand the safe handling of laundry

1. Explain the risks associated with handling dirty laundry
2. Outline what steps can be taken to minimise the risks of spreading infection when handling laundry
3. Describe the process that should be followed with contaminated laundry in relation to the:
   • a) storage
   • b) collection
   • c) cleaning
   • d) returning clean laundry to individuals

Understand effective waste management in healthcare settings

1. Identify legislation that relates to waste management
2. Identify the different categories of waste in healthcare environments
3. Describe how each category of waste should be disposed of safely
4. Define what the term ‘biological spillage’ means
5. Describe the procedure that should be followed when a biological spillage has occurred

Know how sharps should be handled and disposed of safely

1. Explain what is meant by the term ‘sharps’
2. Describe the procedures to be followed when: a) using sharps b) disposing of sharps c) dealing with a sharp’s incident/accident
3. Explain how the risk from a sharp’s injury can be reduced

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Module 2

Understanding the principles of infection control

Know what infection control is and the purpose it serves

1. Define: a) infection prevention b) infection control
2. Explain why infection control is important within a health care setting
3. Explain the impact of an outbreak of infection on:
   • a) service users
   • b) employees
   • c) the health care setting

Understand the current regulations in relation to infection control

1. Describe the relevant guidance that supports infection control practices including:
   • a) Legislation
   • b) Codes of practice
   • c) Standards
   • d) Guidelines
2. Describe the policies in your workplace that relate to infection control
3. Outline the procedures in your workplace that are followed to promote the control of infection

Know the roles and responsibilities in relation to infection control

1. Describe the roles and responsibilities of the following individuals in relation to infection control and prevention:
   • a) employees
   • b) employers
   • c) specialist personnel
2. Explain the boundaries of the health and social care workers role and responsibilities in relation to infection control
3. State what records must be maintained in relation to infection control

Understand the role of risk assessments in relation to infection control

1. Define the term risk assessment
2. Explain why risk assessments are important in relation to infection control
3. Identify the stages to follow when carrying out a risk assessment.
4. Identify potential risks in a health care setting in relation to infection control
5. Explain how infection control risks can be minimised in a workplace setting
6. Outline what circumstances are classified as ‘high risk’ in infection control
7. Explain how the outcomes of risk assessments are communicated to relevant people in the organisation

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Module 3

Understanding the causes and spread of infection

Know how infection is caused

1. Define the following terms:
   • a) infection
   • b) colonisation
2. Explain the terms:
   • a) pathogenic
   • b) non-pathogenic
3. Describe what the difference is between systemic and local infection
4. Identify the infections that are classified under:
   • a) Systemic
   • b) localised

Understand the different types of infectious agents and what common illnesses they cause

1. Describe the characteristics of:
   • a) Bacteria
   • b) Virus
   • c) Fungi
   • d) Parasites
2. Explain common illnesses that can be caused by:
   • a) Bacteria
   • b) Viruses
   • c) Fungi
   • d) Parasites

Understand how infections are spread, grow and transfer

1. Explain the conditions required for the growth of:
   • a) Bacteria
   • b) Viruses
   • c) Fungi
   • d) Parasites
2. 2 Explain how microorganisms can:
   • a) enter the body
   • b) exit the body

Know common sources of infection

1. Outline the common causes of infection
2. Describe what is meant by:
   • a) indirect contact
   • b) direct contact
3. Explain what is meant by the term ‘cross infection’

Understand the ‘chain of infection’

1. Describe the six links of the ‘chain of infection’
2. Explain the steps that can be taken to break each link in the chain of infection
3. Explain why measures are taken to break the links in the chain of infection

Understand the need to recognise Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI)

1. Describe what is meant by the term Healthcare Associated Infection
2. Identify common types of Healthcare Associated Infection
3. Describe the groups of individuals who are at an increased risk from Healthcare Associated Infection
4. Explain how Healthcare Associated Infections are likely to spread in a healthcare environment
5. Describe the procedures that should be followed to minimise the risk of Healthcare Associated Infection within a healthcare environment
6. Identify current sources of information and advice on current Healthcare Associated Infections

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Module 4

Principles of good practice in the prevention of infection

Know the principles of infection control procedures

1. Outline standard infection control procedures
2. Identify the different types of equipment used to carry out standard precautions
3. Describe the correct techniques for:
   • a) hand washing
   • b) handling sharps
   • c) using personal protective equipment
4. Explain the procedures that should be followed when:
   • a) using colour-coded equipment
   • b) carrying out cleaning duties
   • c) storing and disposing of waste d) managing spillages

Know the importance of personal hygiene in the prevention and control of infection in a workplace setting

1. Explain what the term personal hygiene means
2. Describe why it is important to maintain high standards of personal hygiene
3. Outline the workplace procedures in your setting in relation to personal appearance and hygiene
4. Explain what the risks maybe as a result of poor personal hygiene
5. Describe what circumstances may cause an employee to be advised to stay away from the workplace
6. State why it is important for an employee to stay away from the workplace when unwell

Understand the importance of effective hand washing

1. Outline the risks that may be present as a result of poor hand washing techniques
2. Explain why hand washing is an important part of the care workers role
3. Outline when and why hand washing should be carried out
4. Describe the correct sequence for hand washing and drying
5. Identify what areas of the hands are most likely to be missed during hand washing
6. Explain what risks many be present in relation to wearing false nails, nail varnish and jewellery
7. Identify the types of cleansers that should be used for different: a) levels of risk b) tasks

Understand the principles of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1. Outline current legislation and regulations relating to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
2. Describe different types and uses of Personal protective equipment including:
   • a) What different types there are
   • b) When they should be worn
   • c) How they are applied
   • d) How they are removed
   • e) How they are disposed of
   • f) When they should be replaced
3. Explain the responsibilities of each party in relation to PPE including:
   • a) Employees
   • b) Employers
   • c) Specialised personnel
4. Outline how the level of risk will determine the selection of the PPE used for a task

Please use our enquiry form or contact us by telephone if you have any queries about this qualification or would like to express an interest to enrol onto this course. A member of our team will be happy to answer any questions, help to make sure this course is right for you and/or your staff team, and talk you through what is involved in enrolment and course completion.

Upon enrolment, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will assist you through achieving successful and meaningful completion of your award. All of the electronic resources, workbooks and assignments required for you to complete the course will be emailed to you for you to commence working with at a time of your convenience. Your tutor will work with you to set targets and milestones that are achievable for you and will check in with you regularly, providing assistance whenever necessary.

On successful completion of your award, your assessor will coordinate with the awarding body for the issuance of your certificates, which will be promptly delivered to you.

Including Assignment, Workbook and Resources:

The full cost of this qualification is £150 per person which is duly invoiced at the point of enrolment.