Apply Basic Principles and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control (HLTINF006)

Course Description:

This course provides students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to prevent and control the spread of infection in workplace settings, particularly in health, aged care, and community environments.

Students will learn how to implement standard precautions and respond effectively to infection risks, ensuring the safety of clients, themselves, and others.

Practical Skills You Will Develop:

As part of your assessment, you will demonstrate your ability to:

• Apply infection prevention and control procedures on three separate occasions, each involving a different infection risk

• Use appropriate hand hygiene techniques based on the situation

• Select and correctly use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection

• Follow correct cleaning and waste disposal procedures

• Respond to three exposure incidents, including:

  • At least one involving blood or body fluids

  • Accurately document and report the incident

  • Identify and manage clean vs. contaminated zones

What You Will Learn:

This course will give you essential knowledge in the following areas:

• National infection prevention and control standards and guidelines

• Types of infectious risks commonly found in the workplace and how to manage them

• Causes of infection, including microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites

• The chain of infection, including:

  • Infectious agents and how they spread

  • Transmission methods (direct, indirect, airborne, etc.)

  • Susceptible hosts and risk factors

• Personal hygiene practices, such as:

  • Safe respiratory and cough etiquette

  • Clean clothing and uniform practices

  • Not attending work when unwell

• Hand hygiene principles and techniques, including:

  • When and how to wash hands or use alcohol-based rubs

  • The 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene

  • Skin care and precautions for breaks in the skin

• PPE usage, including:

  • Types of PPE (gloves, masks, gowns, etc.)

  • How to apply and remove PPE correctly

  • Preventing contamination during use

  • Safe disposal of PPE

• Cleaning and waste management, including:

  • Routine and enhanced cleaning

  • Handling blood or body fluid spills

  • Reprocessing of reusable equipment

  • Safe disposal of general, contaminated, and sharp waste

• Organisational protocols, including:

  • How and when to report exposure incidents

  • Documentation requirements

  • Who to notify (e.g., supervisor, GP, health professional, responsible authority)