Unit 4222-306 Promote and implement health and safety in health and social care (HSC 037)

Unit 4222-306 Promote and implement health and safety in health and social care (HSC 037)
Outcome 4: Be able to reduce the spread of infection:
1. Explain own role in supporting others to follow practices that reduce the spread of infection:

After child immunization, hand washing is the single most effective way of preventing the spread of infections, including diarrhea bugs, colds, the flu virus and so called 'superbugs' such as MRSA and Clostridium Difficile.
Hand washing is important, not only in the hospital environment but in everyday life. Children should be made aware of the importance and benefits of washing hands properly in order to ensure that it becomes a life-long habit. It is never too early to teach and encourage them to wash their hands properly.
Hand washing reduces the spread of infection, maintains hygiene and prevents contamination of food and surfaces. Effective hand washing is one of the cheapest, simplest and most effective ways of preventing the spread of infections.
Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water can help protect you, your family, children and others.

My own role involves supporting others in following practices that reduce spread of infection. This could include colleagues, new staff members and residents.
Following infection control procedures I will ensure my conducts show examples of the right procedures. This would include the wearing of gloves and aprons, washing hands and the disposal of bodily wastes appropriately. When using items like mop heads and mop buckets, that I adhere to the color codes to prevent infections. If I am being shadowed by new staff members then my actions should be that which follows the policies and procedures for health and safety regarding infection control.
When supporting residents, where appropriate to encourage the washing of hands before food preparations, after using the toilet and the wearing of the correct PPE.

2. Demonstrate the recommended method for hand washing:

Removing all dirt and contaminants from the skin is extremely important. Hands and other soiled parts of the body should be cleaned at least at the end of each work period, prior to breaks, or when visiting the toilet.
The correct method of cleaning is also important. Developing a good hand washing technique is imperative to ensure hands are thoroughly clean. Particular attention should be paid to the backs of the hands and fingertips as these are frequently missed. It is usual to wet hands before dispensing a dose of soap into a cupped hand, however for heavily soiled hands it is advisable to apply the appropriate specialist hand cleanser directly to the skin before wetting. In all cases, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended instructions.

1. Rub palm to palm

2. Rub palm over back of hand, fingers interlaced

3. Palm to palm, fingers interlaced

4. Fingers interlocked into palms

5. Rotational rubbing of thumb clasped into palm

6. Rotational rubbing of clasped fingers into palm
The skin should always be properly dried to avoid risk of chapping particularly during cold weather. Clean towels should be available at all times – dirty towels mean exposing the skin to more dirt and the risk of infection. Ideally, ‘single issue’ disposable towels should be used, as the use of ‘communal’ towels can lead to contamination.
3. Demonstrate ways to ensure that own health and hygiene do not pose a risk to an individual or to others at work:
This would include wearing of PPE, washing hands before and after performing personal care, using the toilet and food preparation. Remove jewelry before work activities, wearing of blue plaster to cover cuts, using tissues when coughing or sneezing and not working when I am ill or unwell.
The very nature of work in a care and support setting means that great care must be taken to control the spread of infection. I come into contact with a lot of people during my work day- an ideal opportunity for cross-infection. Working in the community makes cross-infection difficult to control.
However, in a residential or hospital setting, infection control is essential. There are various steps that I can take in terms of the way I carry out my work which can help to prevent the spread of infection.
Wear gloves:
Any occasion when I will have contact with body fluids, or when I have contact with anyone with a rash, pressure sore, wound, bleeding or any broken skin, standard precautions have to be taken. I must wear gloves when I clear up spills of blood or body fluids, or have to deal with soiled linen or dressings, BECAUSE gloves act as protective barrier against infection.
Wear protective clothing:
Always wear a gown or plastic apron for any procedures that involves bodily contact or is likely to deal with body waste or fluids, BECAUSE it will reduce the spread of infection.
Tie up hair:
Because infection can spread from one person to another on instruments, linen and equipment just as easily as it can on hands or hair.
Clean equipment:
Because it can then be processed correctly, and the risk to others working further along the line in the disposal process is reduced as far as possible.
Deal with waste:
Take special precautions.

Ionela Cristina Lehaci 07/09/2014