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

All About Unit 15: The Principles of Infection Prevention and Control Assignment

Unit 15: The Principles of Infection Prevention and Control teaches you how infections start, spread and can be stopped in health and social care settings. You learn about hand hygiene, PPE, safe waste disposal, cleaning routines and your legal responsibilities, so you can keep service users, colleagues and yourself safe.

What is Unit 15 about?

Unit 15: The Principles of Infection Prevention and Control is usually part of a health and social care or adult care qualification at Level 2 or Level 3. It focuses on the basic rules that keep infections from spreading in places like care homes, hospitals, clinics and community services.

The aim of the unit is to help you:

• understand how infections spread

• know your role and responsibilities in preventing infection

• work safely by following policies, procedures, risk assessments and good personal hygiene

Most colleges and training providers assess this unit through a written assignment, workbook questions or a mix of written and practical evidence.

What the assignment usually expects

While every centre writes its own brief, most Unit 15 assignments ask you to show that you understand:

1. Roles and responsibilities
   You are expected to explain what you, your employer and other team members must do to prevent infection. This includes following workplace policies, reporting hazards and using equipment safely.

2. Legislation and policies
   You normally need to mention that infection prevention and control is not just “good practice” but a legal and professional requirement. You may be asked to refer to national guidance and your organisation’s local policies.

3. Systems and procedures
   Assignments often ask you to describe the procedures used in your setting, for example hand hygiene routines, cleaning schedules, safe waste disposal, and dealing with spillages or sharps. skillsforhealth.learnspace.org+1

4. Risk assessment
   You may need to explain what a risk assessment is, why it matters for infection, and how it helps to reduce outbreaks and keep people safe. lhch.nhs.uk+1

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   Many tasks focus on PPE – what it is, when to use it, how to put it on and remove it safely, and why it must be used correctly to break the chain of infection.

6. Personal hygiene
   You are usually asked to show you understand why good personal hygiene (handwashing, clean uniform, covering cuts, not working when unwell) is vital in stopping the spread of infection

Sample Answer

1.1 Employees` Roles and Responsibilities in Relation to the Prevention and Control of Infection

Employees play a crucial role in preventing and controlling the spread of infections within the workplace. They are responsible for following the infection prevention protocols outlined by their employer, which may include adhering to hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly, and maintaining a clean work environment. Employees should also be vigilant in reporting any symptoms of infection, such as flu-like symptoms, to prevent potential outbreaks. It is essential for employees to participate in infection control training and stay updated on company policies related to infection control. Additionally, employees must comply with guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting shared spaces, ensuring that surfaces and equipment are sanitized regularly to reduce the spread of infectious agents. Their adherence to these protocols directly influences the health and safety of themselves, their colleagues, and visitors to the workplace.

1.2 Employers` Responsibilities in Relation to the Prevention and Control of Infection

Employers have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy working environment, including the prevention and control of infection. This includes providing the necessary resources for infection control, such as PPE, hand hygiene facilities, and appropriate cleaning equipment. Employers must establish clear infection control policies and procedures, ensure employees are trained in these procedures, and regularly review and update them as necessary. They are also responsible for conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential infection hazards in the workplace and implementing strategies to minimize those risks. Employers must ensure that employees with symptoms of infection are supported, and where necessary, encourage employees to stay home to prevent the spread of illness. They must also enforce the proper use of PPE and ensure that personal hygiene practices are followed. Furthermore, employers are required to comply with relevant infection control legislation, ensuring the workplace is compliant with national standards and regulations.

2.1 Current Legislation and Regulatory Body Standards Relevant to the Prevention and Control of Infection

Key legislation includes the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which mandates employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 also apply, as they require employers to control exposure to hazardous substances, including infectious agents. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) sets regulatory standards for infection control in health and social care environments.