Health & Safety > Infection Control Procedure
Authorised by Chief Executive Officer
Revised Date: 22 February 2022
Procedure
Kyeema Support Services is committed to providing a safe workplace for all people who visit Kyeema worksites and facilities. Kyeema encourages all staff and participants to manage their own infection control through the provision of education and training and the adoption of standard precautions.
Objective
To ensure that Kyeema environments remain safe through the promotion of safe practices and hazard identification that prevent the transmission of infection.
Scope
This procedure extends across all Kyeema sites and workplaces.
Other Information:
Spread of infection requires a source of infecting micro-organisms, a susceptible host and a means of transmission. Disease can be transmitted by air borne vector (breathing), contact and alimentary routes. The same organism can be transmitted by more than one route.
The air borne dissemination may occur via air borne droplets (sneezing, coughing and talking) or dust particles. Transmission of infection may also occur via a common vehicle i.e. contaminated equipment.
Standard precautions (formerly Universal Precautions) are work practices required for the basic level of infection control and are recommended for the treatment and care of all patients/care recipients. Standard Precautions are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of micro-organisms from both recognised and unrecognised sources of infection to a susceptible host. Standard Precautions include:
•Hand washing as a preventative action
•PPE
•Care of skin/protection of damaged skin
•Proper handling & disposal of waste including sharps, disposable equipment and incontinence aids
•Hygiene procedures including the use of gloves as well as the responsible use of sick leave
•Correct handling of blood/body fluids/chemical spills
•Laundry & cleaning practices and maintenance
•Protective Clothing
•Linen services
•General cleaning practices
Staff need to make a collective commitment to ensure infections are controlled and high levels of hygiene are maintained. In addition to protecting themselves, staff also have a duty of care to protect the health and well-being of the people they work with. They also have a duty of care to encourage other staff to protect.
Pandemic
During a pandemic, health authorities may advise more stringent approaches to the prevention of infection. These may include upgraded PPE such as masks, visors, gowns or increased surface cleaning.
It is the responsibility of Kyeema and all staff to be aware of the guidelines that apply at any given time and to comply with these.
Links:
Pandemic & Epidemic Contingency Procedure
Management of Waste Policy & Procedure