Purpose and Objective
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines on infection control and to ensure that work is conducted safely and without risk to the company personnel.
Scope/Coverage
This procedure applies to all workers of our company and visitors including contractors, volunteers, work experience students, trainees, apprentices and clients.
Infection Control Risk Assessment
Where there is a risk of exposure to biological (animal or human) contaminants a risk assessment must be completed using Infection Control Risk Assessment.
How Diseases are Transmitted
For the transmission of infection to occur, there needs to be an identified source of infection and a defined route of entry into the body. Most infectious diseases enter the body by a single route, which can differ depending on the characteristics of the pathogen involved. By applying simple safe handling procedures, the risk of exposure to pathogens in the workplace can be minimised.
Below are some routes of entry:
- Respiratory (airborne – droplet spread) – The most common route of entry of airborne or droplet spread is through inhalation into the lungs. Common colds, flu, and measles can be transmitted through inhalation of air particles containing the infected droplets. This can occur when an infected person cough, sneeze or talk in the vicinity of others (uninfected persons).
- Gastrointestinal (oral faecal route) – The spread of infection occurs when infectious particles are shed from the gut of an infected person through the faeces. These particles are then transmitted to an uninfected person through direct hand to mouth transmission, or through contaminated water or food. Hepatitis A and Dysentery are diseases that may be transmitted in this fashion. Good personal hygiene reduces the risk of acquiring diseases that are transmitted this way.
- Direct Spread – Direct spread generally occurs when micro-organisms of infected tissue or tissue fluid from one person are passed directly into the body of another person through small breaks in the skin surfaces, lining membranes of the body cavities or orifices. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes simplex and HIV are examples of diseases that can be transmitted in this way.
Infection Control Methods
Personal Hygiene
- Hand washing and hand care
- Hand washing is generally considered to be the most important measure in preventing the spread of infection.
Activities that can cause contamination include handling materials soiled with blood or other body substances, direct contact with body secretions or excretions, or going to the toilet.
- For routine hand washing, wet hands thoroughly and lather with neutral pH soap, vigorously rubbing hands together under warm running water for at least 10-15 seconds. Dry hands with a disposable paper towel. Use alcohol wipes for field situations where hand washing facilities are not readily available.
- If wearing gloves whilst undertaking work, remove gloves and wash hands prior to eating, drinking or smoking to prevent possible infection transmission. If using disposable gloves, replace gloves with a new pair. Wash hands after removing gloves.
Care of wounds, cuts and abrasions
Skin that is intact (no cuts or abrasions) is a natural defence against infection. Cuts and abrasions should be covered by water-resistant dressings which should be changed as necessary or when the dressing becomes soiled. Dermatitis as a result of repeated hand washing and wearing of gloves can be minimised by the use of suitable hand creams and drying hands after washing. Consideration should be made when selecting gloves, e.g. powder-free latex gloves with reduced protein content.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Protective clothing and equipment should be readily available and accessible to use in each workplace or worksite. Examples of the types of clothing and equipment that may be available include:
Gloves
Various types of gloves are available depending on the type of work being undertaken. Gloves should be worn wherever there is a risk of exposure to blood or body substances. Disposable/single-use gloves should be changed and discarded:
- As soon as they are damaged;
- Before stopping for a break to eat, drink or smoke after having contacts with soiled materials;
- Before answering telephones.
- Eye and/or facial protection (glasses, goggles or face shields)
- Protective eyewear or face shields should be worn during procedures where splashing, splattering or spraying of blood or other body substances may occur. Protective eyewear should comply with AS/NZS 1337:1992 Eye protectors for industrial applications and should be optically clear, anti-fog, distortion-free, close fitting and shielded at the side. Eyewear should be either reusable after cleaning and disinfection or single use.
Respirators
- To prevent the inhalation of micro-organisms and dust.
- A P2 respirator should be worn where workers are exposed to bio-aerosols.
Overalls
- Disposable overalls can be used.
Safety footwear (boots, waders)
- Footwear should be enclosed and capable of protecting employees from injury or contact with sharp objects. To determine the type of footwear that should be worn in an area, the risks associated with the work environment should be assessed.
Immunisation
Where there is an identified risk of infection for a particular disease, an immunisation program is to be made available. However, immunisation is not the only control method available for transmission of infectious diseases and that there are several infectious diseases for which an immunisation program is not available. Employees exposed to potential risks of infection should, therefore, ensure that they maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and use appropriate PPE and safe handling procedures where possible. Workers requiring immunisation should complete Application for Immunisation. All immunisations need to be recorded on Register of Immunisations.
Conditions
Supervisors and the SA will assess the risk using Infection Control Risk Assessment.
- Manager to authorise immunisation for perceived risk areas.
- Immunisation is on a voluntary basis only.
Available vaccinations
- Q Fever
- Tetanus (a booster may be required at age 50)
- Hepatitis A (2 dose course)
- Hepatitis B (3 dose course)
- Twinrix A & B (3 dose course)
NOTE: All vaccinations depend on an individual’s medical history and activities such as international travel and injuries, which may alter the recommended requirements for vaccinations. Individuals should check with their doctor.
Suggested Cleaning Equipment Kits
Cleaning equipment kits for the management of large spills should include a mop and bucket plus cleaning agents. In areas where cleaning materials may not be readily available, a disposable ‘spills kit’ should be assembled as follows:
- 1 large (10L) plastic container or bucket fitted with a lid containing:
- 1.5L impervious container (treated cardboard or plastic) with a fitted lid for waste material;
- 2 large (10L) zip-seal plastic bags for waste material;
- A disposable, sturdy cardboard scraper and pan;
- 5 granular disinfectant sachets containing 1:10 dilution available chlorine or equivalent (each sachet should contain sufficient granules to cover a 10cm diameter spill);
- Disposable latex or vinyl gloves suitable for cleaning;
- Eye protection;
- A plastic apron;
- A respirator (for protection against inhalation of powder from the disinfectant granules, or aerosols from high-risk spills which may be generated during the cleaning process);
- Infectious waste bag bearing the international black biohazard symbol
Training
Infection Control training should be provided to all employees as identified.
Communicate Infection Control to all staff through toolbox or team meetings using the Take 5 Paper, Immunisation Process, Sharps Disposal, Skin Penetrating Injuries and Personal Hygiene.