The Principles of Infection Prevention and Control

‘The Principles of Infection Prevention and Control’ unit is an optional unit for both the Level 2 Diploma in Care and the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care.

It explores the roles, responsibilities, legislation, policies and procedures that relate to infection prevention and control as well as the importance of risk assessment, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and good personal hygiene.

It is split into 6 learning outcomes, each consisting of 2-8 assessment criteria.

1. Understand own and others roles and responsibilities in the prevention and control of infections
   • 1.1 Explain employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection
   • 1.2 Explain employers’ responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control infection
2. Understand legislation and policies relating to prevention and control of infections
   • 2.1 Outline current legislation and regulatory body standards which are relevant to the prevention and control of infection
   • 2.2 Identify local and organisational policies relevant to the prevention and control of infection
3. Understand systems and procedures relating to the prevention and control of infections
   • 3.1 Describe procedures and systems relevant to the prevention and control of infection
   • 3.2 Explain the potential impact of an outbreak of infection on the individual and the organisation
4. Understand the importance of risk assessment in relation to the prevention and control of infections
   • 4.1 Define the term risk
   • 4.2 Outline potential risks of infection within the workplace
   • 4.3 Describe the process of carrying out a risk assessment
   • 4.4 Explain the importance of carrying out a risk assessment
5. Understand the importance of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the prevention and control of infections
   • 5.1 Demonstrate correct use of PPE
   • 5.2 Identify different types of PPE
   • 5.3 Explain the reasons for use of PPE
   • 5.4 State current relevant regulations and legislation relating to PPE
   • 5.5 Describe employees’ responsibilities regarding the use of PPE
   • 5.6 Describe employers’ responsibilities regarding the use of PPE
   • 5.7 Describe the correct practice in the application and removal of PPE
   • 5.8 Describe the correct procedure for disposal of used PPE
6. Understand the importance of good personal hygiene in the prevention and control of infections
   • 6.1 Describe the key principles of good personal hygiene
   • 6.2 Demonstrate good hand washing technique
   • 6.3 Identify the correct sequence for hand washing
   • 6.4 Explain when and why hand washing should be carried out
   • 6.5 Describe the types of products that should be used for hand washing
   • 6.6 Describe correct procedures that relate to skincare

NOTE: Some of these criteria are identical to criteria for the Care Certificate. Where this happens, the links will go to the Care Certificate section to avoid duplication.