Chcwhs312a v2 Follow Safety Procedures For Direct Care Work

Training Division
CHC30212 Certificate III in Aged Care
CHCWHS312B
FOLLOW SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR DIRECT CARE WORK
Learning Materials
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Competency ................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Assessment .................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Essential knowledge: ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 Essential skills: ............................................................................................................................................................... 6 RANGE STATEMENT ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 EVIDENCE GUIDE .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
GLOSSARY OF TERMS.......................................................................................... 12 IDENTIFY SOURCES OF RISK TO PERSONAL SAFETY ..................................... 14

Identify environments, situations and client-related risk factors ................................................................................ 14 Apply strategies and organisation procedures to minimise risk .................................................................................. 16 Identify behaviours of concern in the work context .................................................................................................... 18 Risk management approach ........................................................................................................................................ 19 Intervention strategies ................................................................................................................................................ 19 Identify risks associated with driving and travelling with and without clients ............................................................ 21 Working in a new or unstable environment ................................................................................................................ 23 WHS policy and procedures ......................................................................................................................................... 24 What information is on the MSDS? ............................................................................................................................. 25 Standard precaution procedures ................................................................................................................................. 25 Personal protective equipment (ppe) .......................................................................................................................... 26
IDENTIFY MANUAL HANDLING HAZARDS .......................................................... 27

Identify manual handling hazards ................................................................................................................................ 27 Common manual-handling hazards ............................................................................................................................. 28 Assess the risk using the tools described in the Manual Handling Code of practice (or equivalent) for your State/territory .............................................................................................................................................................. 29 Apply recognised control measures for manual handling risk, including eliminating manual handling wherever possible ........................................................................................................................................................ 36 Follow manual handling procedures and work instructions ........................................................................................ 42
IDENTIFY SOURCES OF INFECTION .................................................................... 44

Identify risks of infection ............................................................................................................................................. 44 Apply standard precautions to prevent the spread of infection as part of own work routine .................................... 49 Hand washing............................................................................................................................................................... 49 Personal protective equipment ................................................................................................................................... 52 Recognise situations when additional infection control procedures are required ..................................................... 55 Apply additional precautions when standard precautions alone may not be sufficient to prevent transmission of infection ............................................................................................................................................. 56 Identify other sources of infection for workers ........................................................................................................... 57
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 2 of 81
CHCWHS312A Version 2 (August 2012)
IDENTIFY OTHER HAZARDS AND ASSESS RISK ............................................... 57

Identify other hazards in the work area ...................................................................................................................... 57 Assess level of risk........................................................................................................................................................ 61 Conduct environmental assessment ............................................................................................................................ 62
FOLLOW PROCEDURES AND STRATEGIES FOR RISK CONTROL .................. 64

Report hazards in the work area to designated personnel.......................................................................................... 64 Follow workplace procedures and instructions for controlling risks ........................................................................... 65 Follow workplace procedures for dealing with incidents, fire and/or hazardous events ........................................... 67
CONTRIBUTE TO WHS IN THE WORKPLACE ..................................................... 71

Employee rights and employer obligations regarding consultation on WHS matters ................................................. 71 Raise task and/or job specific WHS issues with appropriate people ........................................................................... 73 Contribute to participative arrangements for WHS management .............................................................................. 74 Provide feedback to supervisor on hazards in work area ............................................................................................ 74 Provide support in implementing procedures to control risks .................................................................................... 75
SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES .............................................................................. 76

Definition ..................................................................................................................................................................... 76 Economic...................................................................................................................................................................... 76 environmental ............................................................................................................................................................. 77
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 3 of 81
WELCOME
Welcome to this unit of study. As you work through the learning guide and assessment, you will be developing knowledge about this unit of study. If you do not understand an activity, ask questions and discuss any queries with your trainer, mentor or supervisor. It is important that you develop skills in a work situation, or, in a simulated situation which approximates the workplace as closely as possible. We encourage you to contact us for assistance at any time. Simply call or email and CHARLTON BROWN will be able to assist you.
COMPETENCY
In order to be assessed as competent (C), you will need to provide evidence which demonstrates that you have the essential knowledge and skills to successfully complete the unit to the required standard. Competency is simply being able to demonstrate that you can do the task, not just once, but with confidence, repeatedly. Please read the beginning of this unit, it will tell you about the elements and the performance criteria you will be assessed against. It will also inform you of the knowledge and skills you require to successfully complete the unit. If you can already demonstrate such knowledge and skills you can undertake these skills you should talk to your trainer. Marking guide at the end of each unit you will find a marking guide. This is designed to assist you
ASSESSMENT
1.
2.
3.
Complete all the assessment tasks in the unit. You will find these at the end of the unit. Have your supervisor sign the statement of validation that you can undertake these skills in the workplace. Complete the Assessment Cover Sheet and sign all sections. Check the marking guide to ensure you have covered all elements of the assessment. The marking guide is used by the assessor to mark off your competency
The evidence you need to provide for an assessment of competence in this unit will be based on, but not limited to: Successful completion of assessment Verbal discussion and questioning by assessor Mentor / supervisor / workplace coach verification of skills Any other evidence you or your assessor have gathered Any other activities your assessor considers necessary You are required to submit your work in a neat, orderly, detailed and organized manner. Use source references in all your work.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 4 of 81
CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)
This unit is specifically designed to cater for safety aspects of work involving delivery of services in aged care, home and community care and disability services The unit focuses on maintaining safety of the worker, the people being supported and other community members Element Performance Criteria Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. 1. Identify sources of risk to personal safety, assess the level of risk and follow risk minimisation procedures The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement. 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Identify environments, situations and client-related risk factors Apply practical strategies and organisation procedures to minimise risk Identify any behaviours of concern in the work context and follow organisation procedures to minimise risk Identify risks associated with driving and travelling with and without clients and follow organisation procedures to minimise risk Follow organisation policies and procedures when working in a new or unstable environment Identify manual handling hazards Assess the risk using the tools described in the Manual Handling Code of practice (or equivalent) for own State/territory Apply recognised control measures for manual handling risk, including eliminating manual handling wherever possible Follow established manual handling procedures and work instructions for minimising manual handling activity/risk Identify risks of infection Apply standard precautions to prevent the spread of infection as part of own work routine Recognise situations when additional infection control procedures are required Apply additional precautions when standard precautions alone may not be sufficient to prevent transmission of infection Identify other sources of infection for workers Identify other hazards in the work area during the performance of duties Assess level of risk Conduct environmental assessment to identify potential sources of risk to personal safety Report hazards in the work area to designated personnel according to workplace procedures Follow accurately workplace procedures and work instructions for controlling risks with minimal supervision Whenever necessary, within the scope of responsibilities and competencies, follow workplace procedures for dealing with incidents, fire and/or hazardous events Describe employee rights and employer obligations regarding consultation on WHS matters Raise task and/or job specific WHS issues with appropriate people in accordance with workplace procedures and relevant WHS legislative requirements Contribute to participative arrangements for WHS
1.5 2. Identify manual handling hazards, assess related risk and follow risk minimisation procedures 2.1 2.2
2.3 2.4 3. Identify sources of infection and apply industry accepted practice to minimise risk of infection to themselves, clients and others 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4
3.5 4. Identify other hazards and assess risk 4.1 4.2 4.3 5. Follow procedures and strategies for risk control 5.1 5.2 5.3
6.
Contribute to WHS in the workplace
6.1 6.2
6.3
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 5 of 81
Element Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.
Performance Criteria The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement. management in the workplace within organisation procedures and the scope of responsibilities and competencies 6.4 Provide feedback to supervisor on hazards in work area in line with organisation WHS policies and procedures 6.5 Provide support in implementing procedures to control risks in accordance with organisation procedures
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE:
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively perform task skills; task management skills; contingency management skills and job/role environment skills as outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit These include: Awareness of all relevant workplace procedures including: - hazard management policies and procedures - care plans and work instruction - procedures for the use of manual handling and mobility equipment, personal protective equipment, duress and other alarms - emergency, fire and incident procedures Awareness that WHS issues are regulated by State/territory acts, regulations, codes of practice and industry standards Knowledge and understanding of the workplace WHS system sufficient to recognise situations affecting WHS and to take the appropriate action to rectify the situation, including specific awareness of manual handling hazards as well as general awareness of other hazards that occur in the sector Duty of care within the respective scope of responsibilities in accordance with general WHS acts and regulations as well as respective state and national standards Basic concepts of likelihood of occurrence and consequences (severity) of injury Meaning of WHS signs and symbols relevant to the work area Basic understanding of sources of infection and means to minimise transfer of infectious diseases Basic home fire safety Significance of service provision setting
ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to: Apply and describe procedures for: - recognising hazards, particularly with regard to manual handling, in the workplace - reporting hazards identified using documented organisation processes Identify manual handling risk and modify work practices appropriately Identify risks to personal safety and apply accepted practices to minimise risk Demonstrate standard infection control procedures, including use of approved hand washing techniques Work safely, and follow the enterprises WHS policies and procedures Identify, report and manage workplace hazards (within the limits of worker control) Undertake appropriate observation and reporting In addition, the candidate must be able to demonstrate relevant task skills; task management skills; contingency management skills and job/role environment skills
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 6 of 81
These include the ability to: Access and use manual handling equipment commonly available in the industry sector to reduce risks associated with manual handling Use body biomechanics, as a supplement to other manual handling risk reduction strategies, to reduce the risk in routine tasks Identify client-related risk factors and modify approach and choice of equipment to minimise risk Exercise duty of care within the respective scope of responsibilities in accordance with general WHS acts and regulations as well as respective state and national standards Recognise potential situations that require action and then implement appropriate corrective action as much as possible to eliminate risk Implement work processes and practices to prevent or minimise risk Refer to and apply safe work practices Demonstrate correct use of equipment according to organisation and manufacturer instructions Communicate WHS issues to designated personnel Solve problems Use reading and writing skills appropriate literacy competence as required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by organisation/service and to access information in care plans, read labels and workplace procedures: - literacy support in the workplace may range from having access to support or assistance from expert/mentor/supervisor, to having no communication supports available - literacy may be required in English, a community language, or Braille, etc, depending on the language used in pamphlets or workplace manual Apply communication skills language competence as required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation/service: - assessors should look for skills in asking questions, providing clear information including to client and co-worker, listening to and understanding workplace instructions, and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary service/organisation may require competence in English or community language, depending on client group
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts. Definition of hazard A hazard is something with the potential to cause injury or disease to people, damage to property or disruption to productivity Hazards arise, for example, from workplace environment; use of plant for example and equipment; poor work design; inappropriate systems, procedures and/or human behaviour Legislative requirements include: The legislative requirements for manual handling and for WHS consultation and participation vary in different states and the requirements of the particular state should be reflected in the training and assessment processes including WHS industry guides Examples of manual handling hazards in the aged care and disabilities sectors include: Lifting tasks such as moving a person in bed, assisting to stand, transfer to chair or wheelchair, lifting objects Pushing pulling tasks such as pushing trolleys, wheel chairs, shower chairs, dressing clients Carrying trays and other items Reaching and postural tasks such as feeding a person, showering Restraining tasks
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 7 of 81
The risk factors for manual handling are influenced by: Postures adopted Movement undertaken Forces exerted Environmental conditions such as underfoot conditions, lighting, heat Duration and frequency of the task In people-handling the risk is also affected by the: - ability of client to support/control part/whole of the body - predictability in movement and behaviours - pain levels - ability to follow instructions - any equipment attached to the client e.g. catheters, IVs etc client clothing Manual handling equipment may include: Client hoists Standing lifters Slide sheets Other manual handling assistive devices Sources of risk to personal safety: Personal risks may arise from clients, client family, the public or animals Risk environments may be in access to work (e.g. car parking arrangements, access to private home) and in carrying out work Situations with a higher risk of threat and client related factors may be identified from incident reports, care plans, case management meetings Behaviours of concern Working new, isolated and/or potentially unstable environments Examples of workplace hazards in aged care, home and community care and disabilities sectors (other than manual handling) may include: Equipment including suitability for purpose and fitness for use Work-related stress Biological hazards including body fluids; contaminated food; soiled clothing and linen; clinical waste; syringes and other 'sharps'; etc Personal threat by (e.g. through behaviours of concern) clients and/or visitors Chemicals (e.g. toxic or hazardous substances, gases and liquids under pressure, includes cleaning chemicals) Work-related environment (e.g. underfoot, lighting, space, noise, air quality, furniture/fittings, car parking etc) Electrical hazards related to use of equipment, faulty wiring Work organisation issues such as shift work or irregular hours/on call Standard precautions include Aseptic technique Personal hygiene practices especially washing and drying hands (e.g. before and after client contact) Use of personal protective equipment Techniques to limit contamination Surface cleaning and management of blood and body fluid spills Safe handling of sharps Safe disposal of sharps and other clinical waste
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 8 of 81
Appropriate reprocessing and storage of reusable instruments Additional precautions may include: Special ventilation requirements Additional use of personal protective equipment Dedicated equipment (e.g. to each client or as appropriate to work function) Organisation procedures for managing risks, including those related to manual handling may be: Hazard management policies and procedures (these may be integrated with quality, care or other documents or be separated as WHS policies and procedures) Hazard management documents include policies and procedures on specific hazards as well as hazard and incident reporting (including follow up to sharps incidents) and investigation, workplace inspections, maintenance etc Client assessment documents and care plans Strategies for reducing the amount of manual handling required and manual handling risk Supporting people with behaviours of concern Communication, consultation and issue resolution procedures Human resources management procedures such as harassment and grievance procedures, induction programs, team meetings, management of performance levels Job procedures and work instructions Post incident/injury management such as first aid, critical incident debriefing, compensation and return to work Other related procedures including waste management, security Work instructions may be: Verbal Written In English In a community language Provided visually e.g. video, WHS signs, symbols and other pictorial presentation, etc. Work instructions include care plans and there should be an awareness of their role in risk management especially in risks associated with manual handling and behaviours of concern Designated personnel for WHS referrals may be: Employer Supervisor WHS nominee WHS Committee chairperson Elected WHS representative/employee representative Other personnel with WHS responsibilities Examples of WHS issues which may be raised by workers with designated personnel may include: Hazards identified WHS impact of the changing condition of clients Problems encountered in managing risks associated with hazards, in particular, manual handling (e.g. availability and appropriateness of handling and mobility equipment) and behaviours of concern Clarification on understanding of WHS policies and procedures Communication and consultation processes, including carer input to care plans Follow up to reports and feedback Effectiveness of risk controls in place Training needs Examples of contributions may include: Recommendations on changes to work processes, equipment or practices Listening to the ideas and opinions of others in the team Sharing opinions, views, knowledge and skills Attendance at meetings
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 9 of 81
Input to care plans Identifying and reporting risks and hazards Using equipment according to guidelines and operating manuals Behaviour that contributes to a safe working environment Examples of participative arrangements may include: Regular information sessions (using clear and understandable language) on existing or new WHS issues Team meeting and case management meetings Formal and informal WHS meetings Meetings called by WHS representatives Health and safety committees Other committees such as consultative planning and purchasing Other means and processes for raising requests and concerns as well as contributing suggestions and reports to management Documented issue resolution processes Easy access to relevant written workplace information Risk control in the work area may include: Application of the hierarchy of control, namely: Eliminate the risk Reduce/minimise the risk through: - universal precautions - engineering controls - administrative controls including training personal protective equipment Controlling manual handling risks in the work area may include: Minimising amount of handling Provision of equipment Changes to workplace layout Changes to work organisation or work practices Changes to the load or client Task-specific training Report hazards in the work area may be verbal or written and may include Face-to-face Phone messages Notes Memos Specially designed report forms Basic home fire safety includes knowledge of: High fire risk groups Behaviour that may contribute to fire injury and/or fatality Role of a working smoke alarm Types of smoke alarms Optimum placement of smoke alarms Smoke alarm testing and cleaning Referring client for smoke alarm installation and maintenance
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 10 of 81
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. Access and equity considerations: All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities Context of and specific resources for assessment: Assessment will require access to: - Client handling and mobility devices commonly used in the industry sector including patient hoists, standing lifter, wheelchair, slide sheets and other client assistive devices and mobility aids - Recognised risk control strategies - Appropriate equipment - Workplace health and safety policies and procedures - Other related policies and procedures - Duties statements and/or job descriptions
Sample care plans Method of assessment: Assessment may be best conducted using a range of practical exercises and scenarios/case studies/what ifs as well as through questions to check the reasoning behind the observable actions These assessment activities should include a range of routine problems that may have been generated from the past incident history and hazardous incidents in similar work contexts within the sector and/or industry A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 11 of 81
GLOSSARY OF TERMS ..........................................................................................

Term Additional precautions Meaning Infection control precautions that are applied in the care of a client who is known to have communicable disease or to be in an infectious state. Precautions include isolation of the client and strict control of visitors. Staff who care for the client must wash hands thoroughly, wear disposable gowns and use other equipment (PPE) as necessary The area on which an object rests The way in which the head, trunk, arms and legs are aligned with each other Using the body in an efficient and careful way A disease that can be spread from person to person. The disease is caused by pathogens The process of becoming unclean and contaminated with microorganisms The back-laying or supine position A semi-sitting position; the head of the bed is raised 45 90 degrees The rubbing of one surface against another Anything with the potential to cause injury or disease A disease state resulting from the invasion and growth of microorganisms in the human body The side-laying position A method of turning the person as a unit, in alignment, with one motion Any activity in which force is exerted to lift, lower, carry, push, pull or otherwise manipulate a person or an object The MSDS is a document that contains important information about handling and using hazardous chemicals or materials safely. A piece of equipment that is used to raise the client from the bed, chair, bath or floor Workplace Health and Safety A microbe that is harmful and can cause an infection or a disease Gloves, gown or plastic apron and eye goggles or shield Body alignment Lying on the abdomen with the head turned to the side The likelihood of injury or illness occurring When the skin sticks to a surface and the muscles slide in the direction the body is moving in The lateral position What you observe when caring for a client A left side-lying position in which the upper leg is sharply flexed so that
Base of support Body Alignment Body Mechanics Communicable disease Contamination Doral recumbent position Fowlers position Friction Hazard Infection Lateral position Log rolling Manual handling Material data safety sheets (MSDS) Mechanical lifter or hoist WHS Pathogen Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Posture Prone position Risk Shearing Side-lying position Sign Sims position
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 12 of 81
Term Slide sheet Standard precautions Standing hoist Supine position Symptom Walking belt
Meaning it is not on the lower leg and the lower arm is behind the person A sheet used to slide and reposition the client without unnecessary pulling or dragging of the client in their bed, chair or other surface Precautions that prevent the spread of infection within a health care setting A lifter used for clients who can weight bear and stand up The back-lying or dorsal recumbent position What the client tells you if they are unwell A belt placed around the chest/ waist area and is used to assist a person who is potentially unsteady with their mobility to mobilise.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 13 of 81
IDENTIFY SOURCES OF RISK TO PERSONAL SAFETY ..........................................................................................

IDENTIFY ENVIRONMENTS, SITUATIONS AND CLIENT-RELATED RISK FACTORS
You will identify possible hazards that cause injury or illness in your workplace, and think of some good preventative and control measures. You will also recognise and use a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Remember: It is better to know about these dangers before they happen than to be injured or killed. As an aged care worker, you need to understand the difference between a hazard, and a risk. A hazard is something that has the potential to cause injury or disease. A risk is the likelihood of injury or disease occurring.
In your role, you will encounter various hazards and associated risk factors. It may be part of your job to identify these factors. Having an understanding of what sorts of situations can potentially be hazards or risks are important. When you identify a hazard, you must also assess the potential danger to workers and visitors. Every hazard has an accompanying risk of injury or illness. The degree of risk depends on the likelihood that illness or injury will occur as a result of exposure to the hazard. The more you know about hazards and the injuries and illnesses they cause, the easier it is to identify, assess and control the risks involved. This is the process of risk management. The Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Act require employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace. Your employer may not identify every hazard or potential hazard that may arise, and in some cases a hazard may appear unexpectedly. This is where YOU can help. If you see something that could be unsafe, and you believe there is a risk of accident or illness as a result, you should tell your supervisor or WHS representative. You may be able to eliminate the hazard yourself (e.g. mopping up spilt liquids, removing rubbish, etc) or place barricades to ensure the safety of your co-workers. However, you must never attempt to fix something if you do not have the appropriate training/ qualifications to do so (e.g. electrical equipment and wiring, office machinery, air-conditioning units, etc) as you will very likely put yourself and others at risk. Hazards in the workplace are also identified by formal inspections, or audits. It is important to remember that identifying hazards is only the first step in the process of ensuring a safe workplace. The information must be acted upon in order to reduce the risk of illness or injury resulting from hazards. The following are risks you may encounter: 1. Work environment 2. Workplace situations 3. People. The following table includes some of the risks to personal safety that could potentially occur in the work environment.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 14 of 81
Work environment risks

Hazard
Biological or chemical hazards Dark work areas
Why it is a risk
Hazardous substances or toxins or contaminated body fluids in the workplace are serious threats to your resident/ clients or your safety It is difficult to see in dark areas and this increases the risk of an accident occurring A dark area at the front or back of a clients home increases the risk of falls Electrical equipment you use could be faulty and may cause you or the client serious injury Collections of newspapers, magazines, books or clothing in rooms or hallways can be a fire hazard Rubbish build up is also a fire hazard A clients pet may bite strangers or workers they dont know The clients pet may potentially be a risk to the client e.g. a small dog running in-between the clients feet as they walk can potentially trip them. Clients are often very security conscious and keep doors deadlocked at all times. If they carry the keys with them, you may not be able to get out in an emergency. Caring for someone who smokes while you are in the home is a health risk Poor design or not well-made furniture and equipment increase the risk of strains and muscular aches Chairs that do not support the back or are unable to be adjusted can cause strained muscles from sitting incorrectly Slippery and uneven surfaces increase the risk of falls and injury Work areas with equipment and personal property on the floor also increase tripping and injury Work areas that are cluttered increase the risk of injuries or tripping Unsecured homes increase the risk of intruders entering the home
Some clients may not have air conditioning. This can make the work environment very hot. To avoid the risk of overheating or dehydration, you should drink plenty of fluids and take short breaks between tasks.
Electrical hazards Fire hazards
Homes with pets
Houses that are deadlocked (locked from the inside) Passive smoking (breathing in another persons smoke) Poorly designed or uncomfortable furniture or equipment Trips and slips
Unsecured houses
(unlocked)
Very hot weather
The following table includes some of the risks to personal safety due to workplace situations. Workplace situation risks
Hazard
Conflict between residents/ clients Effects of drugs and alcohol Organisational issues Violent and abusive behaviour Violent and abusive behaviour from visitors
Why it is a risk
Residents/ clients may harm each other as a result of conflict Staff can also be harmed if there is conflict
These substances can influence residents/ clients or even staff whom can become aggressive verbally or physically, which could result in residents/ clients or staff being harmed
Work organisation issues such as shift work or irregular hours may cause work-related stress or encourage unsafe work practices Violence or abusive behaviour may result in harm to residents/ clients or workers Violence or abusive behaviour may result in harm to residents/ clients or workers
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 15 of 81
The following table includes some of the risks to personal safety due to people you work with and shows how residents / clients behaviour might be a risk
People risks Hazard

The resident/ client is unwell The resident/ client is fatigued or tired The resident/ client is afraid The resident/ client is restless, uneasy or impatient during personal care The resident/ client has dementia or other diseases
Why it is a risk
They may have an illness that makes them aggressive and strike out against others They may lose patience and hit out They might think you are a threat to them and act aggressively to protect themselves They may push you away or hit you. They may fall and pull you down with them
Their behaviour might become aggressive
As you can see there are many various types of situations or even combination of situations that can potentially become a hazard or risk.
Example
Mr. Smith lives in his own home. The pathways are uneven leading to the front door. The hall way is cluttered with stacked boxes of books and magazines which Mr. Smith claims are important to him. Today you notice a smell of alcohol in the lounge room when you come to attend to Mr. Smiths hygiene cares. He appears to be fatigued today and not happy and chatty as usual. What could be potential hazards and risks you may face today in attending to Mr. Smith?
APPLY STRATEGIES AND ORGANISATION PROCEDURES TO MINIMISE RISK

Being able to use practical strategies to reduce risks is important as part of your job. You should refer to workplace policies and procedures for guidance or ask your supervisor, manager or Registered nurse if you are unsure. Strategies and procedures to reduce risks may be outlined in: Job procedures or work instructions Team meetings Human resources plans such as harassment and grievances procedures, induction programs Client assessment documents and care plans Hazard management policies and procedures on quality. WHS and hazard reporting Post-incident debriefing sessions Plans to reduce manual handling and manual-handling risks
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 16 of 81
The following table includes some practical strategies for dealing with hazards in a work environment.
Hazard
Air quality
Why its a hazard

Smoking pollutes the air, damages lungs and can cause breathing difficulties such as allergies or asthma attacks Dark areas make it hard to see where you are going or what is in the area Parking on busy roads can also be a hazard
What can be done

Workplaces are smoking free areas Clients are not supposed to smoke while a worker visits their home your workplace should provide safe car parking that is well lit and secure In community care always park in the street close to the home where you are working dont park in the driveway as it can be harder to leave in an emergency Report any unsafe car parking areas Keep work area clean & tidy Keep the floor surface free from lose mats, spills or floor coverings Report any furniture hazards
Car parking
Floor surfaces and objects on the floor Furniture/ fittings Uneven or loose surfaces and objects on the floor can trip a person Low, heavy or poorly maintained furniture can be hard to move, unstable or unbalanced this causes back strain Dark areas make it hard to see where you are going or what you are doing Noise can damage your ears and make it hard to hear Unusual noises can be a sign that equipment is faulty Small spaces make it hard to move
Lightening Noise
Keep your work area well lit Turn on lights and open curtains Report any noisy-air-conditioning vents or equipment
Space
Move a bed out from the wall when you are making it, so you are not leaning and straining to reach Always make sure there is enough room to transfers residents/ clients make sure there is a clear pathway when you are walking a resident / client.
In the workplace there are also procedures for emergencies; procedures will outline the steps you need to take if something unexpected happens to you or your resident/ client. The first step usually is to contact your supervisor or manager. You may at times need to contact a health professional or doctor, ambulance or fire service. Risks to your personal safety may happen in the following situations: 1. Medical emergency 2. Fire 3. Bomb threat 4. Security threat.
Medical emergency
Medical emergency risks to your personal safety include: injury to yourself or resident/ client happen during a care task or when driving a car medical conditions you or your resident/ client suffers a heart attack or stroke serious injury you or your resident/ client suffers a severe fall
Page 17 of 81 CHCWHS312A Version 2 (August 2012)
CHARLTON BROWN
In the workplace you will have first aid training necessary to manage medical emergencies. Report any medical emergencies to your supervisor immediately. Your workplace will have policies and procedures to follow and documentation that you may need to complete e.g. incident form, injury report.
Fire
Fire can occur at any time be it in the community or aged care facility. You need to know what to do in the case of a fire happening. Being aware of procedures to follow, evacuation plans, and assembly points related to the workplace. Many workplaces have fire training and as part of your workplace agreement you are to attend annually.
Bomb threat
Even though bomb threats are not very common in the workplace, you still need to know what to do in the event of a bomb scare. This will include how to respond to a bomb threat if you are the person answering the phone receiving the threat or finding the bomb. The workplace will have policies and procedures to follow if you are unsure talk to your supervisor.
Security threat
Your personal safety may be at risk if there is a security threat. Security threats include: Robbery disturbing a thief in a clients home A break-in you may be the one discovering your workplace has been broken into Damaged fixtures and fittings door lock may be damaged and needs replacing
Dangerous event you may need to work in poorly lit areas or walk from your car to your workplace or to a clients house down a poorly lit street. There are also times when you will be required to visit a client in a neighbourhood where you may not feel safe. Should you at any time feel there is a security threat you need to inform your supervisor / manager immediately.
IDENTIFY BEHAVIOURS OF CONCERN IN THE WORK CONTEXT

Residents and clients have a great deal of lifes experience. They can be very interesting stories of wisdom and interacting with residents and clients can be very enjoyable. There are also the times when the resident/ client feel pain, anger and fear. You need to know how to deal with concerning behaviours. You may find yourself in a situation of conflict or tension with a resident/ client because they are angry or experiencing pain. At times you will need to support residents/ clients who are: In pain Confused Frightened Angry These feelings may be expressed aggressively as: Aggravated assault Intentional physical attacks hitting, scratching, pinching Sexual harassment or sexual assault Threats or intimidating behaviour Threats with offensive weapons Verbal, physical or psychological abuse There are a number of challenging behaviours, some of these include: Absconding from the home and/ or creating a nuisance in public Offensive behaviours Refusal to follow necessary treatment procedures for medical conditions that, if not treated, will further endanger the person s health Refusal to participate in agreed activities
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 18 of 81
Self-injury and self-mutilation to the head, face or body Violent or dangerous behaviour with the potential to cause physical injury or emotional trauma to others
Your workplace will have policies and procedures for managing concerning or challenging behaviours. This is to ensure issues are dealt with promptly and appropriately, while upholding the rights of the resident/ client and others affected by the behaviour.
RISK MANAGEMENT APPROACH

The workplace will have a risk-management approach in place for challenging behaviours which will include hazard identification. What this means is that the workplace will have implemented procedures to ensure potential sources of aggression and violence are identified early, and assessed in order to prioritise prevention activities. This will include assessing a residents/ clients history of aggression so appropriate care strategies can be implemented and communicated to employees and others. You may need to work with your supervisor to conduct a walkthrough of your workplace to check: If safety duress alarms are in place for potential trouble spots Current security arrangements.
The risk of challenging behaviours may be greater in specific community service sectors; examples of this can be home and community care services or mental health, the workplace will have policies and procedures which will describe how to conduct a risk assessment of an individual resident/ client. A risk assessment of the resident/ client should consider: Age and mental status Communication difficulties Disability or illness Emotional state Goals indentified through an individual plan History of residents/clients interactions with the agency Information provided by family and health professionals Living arrangements Relationships between the resident/ client and others The residents/ clients history of aggression, violence, verbal abuse or substance abuse.
These risk factors should be noted and highlighted in the care plan or pathway documentation developed for the resident/ client. When working with a challenging behaviour, you must maintain a professional approach, treat the person with dignity and listen to what they have to say. You should acknowledge any threats to self-harm or to harm others or property. If the threat is not overt, you should clarify with the resident/ client their intentions. Always inform them you are obliged to report this type of behaviour to the appropriate health professionals, police or government agency. You should follow your workplace policies and procedures when reporting challenging behaviours.
INTERVENTION STRATEGIES
Techniques and strategies used in behaviour management programs fall into two categories: Positive strategies encourage the development of appropriate behaviours through modelling techniques, prompting, reinforcement and environment supports Restrictive strategies are used as consequences for behaviour and may involve removing something a resident/ client finds pleasant or giving verbal reprimand. When developing an intervention strategy to manage challenging behaviours, it is essential to involve the resident/ client, staff members, key family members and behavioural consultants (if required).
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 19 of 81
The intervention strategy needs to include a thorough analysis of the potential risks; an agreed model for intervening and measurable behavioural goals. It is important that a formal review is conducted at a later date to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy. Regardless of the approaches that are implemented in your workplace interventions strategies need to be: Carefully monitored Carefully planned and documented Designed around the individuals circumstances, needs and preferences Focused on positive and measurable outcomes Properly resourced.
Reducing risks To reduce the personal safety risks associated with aggressive or threatening residents/ clients, you must be kind and gentle in your approach. At times just talking with a resident/ client that is upset can defuse potentially harmful situations. It is also important to be aware of the possible risks and have a plan to deal with them. Talking with your supervisor can assist you. There are three steps that will help you to reduce the risk of workplace aggression
STEP ONE Identify situations where employees or visitors to the workplace may experience workplace aggression
STEP TWO Work out which aggressive situations are more likely to cause injury or harm to employees or visitors and the seriousness of the injuries or harm
STEP THREE Take action to prevent the injuries and harm Dealing with aggressive residents/ clients
You need to understand the different types of aggression and how to respond to them especially: Verbal aggression Physical aggression.
Verbal aggression
Verbal aggression is when a person uses words to abuse, scare or intimidate you. This can occur as a result of physical changes that affect their thinking or language. It can also be part of a medical condition. It is important to not respond with harsh words if a resident/ client is being verbally aggressive. This needs to be reported to the supervisor. Check the resident/ clients care plan as its easier to respond
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 20 of 81
if you are aware of the residents/ clients history. Remem ber, the resident/ client is responding to their own difficult situation. It is not necessarily about you personally. If an incident occurs, you should: Request the individual to stop Diffuse the situation by removing either the abusive person or the person being abused Explain to those involved what you are doing and why
If this doesnt stop the verbal abuse: Remove the individual from the area Give them time to cool down Get a staff member who is familiar with the person to speak to them after they have calmed down Inform your supervisor Complete an incident report.
Physical aggression
Physical aggression is when a person uses their body to abuse, scare or intimidate you. If you insist that residents/ clients do things their response can be physical aggression and to hit out. Avoid insisting that residents/ clients do things they do not want to do. Do not judge an individual if you observe them being aggressive, they may have a very good reason for being so. If a resident/ client become physically aggressive, you should: Move away from the resident/ client so they dont feel threatened by you Tell other staff if possible Keep yourself and others safe Move them away if necessary; however it is usually easier to move others than to move an aggressive person If the assault has resulted in injury, seek medical help Inform your supervisor Complete an incident report. If you are ever concerned about your safety; talk to your supervisor. You must report if there is an incident that affects your safety. You will need to complete a WHS hazard form to ensure hazards and risks are recorded. Follow your workplace policies and procedures as there may be other forms to complete as well. As an aged care worker you will need to know: What to do in an emergency Emergency phone numbers Where the exits are located Evacuation assembly points Relevant security policies and procedures How to respond if a co-worker or resident/ client is threatened or abused by another person.
IDENTIFY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DRIVING AND TRAVELLING WITH AND WITHOUT CLIENTS
Working in the community sector you may be required to travel between jobs in your own car or supplied car. Your job role may require you to transport residents/ clients to appointments, shopping and/ or to participate in recreational or social activities. WHS legislation imposes a duty of care on workers in regard to maintaining the health and safety of colleagues, clients and their families. To comply with duty-of-care obligations, you must ensure you behave in a manner that promotes the safety and well being of clients, their carers and family, your colleagues and members of the public. You must also comply with road safety laws.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 21 of 81
You may also be subject to a police security check, which may include details of driving offences, before transporting clients. If you are required to use your own personal vehicle to transport clients in working hours, you will need to abide by your workplace policies and procedures. Also inform your insurer you intend to use your vehicle for work-related purposes. Before you undertake travelling in your work role, you need to identify any hazards or risks that may arise as a result of travelling and driving with or without clients. The hazards in driving and transporting clients include: Assisting clients in and out of the car Distractions within the vehicle Driver experience Fatigue Loading and unloading shopping or other awkward loads Loading or unloading clients equipment - wheelchairs or oxygen machines Poor road conditions Poor weather conditions Speed Unsecured loads.
Referring to workplace policies and procedures for guidance on how to minimise or eliminate any identified hazards or risks. You need to also ensure that you check specialised equipment such as ramps, hoists and lifts are operating correctly at regular intervals. Make sure you know how to complete all relevant documentation such as forms that details your registration or divers licence. The following table identifies a range of risks related to travel that occurs in the community services settings.
Travel activity
Driving client in own vehicle
Hazard
Compliance with road regulations Driver experience Road worthiness of vehicle Weather and traffic conditions Client mobility Lifting/ sorting shopping Client mobility
Strategy
Check visibility and tyres Ensure vehicle is maintained regularly Observe speed limits and other laws Regularly check vehicle is road worthy Undertake additional driver training
Shopping with clients Taking a client to a planned group activity via mini bus Travelling via public transport
Use hoist/ ramps where necessary. Secure mobility equipment in vehicles Use correct manual handling techniques Use a mechanical hoist if required Secure mobility equipment Use a mechanical hoist if required to transfer client Secure mobility equipment Check access beforehand Investigate alternate arrangements Talk to supervisor or colleagues to see it they have any suggestions Scout the location and practice driving or travelling the route Use government services and information pages to assist travellers with special needs
Client mobility Access problems such as ramps Lack of familiarity with location and services
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 22 of 81
In the workplace, there are policies and procedures which will describe the requirements for driving and travelling with and without clients: Avoid drinking and eating while driving Be capable of handling the road conditions Be familiar with the vehicle you are using Be medically fit to drive and not under the influence of any substance that may affect your driving capabilities Hold a current drivers licence Not smoke while driving Observe road rules, speed limits Obtain parents written permission to transport clients under the age of 18 alternatively, those who cannot give informed consent Report any problems., fault or accidents Undergo a police security check Understand all duty-of-care requirements in relation to transporting clients.
Transporting a client may involve manual handling. Consider the following manual handling tips before transporting clients: Encourage the client to assist as much as possible Ensure the equipment is in good working order Ensure there is sufficient clearance for accessing the vehicle or using equipment Identify the most suitable route to transport the client Make sure all passengers and equipment are adequately restrained or secured in the vehicle Make sure you are adequately equipped to safely transport a person of a particular weight or height. You may need a co-worker to assist Make sure you are trained to use all transport equipment and know how to safely transport clients Wear appropriate footwear.
WORKING IN A NEW OR UNSTABLE ENVIRONMENT

In Australia, organisations are required by law to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees, residents, clients, carer and family members, visitors and the wider community. You need to follow all your workplace WHS policies and procedures. These are based on legislation and regulations that support health and safety. To ensure you are complying with WHS responsibilities, you should: Cooperate with WHS representatives Report any hazards to your supervisor Report any job-related injury or illness to your supervisor or health and safety representative Understand and exercise your right under WHS Wear personal protective clothing and equipment if appropriate.
Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)

The various workplace health and safety acts describe the legal requirements for: Ensuring risks to health and safety are identified, assessed, eliminated or controlled Involving employers and workers in the process of maintaining workplace health and safety Promoting and maintaining the health and safety and welfare of people at work Protecting people at work from injury and illness Protecting the health and safety of the public in workplaces Providing rehabilitation and maximum recovery for injured workers.
CHARLTON BROWN
It is essential that you undertake your work in accordance with legislative requirements, Australian and industry standards and relevant codes of practice. Legislation is the law. Regulations provide the rules to apply the law. WHS legislation is the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011. A code of practice is an industry guideline based on regulations or best practice. A code of practice is not law but should be followed unless there is an alternative course of action that achieves the same or better standards. A workplace policy describes the organisations overall approach to a particular aspect of its operation. A workplace procedure is a set of instructions so employees can complete individual tasks effectively, safely and in a way that maximises efficiency.
WHS POLICY AND PROCEDURES

All workplaces are required to have a WHS policy. This policy describes the organisations responsibilities in terms of the safety and health of its employees. This policies and procedures usually include information regarding: Emergency procedures and general safety precaution, including locations of first aid equipment, information of local doctors, hospitals and ambulance services Handling hazardous / dangerous materials and goods, including material data safety sheets (MSDS) Hazard identification and control systems Manual handling WHS personnel Personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) Staff development and training programs Standard housekeeping Standard precautions Waste management.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

The MSDS is a document that contains important information about handling and using hazardous chemicals or materials safely. We need them to ensure we work safely with hazardous chemicals or materials. The sheets are available from the manufacturers of the products. If the products are imported, the person importing is responsible to obtain MSDS from the manufacturer. Sheets should be readily available in the work area where the products are used. Your WHS Officer should have up-to-date master copies.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 24 of 81
WHAT INFORMATION IS ON THE MSDS?

Information on the MSDS is listed under the following headings: MSDS Heading Information contained
Identification and Physical Data
Health Hazard Information
Precautions for Use
Safe Handling Information
Other Information and References
Other names Uses What it looks like What it reacts to Codes and poisons numbers Toxicity Harmful effects (on humans, animals & environment) How it can enter the body First aid and advice to doctors What protective equipment to wear Limits for exposure Ventilation Flammability How to store and move it What to do if you spill it How to dispose of it Fire / explosive hazard General information
STANDARD PRECAUTION PROCEDURES

Standard precautions are:
Standard safe work practices that are to be applied to all patients and clients regardless of their known or presumed infectious status Minimum requirements for the control of infection in all settings and all situations, including those where a high risk of infection transmission exists designed to protect both patients and health care workers.
Elements of standard precautions

Standard precautions comprise the following measures: Hand washing Use of appropriate personal protective equipment to provide a barrier to contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin or mucous membranes Immunization of health care workers Use of aseptic technique to reduce patient/client exposure to micro-organisms Management of sharps, blood spills, linen, and waste to maintain a safe environment Routine Environmental cleaning.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 25 of 81
Hand Washing Procedure
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Standard precautions categories all body fluids and substances as potentially infectious and aim to minimize exposure of hands, skin and mucosa to these substances through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Personal protective equipment is required in the following situations: When there is risk of exposure to blood and other body fluids, secretions and excretions regardless of whether they contain visible blood (excluding sweat) Contact with non-intact skin, including skin rashes
Contact with mucous membranes. Health care facilities are responsible for providing readily available personal protective equipment for staff that complies with relevant standards.
Australian Standards
Personal protective equipment for standard precautions comprises: Use of gloves (appropriate to the task) Facial protection: use of protective eyewear and a fluid repellent surgical facemask, or use of a face shield
Use of impermeable aprons or gowns. Using PPE to eliminate or reduce risk to health and safety is a last resort. PPE should only be used when particular risks cannot be eliminated or reduced.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 26 of 81
IDENTIFY MANUAL HANDLING HAZARDS ..........................................................................................

IDENTIFY MANUAL HANDLING HAZARDS
What is manual handling?
It is any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain a person, animal or thing. Included in this category is any activity involving repetitive and/or forceful movements. Examples: Helping a resident/ client out of bed Helping a resident/ client to sit or stand from a chair Pushing a wheelchair.
Correct manual handling techniques

Did you know? Manual handling is the biggest single cause of workplace injuries Forty-five per cent of injuries involve five or more days off work Ten per cent of injuries cause people to be off work for up to six months The total cost to individuals and to industry runs to billions of dollars Most injuries are caused by poor workplace design and poor practices.
Manual handling injuries may be acute (e.g. soft tissue strains, fractures, abrasions, bruising, crushing and skin-penetrating injuries) or chronic (e.g. hernias, musculoskeletal disorders, overuse injuries). The most common injuries associated with manual handling, however, occur in the spinal region of the body. Standing upright is the natural posture for your spine. When your back is bent, the weight of your upper body puts stress on your lower back. If you then try to lift loads, you increase the risk of sustaining a serious back injury. It is better to lift both your upper body weight and any loads by using the bent knee method of lifting. However, even this technique will not fully protect you from injury if you: Attempt to handle awkward shapes or big loads Over reach while handling from below mid-thigh or above shoulder height Handle weights that are too heavy and beyond your strength Do repetitive and/or long duration manual handling Do handling on slippery or unstable work surfaces. Carry objects away from your body Twist your body awkwardly while handling Handle objects while walking through an obstructed pathway Use insecure grip Adopt a poor-lifting position with your feet too close together.
Remember:
Manual lifting and carrying put great strain on your back. Serious and permanent back injuries are common. If you routinely use correct lifting methods, you can minimise the risk of back injuries at work and at home.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 27 of 81
The following table shows hazards that must be removed and hazards that should be:
Hazard
Environmental
Example
A narrow hallway can be a hazard if you are helping a resident/ client to walk and balance Using the wrong equipment may occur if the worker is poorly trained and/ or supplied with the wrong equipment for a task e.g. using cloth gloves when handling chemicals instead of rubber gloves Appliances and equipment that are faulty or used incorrectly
Action
This hazard cant be removed it must be managed These hazards can be removed by training workers and by following policies and procedures
Equipment
Mechanical or electrical hazards
These hazards can be removed by repairing the equipment or changing the way you use it
Resident/ clients behaviour is another hazard that exists for workers doing manual-handling tasks because resident/ clients may: Act unpredictably they try to help or move when you dont want them too Fall Hit you or grab you Resist using a hoist because they do not trust the hoist or they do not want a machine to help them.
Each of these hazards increase the chance you or the resident/ client might get hurt. These hazards may occur when you are: Helping a client to move around Helping a resident/ client who acts unpredictability Moving a client who is in pain Supporting someone while they work, shower, dress or go to the toilet.
COMMON MANUAL-HANDLING HAZARDS

Common Hazard
Bending Bed making Loading and unloading dishwasher Sweeping under tables/ beds Transferring residents/ clients Lifting Carrying heavy trays or pots Getting a box from a vehicle Moving clients suitcases Moving furniture Transferring moving older people Pushing and pulling Moving trolleys Pushing wheelchairs Moving beds Reaching Transferring clients Putting things up on shelves or Getting things from cupboards Cleaning walls or lights
Why its a hazard

You may strain your back from repetitive bending.
You may strain your back and arms from lifting and moving heavy loads repeatedly.
You may strain your back, stomach and arm muscles from pulling and pushing. The risk increases if the equipment is poorly maintained. You may strain your back and arms from lifting and moving items that are a long way from the body. This increases the stress on the muscles.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 28 of 81
Repetitive movements Showering a client Setting up tables Pegging washing on the line Loading a dishwasher/ oven Washing/ mopping floors Preparing/ chopping food Twisting Loading shelves Showering a client
Your muscles may become tired. Injuries may occur from repetitive actions.
You may injure your back, arms, chest and stomach muscles from twisting your body when it is moving heavy and unpredictable weights.
ASSESS THE RISK USING THE TOOLS DESCRIBED IN THE MANUAL HANDLING CODE OF PRACTICE (OR EQUIVALENT) FOR YOUR STATE/TERRITORY
The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) declared The National Standard for Manual Tasks (2007) and the National Code of Practice for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders from performing manual tasks at work (2007) in August 2007. These set out the ways to effectively identify, assess, and control the risk of injury from manual tasks. The National Standards and Code of Practice provide guidelines on reducing workplace hazards and avoiding injury. They provide guidelines on: Identifying and reporting hazards
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 29 of 81
Assessing hazards for their level of risk low, medium or high Managing and controlling hazards.
There are no legal limits on how much a worker is allowed to lift. Weight is only one of the things you need to consider. Others include: The size of the object The shape of the object How often it needs to be moved How far it needs to be moved The actions and movements required to move it.
Section 4.23 of the National Code of Practice for Manual Handling 2007 offers the following advice: In seated work, dont lift objects in excess of 4.5 kg (This is because there is more load on your back when sitting) From a standing position, keep loads below or between the 16 to 20 kg range Do not lift, lower or carry objects in excess of 55 kg, unless team lifting or mechanical assistance is provided.
It is important that you take responsibility for your own safety. Make sure you follow the safety training and instructions provided to you in the workplace. The manual handling code of practices has three main steps: 1. Hazard identification 2. Risk assessment 3. Managing and controlling the risk.
STEP 1 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION What is the hazard? Identify all the hazards involved with manual handling
STEP 2 RISK ASSESSMENT How badly could someone be injured? Decide whether the hazard is a high, medium or low risk
STEP 3 MANAGING AND CONTROLLING THE RISK

Describe how to manage and control the risk
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 30 of 81
Step 1 Hazard identification

Check injury/hazard reports
Consult with employees, supervisors and safety and health representatives
Look at tasks
Collect information
Look for trends
Go to Step 2: Risk Assessment
Step 3: Managing and controlling the risk
Check injury/hazard reports

Check injury, incident, and hazard reports for injuries or hazards related to manual handling. Information on this is provided below to assist in identifying manual handling injuries from commonly used injury classification systems.
Accident Reporting
The accident reporting system should collect information such as the equipment used, the injury involved, the part of the body injured and how the injury was caused. Manual handling should be recorded as a cause of injury if the accident happened during manual handling. The cause of injury information is usually referred to as the Mechanism of Injury. Within this category of information, manual handling as a cause of injury is usually referred to as either: Repetitive movement with low muscle loading. Other muscular stress (lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing and pulling). Workers Compensation Claims are another useful source of information. The facilitys insurance company should be able to provide a detailed breakdown of all work related workers compensation. Insurance companies are required to use a detailed system for recording information (referred to as the Type of Occurrence Classification System). Consult with employees, supervisors and health and safety representatives It is important to ask a range of employees to take into account different levels of experience and physical characteristics. Consultation should include the following: Asking employees about which manual handling tasks they consider may lead to physical strain Talking to supervisors about any difficulties they are aware of that their staff has experienced carrying out manual handling tasks Consulting with health and safety representatives on manual handling problems that they have become aware of as part of their functions.
Look at tasks
Carry out workplace inspections and identify any relevant contributing factors. Observe the manual handling tasks.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 31 of 81
Collect information From checking injury / hazard reports, asking other people in the workplace and looking at the tasks you can collect information on: o Tasks performed o Age and sex distribution of those injured during manual handling o Occupation, department or section of the facility staff were working in when injured by performing manual handling o Geographical location where the injury or complaint occurred o Type of injury o Any other relevant information.
Look for trends

From the collected information, identify trends or common problems by sorting it into the categories listed below. For tasks trends may show the presence (or lack) of risk factors across the various activities that comprise a task (as seen in gradual wear and tear injuries). For occupations, department, or sections trends may show risk factors in a range of activities done by people working in these areas (usually resulting in gradual wear and tear problems). A high number of accidents or complaints for an occupational group may also indicate a greater likelihood of injury. The information is useful during Step 2 Risk Assessment when determining which risk factors to address first. For age and gender categories trends may indicate particular employee groups who are most at risk. For locations trends may indicate problems from lack of space (causing awkward postures), poor lighting or uneven work surfaces. For types of injury trends may highlight that the injuries are cumulative in nature.
Step 2 Risk assessment

Once the hazards have been identified, they must be assessed. You assess the risk by working out how badly the hazard could affect you and others.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 32 of 81
The following table shows different types of manual handling hazards and levels of risks. Risk of injury Manual handling hazard
Load the person or object being moved
Why its a risk

The weight of the load When the load needs to be moved
Type of task High

A light load A heavy load Carrying a light load Carrying a heavy load
Medium
-
Low
-
The size of the load The shape of the load
A small load A large load A neat load An awkward load
How difficult the load is to hold
Easy load to hold A hard load to hold
The nature of the load
A person or animal wants to move A animal or person not wanting to move
Action and posture risk
Twisting action
No twisting while carrying a load Twisting while carrying a load
Carrying action
No sideway bending while carrying a load Bending sideways while carrying a load Carrying a load for a short distance Long distance carrying a load
Distance
Pushing and pulling action
No pulling or pushing while carrying a load Any pulling or pushing while carrying a
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 33 of 81
Risk of injury Manual handling hazard Why its a risk Type of task High
load Movement No sudden movement while carrying a load Any type of sudden movement while carrying a load Work environment risks Space Floors Benches/floor levels/ location Being able to stand and move Not being able to stand and move A flat and dry floor Rough or slippery floor Working on a flat surface Working on different levels High Temperature Moderate temperature and low humidity High temperature, humidity and cold and windy weather Employees risks Poor lighting Young people Pregnant women Those returning to work after injury Those with a disability Good lightening Poor lighting People over 18 Under 18 are still developing Not pregnant Women who are pregnant People without injury or disability People with injury or disability Medium Low
Medium
Low
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 34 of 81
Risk of injury Manual handling hazard Why its a risk

Special skills and knowledge of manual handling
Type of task High

Those with knowledge and skills of manual handling Those without knowledge and skills in manual handling -
Medium
-
Low
-
PPE
Equipment that allows you to move freely Equipment that restricts your movement
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 35 of 81
Managing and controlling risks

A control measure is to solve the problem caused by the hazard. In most cases the control measures are well known and can be applied to many situations. These control measures should be outlined: In the residents/ clients care plan In the workplace policies and procedure manual At training sessions.
The following refers to managing and controlling risk.
Step 1 Hazard identification

What is the hazard? Identify all the hazards involved with manual handling
Step 2 Risk assessment

How badly could someone be injured? Decide whether the hazard is a high, medium or low risk
Step 3 Managing and controlling the risk

Decide how to manage and control the risk
Ask yourself
Is the manual handling activity necessary?
YES
NO
Manual handling risk is removed
Can the work be changed to take away or lessen the risk of injury?
YES
Manual handling risk is reduced
NO
Ask yourself What extra training in manual handling is needed?
APPLY RECOGNISED CONTROL MEASURES FOR MANUAL HANDLING RISK, INCLUDING ELIMINATING MANUAL HANDLING WHEREVER POSSIBLE
Some common control measures are: Using a piece of equipment Following steps to complete a task Using two people instead of one person to complete a task.
CHARLTON BROWN
Aged care workers apply control measures to avoid hazards and work safely. The control measures should be outlined in care plans, workplace policies and procedure manual or explained in training sessions. Refer again to step 3 in the manual handling code of practice flow chart
Step 3 Managing and controlling the risk

Decide how to manage and control the risk
Ask yourself
Is the manual handling activity
NO
necessary?
YES
Manual handling risk is removed
Can the work be changed to take away or lessen the risk of injury?
YES
Manual handling risk is reduced
NO
Ask yourself What extra training in manual handling is needed?
Some issues to keep in mind when carrying out Step 3 1. Minimising the amount of manual handling Break tasks up into smaller jobs or get someone to help you. This will help to minimise the manual handling that you do. 2. Using appropriate equipment It may take longer to use equipment but it reduces the risks to you and your resident/ client. So use equipment to assist you with manual handling tasks. Equipment can vary from wheelchairs to stepladders and long handled brooms. 3. Changing workplace layout Rearrange the layout or design of plant, equipment and furniture to reduce twisting, reaching, stooping and poor application of force. Introduce lifting devices where applicable.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 37 of 81
Modify the load The load being
handled can be modified or repackaged into bigger or smaller weights or into a different size or shape.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 38 of 81
Controlling the work environment

This involves changing or modifying work environment factors that affect manual handling. Maintenance of the workplace and equipment is essential for safe manual handling. An adequate hazard reporting system and preventative maintenance program will help to ensure equipment and the work environment is kept safe. 4. Changing work organisation or practices Workers do not directly changes practices in the workplace but they can make suggestions about things to change. Redesigning work patterns Redesigning an employees work pattern may involve changing how long an activity is done, how often it is done, and how it is done. These changes should result in a wider variety of actions and postures. 5. Changing the load You may be asked to move heavy items. Instead of moving them in one lot, you may be able to divide them into smaller loads or use a trolley to assist you. Options to achieve more varied actions and posture are: Rotation of employees through other tasks that require different actions and postures. Changing the job to include different ways of performing tasks.
6. Task specific training Task specific training The training should occur during induction, when tasks are changed or introduced and as part of refresher training.
After training, workers should be able to: Recognise manual handling risks in the task and, in consultation, decide the best way to minimise them Carry out manual handling tasks according to a defined safe procedure Use relevant mechanical aids Use team lifting techniques and know how to minimise associated risks Use personal protective equipment (PPE).
General Training
General training on manual handling should occur during induction and as part of an ongoing manual handling risk control program. Everyone involved in organising and implementing manual handling processes or tasks where hazards have been identified should be properly trained.
Elements of training
The level of training provided should be comparable to the risk involved. Any training should focus on the specific problems identified in the assessment process. Depending on the degree of risk, workers should have an understanding of some or all of the following: Key sections of the Regulations relating to manual handling Role and responsibilities of the employer, employees and others, and the consultation which should take place between employer and employees in order to identify manual handling hazards, and to assess and control risks The activities included in manual handling, and the types of injuries that can result Basic function of the spine body postures, types of muscle work and principles of levers The relationship between the human body and risk of manual handling injury
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 39 of 81
The risk management approach to manual handing Application of relevant control strategies
7. Lifting Before performing any manual handling, you should first stop and consider the task at hand and perform a risk assessment. The goal of this process is to ensure your safety and that of your colleagues, any bystanders and the item you are required to move. There are six basic steps in assessing the risks associated with manual handling tasks. If at any stage there is a likelihood of accident or injury, the lift should not be completed. The load may need to be modified, or a buddy-lifter or mechanical device utilised. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Size up the load Position your feet Get a good grip Have a straight back Position head and arms Use your legs to lift.
If you dont follow these steps you may end up like this!!!
Step 1 Size up the load Before you lift a load, make sure you: Estimate the weight of the load before lifting by: o Asking your supervisor o Checking for a weight tag o Pushing or lifting a corner/ one part of the load Make sure the load will not fall apart when you move it Think about the size and shape of the load Step 2 Position your feet As close as possible to the object Footing is secure, make sure your feet wont slip Balanced position
Arms bent Step 3 Secure grip Step 4 Position hands diagonally opposite Grip with whole hand not just fingertips Straight back Keep your back as straight as possible Bend at the knees
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 40 of 81
Step 5 Position head and arms Head up, chin tucked in Arms close to body Step 6 Use your legs to lift Deep breath, raise load by using leg muscles Lift slowly and smoothly Keep flexible control with your arms and legs Lowering the load Follow the same principles as when lifting Keep control over the load Keep your back straight
Remember: Manual lifting and lowering puts great strain on your back. Serious and permanent back injuries are common.
Dont let this happen to you!!!
Lift the correct way every time
8. Twisting Twisting injuries can severely damage joints, ligaments and discs of the spine. Twisting can happen when you are mopping the floor, completing personal care tasks for a client or working seated at a desk or computer. Ways to stop injuries when twisting include: Bending your knees, not your back Maintaining the normal curves of your spine Moving your feet, not your spine Re-arranging the workplace, so you are not twisting when you bend. 9. Repetitive movements Repetitive movements are when you do the same action many times. Doing the same movements for long periods can strain muscles. Ways to stop injuries when doing repetitive movements: Have regular short breaks from the task to stretch tight muscles and encourage blood flow Hold loads close to the body reduces strain on the back and arms Keep loads light move lots of light things then fewer heavy things Re-arranging the workplace, so there is less repetitions in the task.
10. Bending Bending injuries occur when you place a heavy load on an already bent spine. Ways to stop injuries when bending include: Bending your knees, not your back Encourage residents/ clients to participate as much as possible to reduce the bending you need to do Keep the spine in its normal shape
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 41 of 81
Raising the work to you rather then bending Resting your muscles by changing your activities Using the right equipment. 11. Reaching Reaching injuries occur when you stretch. Ways to stop injuries occurring when reaching include: Storing heavy items at waist level Storing items between hip and shoulder height Storing items you use regularly between shoulder and hip level Using steps or ladders to reduce stretching while reaching.
12. Pushing and pulling Pushing and pulling injuries can occur when using equipment. Sudden pushing or pulling places unexpected stress on the spine and can cause strain. Ways to stop injuries when pulling and pushing include: Doing several loads of lighter weights rather than heavy loads Ensuring the weight of the load is safe for you to push Holding onto the trolley, wheelchair, or equipment with both hands Pushing rather than pulling and using your legs and stomach muscles Standing tall dont bend over the load.
FOLLOW MANUAL HANDLING PROCEDURES AND WORK INSTRUCTIONS

As you go about your daily tasks, you must remember to look after yourself. The residents/ clients care plan should provide information on the methods and equipment you should use when performing manual handling tasks. Manual handling techniques often used in the community services work include: Adopting the no-lift policy Using appropriate equipment.
The term no-lift policy means that workers should avoid lifting clients except in exceptional or lift threatening situations. The no-lift transfer system is regarded as best practice when transferring people. Mechanical lifters are used instead of manually lifting.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 42 of 81
The following table outlines equipment you may use in your work
Manual handling equipment Standing hoist What its used for Standing machines/ hoists are to assist residents/ clients who: Are having difficulty standing Are not confident about bearing their own weight Tend to grab at people and objects as they stand up.
Sling hoist
Sling hoists are to assist residents/ clients who: Are unable to weight bear to transfer Who need help to move Use for toileting, personal hygiene and moving from bed to chair.
Adjustable bed heights
Adjustable height beds are usually electronic and can be adjusted up or down. There are also manual beds that require the worker to manually wind the bed up or down.
Shower chairs
Shower chairs give the resident/ client a place to rest during the showering process.
Bath seats
Bath seats are used to lower residents/ clients into the bath.
Slide sheets
Slide sheets are used to: Change a persons position in bed Change bed linen Turn people over in bed Transfer residents/ clients from the bed to a chair, bed to another bed.
Manual handling procedures should form part of your workplaces workplace health and safety (WHS) policy, which will be based on relevant Commonwealth and state or territory legislative/ regulatory requirements.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 43 of 81
IDENTIFY SOURCES OF INFECTION ..........................................................................................

IDENTIFY RISKS OF INFECTION
Infection is a medical condition that is caused by micro-organisms. A disease is an illness, sickness or medical condition. Infection control principles are derived from the epidemiology of infectious disease transmission, involving the interaction between host, agent and environment. Infection control practices aim to prevent infection transmission by limiting the exposure of susceptible people (hosts) to microorganisms (agents) that may cause infection. The chain of infection is a process that requires the following:
Source Susceptible host Reservoir
Portal of entry
Portal of exit
Mode of transmission
Infection control is the process by which the chain of infection is broken.
Disease transmission
Transmission of micro-organisms with the potential to cause infection requires the presence of three elements: a susceptible host, an agent, and an environment facilitating the interaction between host and agent.
Susceptible host:
Host susceptibility to infection is greater in the presence of factors that alter or compromise host defence mechanisms. Factors increasing susceptibility include: Immuno-suppression (e.g. radiation therapy, steroids, chemotherapy) Presence of an underlying disease process (e.g. diabetes, cancer) Presence of devices that bypass the bodys normal defences (e.g. intravenous lines, urinary catheters, respiratory assertive devices) Age (i.e. the elderly and very young are at higher risk) Incomplete immunization Functional impairment (e.g. dysphasia, immobility) Non-intact skin or mucous membranes (e.g. surgical wounds, burns) Other altered structural, biochemical and physiological responses.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 44 of 81
Agent: An agent is a microorganism capable of transferring to and colonizing a susceptible host, with or without subsequent invasion and infection. Reservoirs and sources of micro-organisms may be exogenous (e.g. other patients, health care workers, contaminated medical equipment, contaminated food, water, air or surfaces) or endogenous (i.e. resident flora of the individual).
Environment
For transmission to occur, the environment must enable interaction between the agent and host. In health care settings, interaction (transmission) may occur via contact, droplet and airborne routes. The following outlines the most common organisms which cause infections
Bacteria
Bacteria are micro-organisms that need nutrients from their environment to survive. Bacteria can also survive in non-living environments. Bacteria are both good and bad. Bacteria that causes disease is called pathogenic bacteria. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. Very few fungi cause infections. Fungi are present in the air, water and soil. Viruses can only be seen with a special microscope. Viruses need a body to live in and multiply. Virus lives in the cell of a living animal, plant or person. Viruses are able to move and infect other cells. Viral infections tend to be more severe and are harder to treat and they do not respond to antibiotics.
Fungi Virus
Infection can occur in a number of ways including through: Body fluids contact Clients, residents, visitors or staff with infectious diseases Flies or other insects Food and drink that has come into contact with viruses, diseases and organisms Linen with body fluids on it Objects that have come into contact with viruses, diseases and organisms.
Bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms can enter the body in various ways: Mucous membrane the moist lining of the orifices of the body. Nasal passages in the nose and lungs during the act of breathing Mouth into throat, stomach and digestive system
Skin by needle puncture, cuts or graze. Bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms leave the body the same way. They can then are passed on to others and infect them.
How people are infected

Working closely with residents, clients and other staff who may be exposed to infection: During personal care tasks, Handling soiled linen Or just being near people with infections When handling food.
When performing personal care tasks the risk of infection increases because you are in closer contact with the resident/ client and at risk of being exposed to body fluids and/ or other infectious material.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 45 of 81
Examples: Assist a person who has the flu and is coughing continuously Assist a person with a nosebleed and you have broken skin Assist a person with a salmonella infection with their bowel movements Changing the bed linen of a person who has an infectious skin disease When you fail to use or use in the wrong way PPE.
There is the risk of infection from food because food may have unsafe levels of bacteria. This can be due to an infected person handling food and its become infected. When preparing and serving food, there are some steps you should follow Wash your hands correctly If you are touching food wear gloves If you have a cut then correctly cover it You should always wear an apron You should always use clean utensils Food should be stored at correct temperatures as bacteria can multiply and cause infection If you are unwell (such as a cold), you should not be handling food.
Soiled clothing and linen can be infectious. Linen and clothing should be handled as if infectious. Use PPE when handling these items. There are steps you should follow when handling linen and clothing: Linen needs to be placed in linen skips Infectious linen/ clothing should go into specially marked linen skips Linen/ clothing with body fluids need to go into specially marked linen skips Hold soiled linen/ clothing away from the body when moving it into linen skips Do not put soiled linen/ clothing on the floor Do not shake linen when making beds.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 46 of 81
Common infections Infection

Gastroenteritis is an illness triggered by an infection of the digestive system. Symptoms include: abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. Viruses, bacteria, bacterial toxins and parasites are common causes Herpes Zoster (shingles) is a skin rash that causes pain and blistering. Shingles can affect any part of the body Human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Someone who has HIV may not have any symptoms, but they carry the virus Influenza (flu) is caused by a highly contagious virus
How the infection is passed

Eating contaminated food causes gastroenteritis. Food is usually contaminated by poor food handling techniques
Highly contagious and can be contracted by touching the lesions (wounds) without gloves or by touching the clothes and bed linen of an infected person. Can also be spread when coming into contact with fluid contained in the blisters. HIV is transmitted by body fluids into the bloodstream. It can be caused by sexual intercourse, sharing of needles and blood transfusions. Transmitted by breathing the same air as someone who is infected. If someone with the flu coughs near you, you have a high risk of getting the flu Pneumonia is common in people who are not very mobile due to illness or disability. Its not always infectious Highly contagious can be contracted by touching the clothes and bed linen of an infected person Transmitted by direct contact. If a person has tinea of the feet and another person uses the same shower, they have a high risk of getting tinea
Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by a virus or bacteria. It can come on gradually or strike suddenly Scabies is caused by a mite that lays eggs under the skin, causing itchiness. New insects hatch from the eggs and can be spread to other parts of the skin by scratching Tinea is a fungal infection that is highly infectious. It forms in the warm, moist parts of the body under the breast, toes and groin.
Infection
Urinary tract infection is an infection of the urine. Cystitis is the most common, particularly in women. Its not contagious or dangerous
How the infection is passed

Common in people who drink less water. It is possible to get a skin infection as a result of having broken skin and not wearing gloves from infected urine
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 47 of 81
Hepatitis A It is a viral disease that affects the liver. It is transmitted through contact with food, drink or objects contaminated by the faeces of an infected person. Hepatitis B Is a serious viral infection that causes liver inflammation. It is passed on through sexual intercourse and needle sharing. Protective immunisation is available. Hepatitis C Is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It is also transmitted through sharing needles, syringes and other equipment during drug use. There is no cure for hepatitis C and you cannot be immunised against it.
These are all caught from the blood of an infected person entering your bloodstream. An infected persons blood could enter your bloodstream through a cut on your hand
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 48 of 81
APPLY STANDARD PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INFECTION AS PART OF OWN WORK ROUTINE
Infection prevention and control
Infection control measures protect people in health care settings from infection by: Maximizing host defences. Removing or controlling sources and reservoirs of micro-organisms (the agent).
Reducing the risk of transmission by promoting an environment where the risk of interaction (i.e. contact, droplet or airborne) between potentially infectious agents and susceptible people is minimized. Standard precautions such as hand washing, immunization, adherence to the principles of asepsis, use of personal protective equipment, and maintenance of a clean, safe environment form the basis for the prevention and control of infection in health care settings. In circumstances where extra measures are required to prevent transmission, additional precautions (i.e. contact, droplet or airborne precautions) may be used.
Infection risk in health care facilities

The risk of infection varies widely between health care facilities and service contexts. The infection risk is low in settings involving generally healthy individuals with intact host defence mechanisms who receive care in a facility designed, managed and resourced to facilitate the prevention and control of infection.
Infection
Infection arises from invasion and multiplication of micro-organisms in a host, with an associated host response (e.g. fever, purulent drainage). Infections may require antibiotic treatment aimed at inhibiting or ceasing further growth of the infectious agent. Infection is preceded by colonization.
Colonization
Colonization, whereby micro-organisms are present in the host but do not invade or cause an associated host response, is distinct from infection. No treatment is warranted.
HAND WASHING
Hand washing is the single most important strategy to reduce the risk of infection. Hand washing comprises mechanical activity, use of soap and water, rinsing, and drying to reduce the number of micro-organisms on hands. Hand washing is influenced by the following factors: Level of understanding of when hand washing is required Visibility and accessibility of hand washing facilities Time constraints Type of hand washing solution provided Seasonal factors that affect skin integrity Skin problems, which may be exacerbated (or caused) by poor hand washing technique (e.g. dermatitis) Organizational culture and expectations.
Microbial flora of hands Resident micro-organisms

Resident micro-organisms are organisms that are naturally found in or on the body which do not cause disease (colonizing). Routine hand washing can reduce microbial load.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 49 of 81
Transient micro-organisms
Organisms that are acquired during hand contact with patients, or contaminated fomites may be pathogenic (i.e. cause disease), but are easily removed by routine hand washing.
Hand washing
Hand washing, using soap, water and friction (the mechanical action of rubbing the hands together) is a simple and effective method of removing micro-organisms from the surface of the skin. Transient microorganisms adhere to the skin when hands touch people, blood and body fluids, and objects and surfaces in the environment. People with unwashed hands risk transferring organisms to their mucous membranes and to other people where they may cause infection. Correct use of the routine/social hand washing technique removes the vast majority of micro-organisms from hands, reducing the infection risk.
Hand care
The skin is the bodys first line of defence against infection. If the skin is open, the risk of infection is increased. Repeated hand washing, as required in health care settings, can dry the skin and damage skin integrity. Correct hand washing techniques can reduce the risk of skin damage. Wetting the hands before applying soap, using only a small amount of soap, rinsing well, drying carefully and using a moisturizer all help to protect the skin. It is important for health care workers to look after their hands both at work and at home. Wearing utility gloves for washing the dishes or doing laundry, and using gardening gloves help to maintain skin integrity.
Soap
Plain soap, used in conjunction with water and friction, is effective in removing the majority of microorganisms and suitable for routine/social hand washing needs. Antiseptic soaps remove micro-organisms in the same manner as plain soap, but also inactivate any microorganisms that remain following hand washing. They are recommended prior to clinical and surgical procedures where it is important to reduce bacterial counts as low as possible. It is preferable to use hand washing soaps that are mild, unscented and which contain emollients or moisturizers.
Who should wash their hands?

Everyone in health care settings should wash their hands frequently to reduce their risk of infection and to avoid passing potentially infectious micro-organisms to others. This includes patients/residents/clients, their family members and visitors as well as health care workers.
When to wash hands?

When starting and finishing work Prior to and following contact with patients/residents/clients Following contact with blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions Following contact with mucous membranes and non intact skin, skin rashes After touching contaminated devices e.g. urine measuring device Following removal of gloves Prior to food preparation, eating, or feeding others Following use of the toilet and nappy changes After touching animals Whenever hands feel dirty or are visibly soiled.
How to wash hands (routine/social hand wash)

Remove watch and jewellery; roll sleeves up above elbow (improves the ability to wash the hands and wrists thoroughly) Wet hands with water (avoid hot water which can dry skin) Place a small amount of soap on your hands (3-5 mls is enough; too much can be drying to the skin)
Page 50 of 81 CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)
CHARLTON BROWN
Rub hands together vigorously to create a lather, making sure to clean under fingernails, and wash fingertips, in between and around fingers, the palms and tops of the hands, and around the thumbs. Do this for around 10-15 seconds (or longer if hands appear dirty) Rinse all surfaces of the hands well, using plenty of running water (removing all of the soap prevents skin irritation from residual chemical) Pat hands dry carefully with a paper towel (rubbing with paper towel can damage the skin) Use the paper towel to turn off the tap to avoid contaminating clean hands Use moisturizer following hand washing to replace some of the oils removed from the skin surface during washing (micro-organisms adhere more readily to dry, cracked skin).
Clinical hand wash

Wash hands, lathering all surfaces vigorously for 30-60 seconds, rinse well, pat dry with paper towel Performed before any invasive procedure Plain liquid soap or antiseptic soap (refer antisepsis) Removes transient and some resident organisms.
Surgical scrub
Thoroughly wash hands, nails and forearms for 3-5 minutes, rinse carefully Keeping hands above elbows, dry with sterile towel performed before any surgical procedure and use antiseptic soap The use of nail brushes is discouraged unless used for a specific reason at the commencement of the operative day/list To maintain the residual effect of the antiseptic, use the same product concurrently throughout the day. Barrier creams are to be antiseptic-compatible Removes transient and resident organisms.
Standard precautions are:

Standard safe work practices that are to be applied to all patients and clients regardless of their known or presumed infectious status Minimum requirements for the control of infection in all settings and all situations, including those where a high risk of infection transmission exists Designed to protect both patients and health care workers.
Elements of standard precautions

Standard precautions comprise the following measures: Hand washing Use of appropriate personal protective equipment to provide a barrier to contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin or mucous membranes, immunization of health care workers Use of aseptic technique to reduce patient/client exposure to micro-organisms Management of sharps, blood spills, linen, and waste to maintain a safe environment Routine environmental cleaning.
Changing hand washing behaviour

To increase compliance with hand washing, several strategies may be considered: Create an organizational culture that promotes the desired behaviour from top down Educate health care staff, patients, residents, visitors regarding when, why and how to wash hands Locate suitable hand washing facilities to improve accessibility and visibility Select suitable hand washing solution for the task Encourage use of suitable hand moisturizers to protect and maintain skin integrity Use opinion leaders to promote and role model desired behaviour Conduct educational sessions for all health care workers using strategies such as fluorescent marker dye, and performance feedback Educate health care staff on the importance of hand care to prevent skin breakdown Consider suitable alternatives (e.g. hygienic hand rub) to improve compliance.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 51 of 81
Hand antisepsis (hygienic hand rub)

Hand antisepsis involves use of a chemical means to inactivate micro-organisms on the surface of the hands and may be used as an alternative to hand washing in the following circumstances: When hands are not visibly contaminated with organic matter.
When hand basins are not readily accessible

Products such as alcoholic-chlorhexidine hand rubs or gels have the following characteristics: Highly effective anti-microbial performance Rapid activity/drying Portable, readily accessible.
Technique:
A small portion (3-5 ml) is dispensed and rubbed across all surfaces of both hands and allowed to dry. Caution: alcoholic solutions are flammable and should be stored at temperatures under 25C. Refer to the product manufacturer or Material Safety Data Sheet for detail.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Standard precautions categories all body fluids and substances as potentially infectious and aim to minimize exposure of hands, skin and mucosa to these substances through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Personal protective equipment is required in the following situations: When there is risk of exposure to blood and other body fluids, secretions and excretions regardless of whether they contain visible blood (excluding sweat) Contact with non-intact skin, including skin rashes Contact with mucous membranes.
Health care facilities are responsible for providing readily available personal protective equipment for staff that complies with relevant standards. Australian Standards Personal protective equipment for standard precautions comprises: Use of gloves (appropriate to the task) Facial protection: use of protective eyewear and a fluid repellent surgical facemask, or use of a face shield Use of impermeable aprons or gowns.
Gloves Gloves protect skin from direct contamination with blood and body fluids. The following guidelines apply: Gloves are not a substitute for hand washing Hands should be washed following glove removal Gloves are changed between patients, when punctured or torn, and between different procedures on the same patient Gloves are not to be washed or disinfected between patients as the surfactants damage the integrity of the glove(s).
Glove selection is to be task appropriate: Non-sterile gloves for contact with non-sterile body areas and performing procedures that do not require sterile technique, use disposable, non-sterile (examination) gloves compliant with AS/NZS 4011 Sterile gloves for sterile procedures, wear disposable, sterile gloves compliant with AS/NZS 4179. It is recommended that surgeons wear double sterile gloves during exposure prone procedures (RACS 1994)
Page 52 of 81 CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)
CHARLTON BROWN
Utility gloves for instrument cleaning and housekeeping activities, wear general-purpose utility gloves. These are to be cleaned and stored dry between uses, and replaced when showing signs of deterioration.
Facial protection When splash or spray to the face is anticipated, both protective eyewear and a fluid repellent surgical mask should be worn, or a full-face shield. Protective Eyewear Eyewear is to comply with AS/NZS 1337. Wear eye protection in conjunction with a mask during dental procedures, phlebotomy, operating room procedures, manual cleaning of instruments and other events that have the potential to splash or spray the face. These should be able to be cleaned routinely and when visibly soiled. Masks Masks are to comply with AS 4381. Wear a fluid repellent surgical mask to cover the nose and mouth, in conjunction with eye protection, when potential exists for splashes or sprays to the face, or aerosol generation. Remove and discard mask when the procedure is completed and if the mask becomes wet or visibly soiled. It is recommended that health care workers exposed continuously to aerosols change their masks after 20 minutes of exposure. Gowns/plastic aprons Wear an unsterile gown or plastic apron when there is potential for contamination of clothing with blood or body fluids, secretions, excretions. For exposure to large volumes of body fluids, fluid-impermeable or resistant gowns are recommended. Change gowns between patients. AS 3789.2 and AS 3789.3 Immunization Immunization protects health care workers and those in their care from vaccine preventable diseases. Queensland Health is in the process of developing a policy on the vaccination of health care workers in relation to: Measles, mumps, rubella Hepatitis B (mandatory for Queensland health care workers) Hepatitis A Tuberculosis Varicella zoster virus (chicken pox) Influenza Polio Tetanus.
Sharps management Contaminated sharps pose the greatest risk to health care workers of exposure to blood-borne viruses. They should be handled with due care. Sharps handling and disposal: All staff should be educated with regard to the safe use, handling and disposal of sharps. People using a sharp object are responsible for safely disposing of the item, preferably directly at the point of use. The task should not be delegated. Contaminated sharps should not be broken or bent, removed from disposable syringes prior to disposal or passed by hand between health care workers.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 53 of 81
Avoid re-sheathing and passing needles (safety equipment such as puncture resistant needle mats/trays and re-sheathing devices may be used but they must be assessed by infection control personnel prior to purchase, approved by the facility, and staff educated in their safe use).
In the case of inappropriately disposed sharps, a sharps container should be taken to the location, the sharp handled and disposed of in a manner to avoid injury, and hands washed following disposal. You should report inappropriate disposal to your supervisor to facilitate remedial action. Cleaning of blood spills Cleaning of blood spills should occur as soon as possible. Environmental cleaning Routine environmental cleaning of health care facilities is required to minimize the number of microorganisms in the environment. Micro-organisms are unable to multiply on clean, dry surfaces. Linen handling All used linen should be handled with care to avoid dispersion of micro-organisms into the environment and to avoid contact with staff clothing. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment during handling of linen soiled with body substances. Bag used linen at location of use into an appropriate laundry receptacle. Linen soiled with body fluids or substances should be placed into leak-proof laundry bags for safe transport. Wash hands following handling of used linen.
Waste handling and disposal Manual handling of waste should be avoided Apply standard precautions to protect against exposure to blood and body fluids during handling of waste; wash hands following procedure Clinical waste must be contained in leak-proof bags or containers. These must not be over-filled or compacted by hand Waste should be contained in the appropriate receptacle (identified by colour and label) and disposed of according to the facility waste management plan
Waste handlers should be trained in how to manage spills of clinical waste. Infection control and employee health Role of infection control Infection control programs play a role in reducing the susceptibility of health care workers to occupationally acquired infectious diseases, and in ensuring that infectious health care workers do not place patients/clients at risk. Screening for evidence of immunity, instituting preventative measures, and managing situations involving infectious employees and workplace exposures to infectious diseases are the main objectives. The organisation of an employee health service will be influenced by the size of the institution, number of personnel, and the service offered. In cases where the workplace health service exists separately to the infection control service, the activities of workplace health must be coordinated with those of infection control to ensure the objectives of the infection control program are achieved. Coordination will ensure adequate surveillance of workplace infections, establishment of preventive strategies and effective coordination of exposure investigations and outbreaks.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 54 of 81
RECOGNISE SITUATIONS WHEN ADDITIONAL INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURES ARE REQUIRED

Overview
Additional precautions are measures used in addition to standard precautions when extra barriers are required to prevent transmission of specific infectious diseases. They require: Isolation of the infectious source to prevent transmission of the infectious agent to susceptible people in the health care setting A means for alerting people entering an isolation area of the need to wear particular items to prevent disease transmission.
Additional precautions - categories The following categories of additional precautions are based on three routes (i.e. contact, droplet and airborne) of infection transmission in health care settings: Contact precautions Droplet precautions
Airborne precautions. Some diseases require observation of more than one category of additional precautions to prevent transmission (e.g. chickenpox requires both airborne and contact precautions). Additional precautions apply in cases of suspected or confirmed infection; they should be commenced empirically. Contact precautions Infection transmission in health care settings may occur via direct or indirect contact with contaminated animate and inanimate surfaces. Staff may acquire organisms on their hands during patient contact or contact with contaminated objects in the environment and subsequently transfer the organisms to a susceptible person. Contact transmission may also occur when people come into contact with contaminated items.
Additional precautions - general information

Patient equipment Equipment should be allocated to patients on additional precautions when possible Limit the amount of equipment and furniture in isolation rooms Reusable equipment should be cleaned with detergent and water (or wiped with alcohol wipes if not soap and water compatible) prior to reuse on other patients If the item normally requires disinfection or sterilization, usual procedures apply.
Cleaning of isolation rooms Housekeeping personnel are to comply with relevant additional (and standard) precautions: An isolation area is to be cleaned after non-isolation areas have been attended to (clean to dirty work flow), or, using cleaning equipment allocated for use in the isolation area. If there are a number of isolation areas, each should be treated separately and cleaning materials changed between each area / room Mop heads should be laundered following use in each isolation area
Daily cleaning of isolation areas involves the use of detergent and water Disinfectants should only be used on advice of infection control personnel. Cleaning following discharge includes changing of screens if this is indicated, use of detergent and water, careful attention to cleaning of all items and surfaces (particularly areas in contact with hands of the patient and staff), and continued observation of the relevant additional precautions until the room is cleaned. In the case of patients on airborne precautions who were not accommodated in a negative pressure room, observe airborne precautions for at least two hours following patient discharge.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 55 of 81
Linen Minimize contact with and agitation of all used linen in patient care areas. Place linen into a laundry bag/skip, located in isolation area. Linen from isolation rooms is to be handled and laundered in the same manner as linen from non-infectious patients. Crockery and utensils Disposable crockery and utensils are unnecessary. Items used by patients on additional precautions do not require containment, and are to be treated in the same manner as those used by non-infectious people (i.e. washed in a dishwasher). Waste Waste in an isolation area is to be treated in the same manner as that in non isolation areas, and segregated into clinical and related waste and general waste streams. Handle waste using standard precautions. There is no requirement for special waste disposal bags to be used in isolation rooms. The decision to treat all waste from people with communicable diseases as clinical waste should be made by clinicians on the basis of the mode of disease transmission and infection potential of the waste. Employee health Where possible, non-immune staff should avoid caring for patients with those communicable diseases to which they are susceptible, however adherence to standard and additional precautions reduces the risk of infection transmission. Follow up of health care workers exposed to infectious diseases may be necessary. Immunization of health care workers Queensland Health has previously disseminated the Queensland Health Policy for Hepatitis B Immunization Related to Health Care Workers. This document states that Hepatitis B immunization is mandatory (i.e. a condition of employment) for all health care workers employed in Queensland Health establishments. The Guidelines for Implementation of Queensland Health Policy for Hepatitis B (HBV) Immunization in Relation to Health Care Workers aids the interpretation of the Hepatitis B immunization policy and provides recommendations for post exposure prophylaxis.
APPLY ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS WHEN STANDARD PRECAUTIONS ALONE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO PREVENT TRANSMISSION OF INFECTION
When additional precautions are required the worker needs to know what to do. There will be additional instructions to follow to control an infection and these will be noted in the care plan.
Extra infection control procedures

Isolating the person Implementing barrier nursing
What to do
People with a particular medical condition may need to be kept in a particular room or area All staff entering the infectious area must wear gloves, gowns, and facial masks to protect themselves from catching any infection. All linen leaving the room or area is cleaned separately This is where a person with poor immunity is protected from getting an infection from staff, visitors or other residents. Linen needs to be considered infectious if soiled with body fluids.
Reverse barrier nursing
Notices will be placed on doors to rooms to warn visitors to report to the supervisor before entering the room. There should also be a trolley outside the room with extra equipment gloves, gowns required for barrier nursing. Everyone involved in the persons care must be instructed in barrier nursing procedures.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 56 of 81
IDENTIFY OTHER SOURCES OF INFECTION FOR WORKERS

Sources of infection Infection source
Food left out of fridge Food scraps not put in bin Fridge House Laundry Open doors or lack of screens Pantry Poor skin hygiene such as dirty clothing or skin Toilet Unclean pets
Likely infection risk

Salmonella from poor food storage Mould and other infections from food scraps Salmonella from refrigerated food stored for too long Mould in houses may trigger asthma Skin infection from bacteria Files and other insects may contaminate food Nausea caused by cockroaches Skin infection such as tinea or scabies Hepatitis from faeces Dog bites cause infection Dogs and cats may pass on fleas whose bites can become infected
Other sources of infection

Worker/client with dirty hair Worker/client with dirty hands Worker/client with dirty nails Worker with soiled clothing Resident/ client with soiled clothing
How to manage
Wash hair regularly Wash hands using correct hand washing techniques Cut or trim nails and wash nails carefully to ensure they are kept clean Change clothing at the end of each shift Change clothing as needed clean clothes help the older persons feelings of well being
IDENTIFY OTHER HAZARDS AND ASSESS RISK ................................................................................................

IDENTIFY OTHER HAZARDS IN THE WORK AREA
Other hazards you may come across in the workplace Chemical hazards Electrical hazards Equipment hazards Other hazards in a clients home Personal hazards.
Chemical hazards Chemicals must be used in accordance with instructions. The workplace will have material safety data sheets (MSDS). This information is important for: Handling spills different chemicals require different cleanup methods Estimating exposure sometimes just breathing a chemical can be dangerous Designing ventilation (air flow) some chemicals cannot be used in closed spaces.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 57 of 81
Employers have a legal responsibility to make sure employees and others in the workplace have access to MSDSs for any hazardous chemicals used at work. MSDSs also contain information about first aid, health effects, protective equipment, storing chemicals and cleaning up chemical spills. Health effects - Chemicals can cause different health problems. The MSDSs provide the short and long term affects if a person comes in contact with the chemical. First aid - MSDSs have the information for providing first aid and will contain the directions for medical assistance. Personal protective equipment - MSDSs will explain the requirements of PPE when using chemicals. Storing chemicals - MSDSs provide the information for storage of chemicals. All chemicals must be in the right type of container and include a label with accurate information. Toxic or hazardous substances You are unlikely to be exposed to any toxic or hazardous substances except for body fluids. Always wear gloves when there is a risk of contact with body fluids. Gases and liquids under pressure oxygen is considered a drug and can only be ordered by a doctor. There needs to be signs saying oxygen is in use and that no smoking allowed in the area due to possible risk of explosion. Cleaning chemicals To comply with WHS legislation, most workplaces say what chemicals must be used. Cleaning up chemical spills All chemical spills must be cleaned up immediately. You need to follow the MSDSs and the workplace policies and procedures. You should know about: Toxic or hazardous substances Gases and liquids under pressure Cleaning chemicals such as bleach.
Electrical hazards Faulty equipment, damaged plugs or power points and faulty wiring are all workplace electrical hazards. Some things to remember about electricity: Do not attempt to fix electrical appliances yourself Do not over load power points use a power board Recommend the installation of safety switches Only licensed electrical contractors who meet legal safety standards should undertake repairs to electrical equipment Water and electricity do not mix.
Equipment hazards To avoid equipment hazards: Always make sure that equipment is maintained properly Always report equipment that is faulty or in poor conditions Never attempt to fix equipment Only use the right equipment for the job Always follow guidelines for using equipment Always follow manufactures instructions.
Other hazards in a clients home The main hazards to watch for are the general workplace hazards plus:
CHARLTON BROWN Page 58 of 81 CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)
Being asked by the client or family to move heavy objects Being in an isolated location Insects and spiders or aggressive pets Poor access it could be hard to get into or move around Soiled linen. Always report and record your concerns to your supervisor.
Other environmental hazards:

Other environmental hazards
Glare from sunlight or bright lights Clutter or mess Extreme temperatures Fumes Incorrect bench heights Noisy equipment Poor lightening Poor seating Slippery floors Unguarded machines
What might happen

Glare may cause someone to trip over something or someone Clutter may cause someone to trip over something or someone This may harm workers or clients or prevent equipment from working properly Fumes could suffocate a person or give them breathing problems This could put strain on a persons back This could mean that the equipment is damaged. It could even cause a fire to start May cause someone to trip over something or someone This may cause back injuries Could cause someone to slip Clothing or body parts may be caught in moving machinery
Personal hazards
Many people can find work confronting or threatening if it becomes too difficult or problems go on for too long. They can begin to feel that life is unbalanced as they focus on their work all the time. The person begins to feel stressed.
Stressed
When you are stressed your: Heart rate increases Blood flow to your digestive organs decrease Breathing is fast and shallow Muscles are tense
Relaxed
When you are relaxed your: Heart rate decreases Blood flow to your extremities increase Breathing is deep and slow Muscles are relaxed
Each time you feel stressed, there is an effect on your body. Give your body time to heal and relax. Continual or long term stress can lead to fatigue and over time, your physical and mental health is affected. There are many different reasons for feeling stress. It may be a combination of things happening at the same time.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 59 of 81
Signs and symptoms of stress

These are common signs and symptoms of stress you may: Be unable to sit and relax Become forgetful Experience frequent illness or accidents Experience frequent pain in back, neck or head Feel dizzy, weak or shaky Feel fatigue most of the time Feel jittery or have butterflies in stomach Have changes in appetite and digestion Have difficulties sleeping Have difficulty concentrating Have difficulty getting organised Have hot and cold spells, increased sweating Often feel angry and/ or depressed.
Some stress factors Stress factor

Work
Reason for the stress

Boring or repetitive work, or to little to do Confusion over , or too much, responsibility for managing others Confusion over priorities, time frames and standards Too little or too much training or support for the job Too much to do in too little time Being bullied or harassed Lack of communication or consultation between manager and employee Misguided practical jokes or inappropriate behaviour Negative culture based blame for and denial of problems Poor relationships with colleagues Being on call can also affect your normal body cycles When shifts change the body has difficulty adjusting and stress can develop Working shift work and irregular hours can lead to stress
Work relationships
Working hours
Stress management
Your supervisor may be able to help you if you are feeling stressed about work. There may be employee support services that you can use. Some ways to help manage stress you should: Break down jobs that are too big Eat, sleep and exercise properly Include things you enjoy doing into your routine Laugh Learn relaxation techniques Mix with people with positive energy Practice negotiation skills and assertiveness skills Set priorities and make plans.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 60 of 81
ASSESS LEVEL OF RISK

Risk assessment involves: Working out whether the hazard can cause an injury the injury could be to the person performing the task or it could be to another person
Understanding why the hazard could cause injury. To work out whether the hazard can cause an injury you need to know what he hazard is. There might be a high risk or low risk that someone will get injured. This is called assessing the level of risk. Once you know the level of risk, you need to work out whether it is possible to reduce or remove the risk.
Example The hazard of water on the bathroom floor: This is a high risk as the client may slip or fall and injure themselves. You know you can eliminate the risk if you always dry the bathroom floor as soon as the person has finished their shower.
Risks are usually assessed as being high, medium or low. High risks include objects on the floor, spills on the floor and incorrect use of equipment. Medium risk is when there is a chance that someone may get hurt Low risk is when there is a chance that someone will be hurt.
Gathering information
Ask yourself: Is it possible to identify the hazard? What action should be taken to eliminate or reduce the hazard or eliminate or reduce the risk? How likely it is someone will be injured or harmed? How serious would the injury or harm be if something did happen? How many people would be affected and how often would these people be exposed to the risk of injury or harm?
Assessing risks involves the following three steps or the SAM steps:
1. S: Spot the hazard 2. A: Assess the risk 3. M: Make changes

S Spot the hazard Spot all of the possible sources of injury or harm in your workplace. Once you have identified the sources of injury or harm, try to eliminate or minimise these hazards. Assessing whether something is a high, medium or low risk helps you decide which hazard is the most important to deal with. Consider two factors: 1. the chance of each of the hazards actually occurring the likelihood 2. the extent of the harm or ill health if it happens the consequences It is important to gather all the information to help make an estimate. Once you know about the hazard, you can make the changes needed to remove or reduce it.
Assess the risk
Making changes
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 61 of 81
CONDUCT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

As an aged care worker, you may be required to be involved in conducting an environmental assessment to identify risks to safety. In most cases this would be conducted by the workplace health and safety officer or your supervisor. The following are examples of different styles of WHS checklists WHS Checklist - Nursing Ward/Area: Date: Representatives: Please check the appropriate columns. When unsafe conditions or operations are noted, explain findings and give locations in the comments section following, if they constitute a significant immediate risk to staff, the Nurse Manager must be notified without delay . Please indicate action you have taken to eliminate the issues reported. For those beyond your control, submit recommendations to the Clinical Director/Nursing Workplace Health & Safety Committee.
Is there a risk or potential hazard Environment & Equipment

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Floor condition - Are there loose surfaces etc that could cause slips or trips? Aisles - Are passages clear and equipment stored correctly away? Are floor traffic patterns developed to prevent collisions for all persons? Furniture - Are doors and drawers closed, furniture correctly positioned (not causing an obstruction) and no sharp edges on surfaces and corners? Bedside - Are bed adjustment handles pushed in and furniture not creating a hazard (including drawers + cupboards closed)? Electrical - Are equipment & cords in good condition, checked and tagged? Lighting - Is there adequate lighting in all work areas? Equipment for Patients - Beds, trolleys, wheelchairs and commodes are maintained (especially wheels and brakes) and work appropriately? - are there appropriate aids e.g. grab bars and non slip mats? Sharps - Are there sufficient containers and are any overfills? Safety Equipment - Is the appropriate safety equipment provided (e.g. for handling hot items in the pan room; the handling of patients). Emergency - Are fire exits clear, emergency equipment accessible and the Emergency Procedures Manual clearly available? Security - are I D badges worn and clearly visible, and non staff members actions noted (if unusual)? General - Are medical gas cylinders secured, and is the smoking policy obeyed? (no smoking except approved/external areas) Safe Unsafe
8 9
10 11 12
Staff & Procedures (question staff in area) 13

Fire - Test staff on their knowledge of the fire orders, where to find break glass alarms & extinguishers and how to use them. Have they attended fire evacuation training and how long ago? Patient Lifting - Do staff participate in patient lifting? Have they received the appropriate training and how long ago (inc lifting hoists and other aids)?
14 15
General - Are staff aware of any risks or potential hazards? ...........................................................................................................

* Please include comments and recommendations on this next page. Please include reference number from previous page.
Hazard identification checklist Type of hazard (Please tick the hazard box and comment briefly or record the action taken) Inadequate lighting Comment/ action taken
Appropriate household cleaning equipment
Manual handling
Limited ventilation
Open wounds/ cuts
Infectious diseases
Chemicals or medications
Faulty electrical equipment
Overloaded power points
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 63 of 81
Pets
Bathroom equipment and supplies
Loose floor coverings
Client behaviour
FOLLOW PROCEDURES AND STRATEGIES FOR RISK CONTROL ...............................................................................................

REPORT HAZARDS IN THE WORK AREA TO DESIGNATED PERSONNEL
Policies and procedures in the workplace for dealing with emergencies or hazards and for controlling risks may vary from organisation to organisation. Although the requirement to report remains the same and that you must report by informing the supervisor or manager. To control risks in the workplace you may need to report hazards in your work area: Directly to your supervisor face-to-face Via the phone, notes or memos
Through report forms. You need to know what your workplace expects you to do to report a hazard or emergency. The following table describes some of the ways hazards may need to be reported. Reporting Notify all staff at handover Putting alert tags on faulty equipment Speaking to the appropriate person Telephone your supervisor What to do Tell the staff replacing your shift about any identified hazards. Attach alert tags to let everyone know there is a problem with the equipment and that it is not to be used. Speak to your WHS officer, representative, committee person, or your supervisor or manager to ask their advice about what you need to do. You may need to report a hazard or risk as soon as possible; when working in the community the quickest way is to phone your supervisor or manager and let them know about the situation. Write about the hazard in the communication book or on a hazard identification form. Ensure that it is factual and easy to understand.
Writing a report
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 64 of 81
FOLLOW WORKPLACE PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTROLLING RISKS

Principles of Hazard Prevention and Control First Choice
1. Eliminate the risk Workplace design, work practice or equipment to remove the risk straightaway Example: immediately mop a spill on the floor
2. Design or substitute to reduce risk Reduce risk through workplace, work practice, substance design or substitution Example: replace a 10kg package with two 5kg packages
3. Equipment to reduce risk To reduce risk use mechanical aids, equipment covers, changes to the environment Example: use a hoist to help a person from the floor
4. Administration to reduce risk Use written procedures, work organisation, job rotation, supervision and inspections to reduce risk Example: manual handling policy
5. Training for handling risks Task specific training Example: how to use specific equipment
6. Personal protection from risk Example: wear appropriate gloves when handling chemicals
Final Choice (Adapted from information at: www.nohsc.gov.au)
These steps are commonly called the hierarchy of control. A hierarchy is a set of steps or choices starting with the best choice and ending with the final choice. Elimination (1st choice) Get rid of the hazard is the most effective control measure. Examples are: Remove a chemical from a work task Remove or modify a noisy machine Increase equipment to eliminate lifting Install extra power points to get rid of extension cords from the floor.
Substitution (2nd choice) Replace the hazard with something that is safer to use. Examples are: Vacuum the area because this generates less dust than sweeping Replace toxic solvents with safer detergents Replace manual equipment with electrical operated equipment Replace glass with plastic to prevent breakages.
Control (3rd choice) Control the hazard by redesign or separation. Examples are: Exhaust fans to remove dangerous fumes Machinery guards around moving parts Install thermal insulation to reduce heat or cold Relocate hazard away from workers. Elimination, Substitution & Control is the main methods of reducing workplace hazards Introduce safe working procedures (4th choice) This involves limiting exposure, modifying work plan or providing training. Examples are: Develop step-by-step written and/or visual plans Arrange regular cleaning and rubbish removal Organise job rotation Restrict entry to hazardous areas Do not allow people to work alone Provide training on dealing with hazards. Personal Protective Equipment (Last resort) This is the final choice to protect workers from a hazard. It isnt recommended unless all other means of hazard prevention have been tried.
REMEMBER the hazard still exists- PPE will not eliminate it entirely What is PPE? It is Personal Protective Equipment. PPE will protect you from hazards if it is in good condition. However, it will not get rid of hazards. If the PPE fails, the worker will be exposed to the hazard. Using manual handling as an example, the workplace can minimise the amount of handling and reduce the amount of risk. You must follow your workplace policies and procedures for guidelines in this area.
Example
Providing equipment
Minimises manual handling and reduce risk

Slide sheets to move easily the client to reduce risk of injury Transfer belts to assist with transfers Hoists to help in the lifting and transfer process Wall bars for clients to use to reduce the risk of falls Positioning of beds in rooms to the centre to reduce risk of strains Staff to do warm up exercises before starting work Dividing loads into smaller sizes To meet specific needs
Changing the workplace layout Changing work practices Changing the weight to be moved Training
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 66 of 81
FOLLOW WORKPLACE PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH INCIDENTS, FIRE AND/OR HAZARDOUS EVENTS
Workplace Evacuation Procedures If there was a fire in your workplace would you know what to do or where to go? If you dont know you should find out. All workplaces should have an evacuation plan. It shows you how to get out of a building safely if there was a fire. It is important to practice fire evacuations often so that everybody knows what happens and what to do. Panic will be avoided if everyone knows the routine. Some workplaces have one or more fire wardens to help control the emergency, making sure everyone is out of the building. Important points during evacuation: Go to nearest fire exit If you go through smoke hold a towel or handkerchief to your face possible) Smoke rises so get down low and go, go, go! Close windows and doors as you go If the door handle or door feels hot, do not open it Let your mates know if they are still working If someone is trapped, try to rescue him or her if it is safe Do not use lifts, use stairs Assemble at the proper place and have your name checked off Do not go back into the building unless told by the fire service that it is safe Obey instructions of the fire warden. (wet if
Fire Fire can happen very quickly and without warning. You must act quickly to stop it getting out of control. Most people die from the effects of the smoke rather than from the heat of the flames. Fires are divided into classes: A class B class C class E class F class Solid materials (timber, paper, coal, textiles) Flammable liquids (petrol, oil, paint & chemicals) Flammable gases (methane, acetylene and LPG) Electrical (motors and switchboards) Fire involving cooking oil and fats
How do fires start? A fire wont start unless three elements are present. They are shown on the fire triangle as:
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 67 of 81
All three must be in the right proportion for a fire to start and keep burning. Causes of workplace fires: Electrical faults Poor housekeeping Dust and vapour mixing to explosive levels Smoking in the wrong area Friction.
How do you put out the fire? You must break the fire triangle by taking away one of the elements. You can do this by:
Smothering: Remove or exclude air
Cooling: Remove heat
Starving: Remove the fuel Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are colour coded to let you know what type of fire they can be used for. You will find them near exits and in work areas. Triangles are placed above the point where the extinguisher is located to make them easier to find. They have a coloured spot in the middle to indicate the type of extinguisher. A Class - Solid materials (timber, paper, coal, textiles)
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 68 of 81
What to use
Colour of Extinguisher
Best to use Best to use Best to use Can use
Water Foam Vaporising liquid Dry Powder
Red Blue Red with Yellow band Red with White band
Do not use
Carbon Dioxide
Red with Black band
B Class Flammable liquids (petrol, oil, paint & chemicals)
What to use
Best to use Best to use Best to use Best to use Do not use
Foam Dry Powder Carbon Dioxide Vaporising liquid Water
Blue Red with White band Red with Black band Red with Yellow band Red
C Class Flammable gases (methane, acetylene and LPG)
What to use
Best to use Do not use Do not use Do not use Do not use
Dry Powder Carbon Dioxide Vaporising liquid Foam Water
Red with White band Red with Black band Red with Yellow band Blue Red
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 69 of 81
E Class - Electrical (motors and switchboards)
What to use
Best to use Best to use Best to use Do not use Do not use F Class Cooking oils and Fats
Dry Powder Carbon Dioxide Vaporising liquid Foam Water
Red with White band Red with Black band Red with Yellow band Blue Red
What to use
Best to use Best to use Best to use Do not use Do not use
Wet Chemical Carbon Dioxide Foam Water Dry Powder AB(E)
Grey Red with Black band Blue Red Red with White band
Classes of Fire Extinguisher

Not all fires are the same. If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on the wrong class of fire, you can, in fact, make matters worse. To assist people to quickly identify the right type of fire extinguisher, pictographs are used to represent different classes of fire. There are six different classes represented by the letters A, B, C, D, E and F. These pictographs can be found on all modern fire extinguishers and indicate which classes of fires the extinguisher will work for, or should not be used for. Fires are normally classified according to the fuel involved; however, any fire that involves energised electrical equipment is always classified as a class (E) until the electrical circuit is disconnected. It is then reclassed according to the type of material that is burning.
Extinguisher
Description
Water Red in colour, it contains nine litres of water under pressure and is to be used in an upright position. It is designed for use on carbonaceous solids such as wood, paper, rubbish or textiles, and has a discharge period of 60 - 100 seconds. Water extinguishers are unsuitable for flammable liquid fires. These extinguishers must never be used on fires involving live electrical equipment. Foam Blue in colour, it contains nine litres of an aqueous film-forming foam additive, and is to be used in an upright position. It is designed for use on flammable liquid fires such as petrol, oils and paint and has a discharge period of 40 - 90 seconds. This extinguisher must never be used on fires involving live electrical equipment.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 70 of 81
Carbon Dioxide Red in colour with a black band, it is designed for use on fires involving flammable liquids and live electrical equipment. The discharge period depends on the size of the extinguisher.
Dry Chemical Red in colour with a white band, it contains a bi-carbonate based powder and is suitable for fires involving flammable liquids and live electrical equipment. The discharge period depends on the size of the extinguisher.
Wet Chemical Gold in colour, it has a liquid alkaline extinguishing agent, and is specifically designed for use in kitchens on deep fryer fires involving fat and cooking oil. This extinguisher must never be used on fires involving live electrical equipment. Portable fire extinguishers are generally inspected/ checked twice per year in accordance with Australian Standard AS1851. Note: BCF (halon) extinguishers are yellow in colour. These extinguishers have been withdrawn in accordance with environmental guidelines since 1 January 1997.
CONTRIBUTE TO WHS IN THE WORKPLACE ..............................................................................................

EMPLOYEE RIGHTS AND EMPLOYER OBLIGATIONS REGARDING CONSULTATION ON WHS MATTERS
The Qld Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 aims to protect the health, safety and welfare of people at work. The act must be followed by all workplaces in Queensland except mining industries. (The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) is moving towards harmonisation of health and safety laws in Australia. It is expected that new national legislation will be introduced.)
Duties of Employers
The duty of care for an employer is to provide a safe and healthy working environment, which includes: Safe premises (buildings, entry & exit access) Safe and hygienic working environment Safe equipment Trained and competent workforce Sufficient information, instruction and supervision for workers to safely complete tasks.
Your employer must also: Help with the election of a workplace WHS representative or safety committee Support the people chosen to be WHS representatives Provide information to the WHS representative about hazards that happen or might happen in the workplace Let the WHS representative know about accidents or dangerous incidents that happen.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 71 of 81
Duties of Manufacturers Many workplace injuries are caused by improperly built or designed materials, machinery and equipment. People who design, manufacture, import, supply, erect, or install machinery and equipment must ensure the items are safe to use. They must test their products and provide information about health and safety issues. Such information includes: Specifications Dangers associated with use Test data Safe operating / handling conditions MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets- for substances).
Duties of Employees Employees must not wilfully act in a manner that endangers them or any other persons. Employees: Must use guarding and other safety devices when provided e.g. machinery guards, personal protective equipment (PPE), exclusion zones Must follow instructions given by employer Must not wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse safety equipment provided Must not wilfully put at risk the health and safety of others. The legislation is preventative rather than reactive. It is better to prevent the accident from occurring in the first place than to deal with the consequences. Breaches of the Act An employer, employee, manufacturer, or other person may be charged for failing to provide suitable Duty of Care and be fined and/or charged in court. Inspectors from the Division of Workplace Health and Safety can visit your workplace to check if it is following the requirements of the WH&S Act. Accident and Inquiry Tribunal If an accident occurs, it must be reported by filling out an Incident Notification Form. An accident and inquiry tribunal may be set up to investigate and report on the causes of major accidents and/or incidents. Queensland Workplace Health & Safety Regulations This book gives detailed information on some sections of the Queensland WH&S Act. When you read the Act you may have to refer to the Regulations for further information. Codes of Practice/Advisory Standards These are guidance notes for specific work tasks. They assist by giving advice about additional safety measures. Unlike the overall Act and its regulations, codes need not be implemented to the letter. However, they are an excellent guide to safe working practices for specific roles in that particular industry/ occupation. Health and Safety Committees Many workplaces have a Health and Safety Committee to help maintain health and safety standards at work. Duties of the committee are to: Give advice on safety matters at work Help keep people interested in health and safety and try to reduce work injuries and work related illnesses Promote training and education on health and safety Work on ideas to reduce hazards Design risk management strategies in consultation with management Talk about recent work injuries, illnesses and accidents and advise the employer of the results Maintain records of meetings including any recommendations.
Health and Safety Officers Required on site for workplaces with 30 or more persons at work at the one time, or due to the hazardous nature of the work. Qualifications Must have a sound knowledge of: Duties Advise the employer or contractor on the overall state of health & safety in the workplace Conduct inspections of the workplace looking for unsafe or unsuitable conditions and practices Report findings of inspections to the employer Conduct educational programs on health and safety Ensure all injuries, illnesses and incidents are investigated and recorded Assist inspectors with their duties when required. The Act, Regulations and Codes of Practice relevant to the work performed Workplace health and safety practices Accident investigation procedures.
Health and Safety Representative Employees may nominate or elect a representative for the workplace. No specific experience or qualifications are required for this position unless required by the industry. Health and Safety Representatives can make inspections at set intervals and report findings in writing to the Health and Safety Officer or employer if no officer exists. Representatives are usually part of the Health and Safety Committee for the workplace. What should you do if you see something dangerous at work? If you think something is dangerous, talk to your supervisor or your Health and Safety Representative. They will either fix the problem or arrange to discuss the matter at the next Health and Safety meeting.
RAISE TASK AND/OR JOB SPECIFIC WHS ISSUES WITH APPROPRIATE PEOPLE
There are different ways to report big, small and urgent WHS problems. Some WHS problems are bigger or more urgent than others. You must report to your supervisor or WHS representative anything in the workplace that you think could be hazardous.
Changing condition The health and physical conditions of residents/ clients often worsen over time. Their conditions can change so gradually that you may not notice until you realise you are assisting more than usual. This needs to be reported to your supervisor. Appropriate equipment Its important that the correct equipment is available to be able to follow your workplace policies and procedures. As residents/ clients conditions change so too does the equipment used need to change or new equipment brought into use. When the demand for equipment is great, it places strain on workers to complete their tasks on time, your supervisor needs to know of these situations so recommendations can be made for more equipment. Communication When the workplace changes policies or new equipment is brought the managers will consult with all staff that will be affected by the changes. It is the responsibility of management to provide you with the information and training about the new policies and equipment. It is your responsibility to ensure you attend or read the information.
Follow-up Once a hazard has been attended it is common in the community care sector that feed back sheets/ followup reports are done. This advises you of what has been done and asks for your input. There are times when issues can re happen, even though the issue may have been addressed. You need to once again follow the workplace policies and procedures to complete the documents and advise your supervisor of the hazard. Training Having up-to-date information is important in the workplace. Most workplaces have regular training sessions for staff. Example: Annual first aid Infection control
Manual handling. It is your responsibility to make sure you remain up-to-date with training.
CONTRIBUTE TO PARTICIPATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR WHS MANAGEMENT

As workers, using equipment and doing tasks on a daily basis you are often more aware of noticing if something is or has become a hazard in the workplace. Some of the ways you can help to manage WHS include: Always follow workplace instructions and procedures Reporting any problems with procedures Sharing ideas about how to complete tasks or use equipment so work is completed safely Listening to other peoples ideas to learn how to work safely Going to meetings about WHS Making sure safety procedures are included in care plans so they can be provided safely to residents/ clients
Always work safely if you are not sure then ask an appropriate person. Sharing WHS information Training and information sessions you need to ensure that you attend these sessions. This way you keep up to date on safety issues. Team and case meetings You are able to also include issues of WHS in these meetings which are relevant to the discussions. Formal WHS meetings it is important that you attend these meetings to keep up to date with changes or potential changes or happening in the workplace related to WHS. Informal WHS meetings these can happen when the WHS representative has chat sessions or talks to you about your issues of concern. Completing reports each time you complete a hazard or incident report you are assisting the organisation to mange WHS issues. Your report will help the supervisor, manager, WHS representative to understand the WHS problems that caused the incident. This then helps to make a decision on how to fix the problem.
PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO SUPERVISOR ON HAZARDS IN WORK AREA

When you have ideas and information about how workplace hazards can be removed or reduced or how procedures could be easier, you should share these with your supervisor. Sharing your ideas and thoughts is called giving feedback. Your feedback could help the organisation remove or reduce a hazard and make the workplace safer for everyone.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 74 of 81
Giving feedback can take many forms: Speaking to the supervisor Completing a form Handover Reporting to WHS representative Reporting a hazard Hazard form Incident form Feedback form Documenting in the communication book of a hazard Talking to staff at handover of a hazard Talk with the representative about issues which have not been attended to in the workplace.
Safety audits
The manager or supervisor will carry out safety audits to check that records about safety are kept properly. Also checked are specific procedures, this is often done by observing workers performing the tasks. All workplaces need to check that policies and procedures are being followed. Audits can be done on any of the following health and safety areas: Hand washing Infection control Electrical safety Equipment safety
Disposal of incontinence pads. The information gathered during the audit will help the supervisor lean whether the procedures are being followed properly. Should this not be the case then steps can be taken to ensure staff are following the correct policies and procedures.
PROVIDE SUPPORT IN IMPLEMENTING PROCEDURES TO CONTROL RISKS

Remember you are part of a team and everyone has a role to play to keep the workplace safe. Risks of injury and infection are reduced or controlled when all staff follow these procedures. Some tips you can follow to control risks: Keep healthy and look after yourself and your hygiene Follow infection control procedures Follow WHS policies and procedures for manual handling Dispose of waste material safely Help with audits when you are asked Know your WHS representative Make sure you know the fire and emergency procedures Report any WHS problems to your WHS representative Report and record any unpredictable or aggressive behaviour from residents/clients Report and record hazards correctly Use and dispose of sharps safely Use chemicals safely Use personal protective equipment (PPE) properly.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 75 of 81
SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES ................................................................................................

Increasingly more Australian women and men are working. There has been an increase of women working, of around 10 percent in 20 years to 1.8 million working leading to significant implications for how we live, work and care. This is occurring against the background of changing family shape, with only 40 per cent now 'traditional' nuclear families of two parents sharing biological children. With a third of marriages in 2001 predicted to end in divorce, and big increases in sole parent households, work and care arrangements have to accommodate many kinds of transitions over the life course. It is against this background that demands for childcare have grown. (Barbara Pocock, 2011 ECA website) While much attention focuses on the effects of work on the ability to care for children, combining care and work in the future is increasingly going to be about aged care, with a quarter of our population predicted to be over 65 by 2036. Work is generally associated with positive wellbeing and social inclusion outcomes for both men and women. Having a job is, overall, a good thing but only in the right circumstances. Giving up more household hours to work affects people's capacity to do other important things to care for each other; exercise; spend time with neighbours, friends and families; and undertake formal or informal voluntary work. (Barbara Pocock, 2011 ECA website)
DEFINITION
Sustainable development is a perspective or a vision rather than a definition and provides room for many different starting points. One of the more well known and widely used definitions of sustainable development comes from the Brundtland Commission report Our common future from 1987 in which it defines sustainable development as development that meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The message from the United Nations is that we must ensure that basic human needs may be satisfied for all human beings without damaging the life sustaining system of our planet. A clear common message in the perspectives and definitions gathered from different international contexts is that the time line encompasses several generations and that there is always a global perspective. Individual involvement and responsibility are also integral parts of the concept of sustainable development. The key principle is that economic, social and environmental conditions and processes are integrated into a whole, but also includes opportunities to approach this whole from all different directions.
ECONOMIC
There are many constraints in aged care linked the funding. According to the Department of Health and Ageing, expenditure on health and residential aged care as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product is projected to rise from 9.3 per cent in 2002-03 to 12.4 per cent of GDP by 2032-33. The scope of peoples universal entitlement to health care funded by public monies should be debated over time to ensure that it is realistic, affordable and fair and will deliver the best health outcomes. Health care priorities should be decided with consideration of the clinical, economic and community perspectives. In Australia, as around the world, people are living longer and therefore there is an increase economic and social strain on the population and in turn, governments to ensure that all people are cared for. According to the Department of Health and Ageing, the current overall balance of taxation, private health insurance and out of pocket, contributions is appropriate and should be maintained over the next decade. The current scope and structure of safety net arrangements needs to be reviewed to cover a broader range of health costs in a simple and integrated way that continues to protect people from unaffordable out-of-pocket costs. Incentives for improved outcomes and efficiency should be strengthened in health care funding arrangements should involve a mix of: activity-based funding; payments for care of people over a period of time; and reward payments for good performance and timeliness of care. A fit-for-purpose approach to funding models should be applied. This may involve changing the scope of payments available to include more than the existing fee-for-service model currently used.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 76 of 81
The Department of Health and Ageing discusses the need to support system changes and enhance efficiencies, priority areas for new capital investments including: establishment of Comprehensive Primary Health Care Centres; expansion of sub-acute services; investments to support expansion of clinical education across service settings; e-health including person-controlled electronic health records and data systems; targeted investments in hospitals to support reshaping of roles; and to enable capital to be raised through both government and private sectors.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The healthcare sector is finding waste management issues to be increasingly important. Disposing of healthcare waste can have high costs and environmental implications. According to the Waste Management Guideline established by the Department of Human Services in Victoria, there are several strategies and containment measures that will assist us to understand what our obligations and requirements may include (http://www.capital.dhs.vic.gov.au/WasteManagementGuideline/) please see container information listed below. Waste management includes a variety of different aspects of working every day. Below are some areas of consideration as discussed by Queensland Department of Health (http://www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/for_government/waste_and_recycling_2376.html) as shown below.
Pests and disease

Food waste attracts pests and vermin, like feral pigs and rats. These pests and vermin can start or spread disease in the community. Piles of old garden waste and pieces of old furniture left in yards can shelter vermin and help them to breed. Dengue fever can be spread by mosquitoes that breed in anything that can hold water, like inside old car tyres, litter and even old palm fronds lying on the ground!
Poison and pollution

Illegally dumped pesticides, motor oil and other chemicals can contaminate land, creeks, and water supplies. People drinking or swimming in polluted water can get sick. Councils are required by law to clean up land contaminated with chemicals that they dispose of. Chemical clean-ups can be very expensive.
Human waste and diseases

It is very important to keep human waste out of water supplies. Human waste (faeces, poo, kuma, urine, wee) contains diseases that make people sick. Human waste can get into the local water supplies from leaking septic tanks, releasing contaminated water from sewerage treatment plants, dirty nappies, leaking sewerage pipes and people using local creeks as a toilet.
Injury and disease

People can get diseases like tetanus and leptospirosis if they cut or scratch themselves on pieces of metal, nails or glass. Children can be seriously hurt by playing with old car batteries or household cleaners that they find lying around.
Litter
Litter can be a problem in any community. Broken bottles and tins, for example, can cause injury if people do not put them into bins. Mosquitoes and other vectors can breed in water trapped in old tyres and bottles. People are more likely to drop litter in places that already have litter lying around. If they see litter on the ground, they may think it is OK for them to also throw their litter on to the ground. Without providing ways for people to stop littering, the whole community can be affected because they do not want to live in a dirty town.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 77 of 81
This hierarchy lists ways of managing waste problems. The best option is to avoid creating waste in the first place. The worst option is to bury waste at a rubbish tip. Option Avoid creating waste Re-use waste Recycle waste Recover energy from waste Dispose of waste safely Example Ask suppliers not to package the goods they provide, where appropriate If goods have to be packaged, ask the supplier to take back the packaging Use packaging for storage Burn waste in a legal incinerator to heat water for council or community use Bury waste in a council landfill/rubbish tip
Containment of materials http://www.capital.dhs.vic.gov.au/WasteManagementGuideline/

All areas All areas of a facility must provide designated containment requirements of the following attributes: waste containers such as skips, wheelie bins, bucket bins, sharps containers, cages for storing the following, but not limited to: rubbish (general waste) recycling (full and partial commingled) confidential paper waste redundant (hard waste) materials for re-use sharps waste clinical waste related wastes materials such as cardboard must be appropriately compacted or baled waste container colours should be aligned with Australian standard AS 4123.7 and ANZCWMIG Industry code of practice for the management of clinical and related waste 5th edition 2007.
Types of containers
All areas Waste containers (skips, wheelie bins, bucket bins, sharps containers, cardboard compactors, rubbish compactors) should meet Australian standards. For more information about clinical and related waste containers, refer to Industry code of practice for the management of clinical and related waste 5th edition 2007. Designing Waste Storage Areas Space Sufficient space in the facility areas must be provided for waste containers and equipment as well as waste likely to generate on the premises between collection periods. When designing waste storage areas in healthcare facilities, designation of the following locations needs to be considered. Ward/department disposal areas There is a requirement for sufficient space to be designated within the ward/department disposal area for waste containers and waste generated between collection periods. Central bulk disposal areas There is a requirement in the central bulk disposal areas to provide separate designated areas for: clean, empty or used waste containers secure areas temperature-controlled areas caged storage areas
Location of Waste Containers

All areas There is a requirement for all disposal areas to be well located for: convenient disposal for users sited away from food preparation and general storage areas and from routes used by the public
safe and efficient movement across the healthcare facility and from disposal area to disposal area such as ward/department disposal area to central bulk disposal area safe and efficient accessibility for collection contractors central bulk central storage areas would be located and designed out of public view from the road, patient and public areas, public walkways, near car parking or adjacent to neighbouring residential/ commercial/educational properties waste/recycling contained in cages, secure or temperature-controlled areas must be placed in a location where collection trucks, or collection person/s permit easy, convenient and safe access.
Design Aspects of Waste Storage Areas

Ward/department disposal areas point of production There is a requirement in the ward/departments for secure disposal area sufficient in size to allow for waste to be separated. The ward/department disposal area should provide adequate for space for: containment of waste containers such as wheelie bins for adequate separation of rubbish, recycling and reusable materials including rubbish, recyclable materials, confidential paper, clinical waste and sharps waste during and between collection periods movement of waste materials including manual handling Central bulk disposal areas Central bulk disposal areas for should support the following attributes when planning waste storage areas. It should be noted that central storage areas should be sited away from food preparation, storage areas and walkways used by the public. Clean, empty or used waste container area should be adequately sized to provide enough space for: containment of a variety of empty and used waste containers including wheelie bins, sharps containers and skips for rubbish, recycling, re-use materials including rubbish, recycling, confidential paper and other paper during and between collection periods (this space needs to accommodate all items which are collected from one central location by the waste contractor) equipment including compactors and bailers easy accessibility for cleaning adequate ventilation to prevent build up of odours clear signage and labelling on all door and entrances spill response kit. Secure areas should provide enough space for some clinical waste materials such as sharps and cytotoxic waste that require storage in secure areas. These areas should be adequately sized to provide enough space for: containment of used containers including sharps containers and pails for cytotoxic waste to be stored until collection easy accessibility for movement of waste containers easy access for cleaning visual screening from public areas adequate ventilation to prevent build up of odours clear signage and labelling on all door and entrances spill response kit Temperature-controlled areas are required for storing some materials such as clinical waste, clinical waste for incineration only or some related wastes to be stored in a temperature-controlled area. Food waste must also be chilled if not collected within three days of generation. Where waste storage area is temperature controlled, the temperature should be maintained at or below 5-7C. These areas should be adequately sized to provide enough space for: adequate ventilation to prevent build-up of odours clear signage and labelling on all door and entrances spill response kit. Caged storage areas are required for storage of larger items or materials with inherent value such as mattresses, electronic equipment, desks, chairs and office equipment for example. These items must be stored in a caged storage area to reduce the risk of WHS issues arising. These areas should be adequately sized to provide enough space for: adequate ventilation to prevent build up of odours
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 79 of 81
clear signage and labelling on all door and entrances spill response kit. Other design attributes to consider in central bulk storage areas include the following: Bin servicing or repair areas should be adequately sized to provide enough space for: containment areas for damaged or new waste containers adequate space for service staff to work with containers to remove and replace wheels and lids safely and without obstruction or WHS issues. Bin washing facilities must include taps. In addition: the floor surface should be washable with smooth surface and must drain to sewer the concrete floor graded and drained to sewer the area must be undercover to prevent rainwater from entering wash water wash areas are required where waste containers are the responsibility of the facility discharging of wash water must be stated as acceptable on the facilities Trade Waste Agreement. There is a requirement for all waste disposal areas to consider accessibility and movement of waste containers. Design shall allow for adequate vehicle access, manoeuvring and loading into collection vehicles as well as visual screening from public areas. Noise Noise affecting staff, patient, visitors, public and surrounding properties should be considered when choosing location of all waste storage areas. Lighting Sufficient lighting must be provided. Ventilation and odours There should be adequate ventilation to prevent build up of odours. All disposal areas must have their own extraction ventilation system. Mechanical exhaust systems shall comply with AS1668 and not cause any inconveniences, noise or odour problems. Water supply and hydraulics A floor waste basket trap connected to the sewer is required within central waste containment areas. A tap facility should also be provided.
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 80 of 81
CHARLTON BROWN
Page 81 of 81

Chcwhs312a v2 Follow Safety Procedures For Direct Care Work

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Titolo originale

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Chcwhs312a v2 Follow Safety Procedures For Direct Care Work

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Training Division

CHC30212 Certificate III in Aged Care

FOLLOW SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR DIRECT CARE WORK

GLOSSARY OF TERMS.......................................................................................... 12 IDENTIFY SOURCES OF RISK TO PERSONAL SAFETY ..................................... 14

IDENTIFY MANUAL HANDLING HAZARDS .......................................................... 27

IDENTIFY SOURCES OF INFECTION .................................................................... 44

CHCWHS312A Version 2 (August 2012)

IDENTIFY OTHER HAZARDS AND ASSESS RISK ............................................... 57

FOLLOW PROCEDURES AND STRATEGIES FOR RISK CONTROL .................. 64

CONTRIBUTE TO WHS IN THE WORKPLACE ..................................................... 71

SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES .............................................................................. 76

CHCWHS312A Version 2 (August 2012)

CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)

Contribute to WHS in the workplace

CHCWHS312A Version 2 (August 2012)

Element Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)

CHCWHS312A Version 2 (August 2012)

CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)

CHCWHS312A Version 2 (August 2012)

CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)

CHCWHS312A Version 2 (August 2012)

GLOSSARY OF TERMS ..........................................................................................

CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)

CHCWHS312A Version 2 (August 2012)

IDENTIFY SOURCES OF RISK TO PERSONAL SAFETY ..........................................................................................

CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)

Work environment risks

Electrical hazards Fire hazards

Homes with pets

Very hot weather

CHCWHS312A Version 2 (August 2012)

People risks Hazard

Their behaviour might become aggressive

APPLY STRATEGIES AND ORGANISATION PROCEDURES TO MINIMISE RISK

CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)

Why its a hazard

What can be done

IDENTIFY BEHAVIOURS OF CONCERN IN THE WORK CONTEXT

CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)

RISK MANAGEMENT APPROACH

CHCWHS312A Version 2 (August 2012)

CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)

CHCWHS312A Version 2 (August 2012)

CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)

WORKING IN A NEW OR UNSTABLE ENVIRONMENT

Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)

WHS POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)

WHAT INFORMATION IS ON THE MSDS?

Identification and Physical Data

Health Hazard Information

Precautions for Use

Safe Handling Information

Other Information and References

STANDARD PRECAUTION PROCEDURES

Elements of standard precautions

CHCWHS312A Version 2 (August 2012)

Hand Washing Procedure

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

CHCWHS301B Version 2 (August 2012)

IDENTIFY MANUAL HANDLING HAZARDS ..........................................................................................