Contribute to Health & Safety in Health & Social · PDF fileContribute to Health & Safety in...

Version 1- 01/10/10

In Association With

Learning work book to contribute to the

achievement of the underpinning

knowledge for unit: HSC 027

Contribute to Health & Safety

in Health & Social Care

Credit value 4

All rights reserved, no parts of this publication may be reproduced,

copied, stored or transmitted without the prior permission of

The Learning Company Ltd

© The Learning Company Ltd

Q C F A C D H & S C L 2 L i c e n s e d u n t i l F e b 1 2 U n i t H S C 0 2 7

Learner’s Name:

Learner’s Signature:

(Please sign inside the box)

Employer’s Name:

Employer’s Address:

Start Date:

Anticipated End Date:

College Provider:

Learner’s Enrolment Number:

Mentor’s Name:

Assessor’s Name:

Internal Verifier’s Name:

I V’s Sampling Date:



INTRODUCTION

This workbook provides the learning you need to help you to

achieve a unit towards your qualification. Your qualification on the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) is made up of units, each

with their own credit value; some units might be worth 3 credits,

some might have 6 credits, and so on. Each credit represents 10

hours of learning and so gives you an idea of how long the unit will

take to achieve.

Qualification rules state how many credits you need to achieve and

at what levels, but your assessor or tutor will help you with this.

Awarding Organisation rules state that you need to gather evidence

from a range of sources. This means that, in addition to completing this workbook, you should also find other ways to gather evidence

for your tutor/assessor such as observed activity; again, your

assessor will help you to plan this.

To pass your qualification, you need to achieve

all of the learning outcomes and/or performance

criteria for each unit. Your qualification may

contain essential units and optional units. You’ll

need to complete a certain amount of units with

the correct credit value to achieve your

qualification. Your tutor/assessor can talk to you more about this if

you’re worried and they’ll let you know how you’re doing as you

progress.

This workbook has been provided to your learning provider under

licence by The Learning Company Ltd; your training provider is

responsible for assessing this qualification. Both your provider and

your Awarding Organisation are then responsible for validating it.

THE STUDY PROGRAMME

This unit is designed for individuals who are working in or wish to

pursue a career in their chosen sector. It will provide a valuable,

detailed and informative insight into that sector and is an interesting and enjoyable way to learn.

Your study programme will increase your knowledge, understanding

and abilities in your industry and help you to become more

confident, by underpinning any practical experience you may have

with sound theoretical knowledge.



WHERE TO STUDY The best way to complete this workbook

is on your computer. That way you can

type in your responses to each activity

and go back and change it if you want

to. Remember, you can study at home,

work, your local library or wherever you

have access to the internet. You can also print out this workbook and read through

it in paper form if you prefer. If you choose to do this, you’ll have to

type up your answers onto the version saved on your computer

before you send it to your tutor/assessor (or handwrite them and post the pages).

WHEN TO STUDY

It’s best to study when you know you have time to yourself. Your

tutor/assessor will help you to set some realistic targets for you to

finish each unit, so you don’t have to worry about rushing anything. Your tutor/assessor will also let you know when they’ll next be

visiting or assessing you. It’s really important that you stick to the

deadlines you’ve agreed so that you can achieve your qualification

on time.

HOW TO STUDY

Your tutor/assessor will agree with you the

order for the workbooks to be completed;

this should match up with the other

assessments you are having. Your tutor/assessor will discuss each workbook

with you before you start working on it,

they will explain the book’s content and how they will assess your

workbook once you have completed it.

Your Assessor will also advise you of the sort of evidence they will

be expecting from you and how this will map to the knowledge and

understanding of your chosen qualification. You may also have a mentor appointed to you. This will normally be a line manager who

can support you in your tutor/assessor’s absence; they will also

confirm and sign off your evidence.



You should be happy that you have enough information, advice and

guidance from your tutor/assessor before beginning a workbook. If you are experienced within your job and familiar with the

qualification process, your tutor/assessor may agree that you can

attempt workbooks without the detailed information, advice and

guidance.

THE UNITS

We’ll start by introducing the unit and clearly explaining the

learning outcomes you’ll have achieved by the end of the unit.

There is a learner details page at the front of each workbook. Please ensure you fill all of the details in

as this will help when your workbooks go through

the verification process and ensure that they are

returned to you safely. If you do not have all of the

information, e.g. your learner number, ask your

tutor/assessor.

To begin with, just read through the workbook. You’ll come across

different activities for you to try. These activities won’t count

towards your qualification but they’ll help you to check your

learning.

You’ll also see small sections of text called “did you know?” These

are short, interesting facts to keep you interested and to help you enjoy the workbook and your learning.

At the end of this workbook you’ll find a section called

‘assessments’. This section is for you to fill in so that you can prove you’ve got the knowledge and evidence for your chosen

qualification. They’re designed to assess your learning, knowledge

and understanding of the unit and will prove that you can complete

all of the learning outcomes.

Each Unit should take you about 3 to 4 hours to complete,

although some will take longer than others. The important

thing is that you understand, learn and work at your own

pace.

YOU WILL RECEIVE HELP AND SUPPORT

If you find that you need a bit of help and guidance with your

learning, then please get in touch with your tutor/assessor. If you know anyone else doing the same programme as you, then

you might find it very useful to talk to them too.



Certification

When you complete your workbook, your

tutor/assessor will check your work. They will then sign

off each unit before you move on to the next one.

When you’ve completed all of the required workbooks

and associated evidence for each unit, your assessor

will submit your work to the Internal Verifier for

validation. If it is validated, your training provider will then apply for your certificate. Your centre will send your certificate to you when

they receive it from your awarding organisation. Your tutor/assessor

will be able to tell you how long this might take.



Unit HSC027: Contribute to health and safety in health and

social care

About this unit

This unit is aimed at those working in a wide range of settings. It

provides the learner with the knowledge and skills required to carry

out their work safely.

Learning outcomes

There are nine learning outcomes to this unit. The learner will be

able to:

1. Understand own responsibilities, and the responsibilities of

others, relating to health and safety in the work setting

2. Understand the use of risk assessments in relation to health

and safety

3. Understand procedures for responding to accidents and

sudden illness 4. Be able to reduce the spread of infection

5. Be able to move and handle equipment and other objects

safely

6. Know how to handle hazardous substances and materials

7. Understand how to promote fire safety in the work setting

8. Be able to implement security measures in the work setting 9. Know how to manage own stress

Maintaining health and safety in the workplace Your responsibility includes the monitoring of workplace practices

such as care activities; care procedures; and the use of care

materials and specialist equipment. You are also

responsible for minimising any risk such as the

possibility of danger, damage and destruction to

the environment and goods; or the possibility of injury and harm to people. For example, you

might be responsible for dealing with accidents

caused by: falls; illness; disability; weaknesses;

sensory impairment; or frailty. You might also be responsible for dealing with untoward incidents such as: intruders; chemical

spillages; missing valuables; aggressive or dangerous encounters;

and fire or bomb scares.



The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for regulating

health and safety at work. The HSE does this via a code of practice for employers which aim to prevent illness and accidents at work

through the provision of guidance and up to date

information (www.hse.gov.uk). The HSE has the

power to prosecute employers who fail to

safeguard the health and safety of people who

access and use their premises. The Health and

Safety at Work Act 1974 lays down the duties of

employers and employees. Under this Act the employer has to

protect the health, safety and security of staff, service users and

visitors. In order to do this, the employer is required to draw up

safety policy and procedures, and to make arrangements for these

policy and procedures to be carried out, and then regularly

reviewed. Also, employers have to provide:

� A safe working environment

� Safe access to and from the workplace

� Information on health and safety

� Health and safety training

� A risk assessment of potential hazards

The employee has a responsibility to:

� Take reasonable care of his or her own health and safety as well as the health and safety of others e.g. service users and

their visitors

� Cooperate with his or her employer on health and safety issues

� Ensure that any health and safety equipment is not

intentionally damaged.

Health and safety, is therefore a shared responsibility between

employer and employee. Each are responsible for

the health, safety and welfare of service users and

their visitors to ensure that hazards in the

workplace are minimised. Each workplace must

therefore have a written health and safety policy, which must include:

� A statement of intent to provide a safe

working environment

� The named person responsible for implementing the policy

� The names of individuals responsible for any particular health

and safety hazards



� A list of potential health and safety hazards and the

procedures to be followed when working with these � A procedure for recording accidents and illnesses at work

Hazards in the work place might include:

Environmental hazards-

� Wet or slippery floors and stairs

� Untidy corridors or passageways

� Worn carpets or rugs

� Loose or bare electrical flexes

Hazards associated with equipment-

� Faulty brakes on beds and wheelchairs

� Incorrectly labelled substances � Worn or damaged hoists and slings

� Incorrect or faulty waste disposal

Hazards associated with people-

� Moving and handling procedures

� Incorrect hand washing

� Incorrect food handling � Violence and/or aggressive behaviour

It is your responsibility as a care worker to identify, and then deal with any potential hazards so that any potential risk to staff, service

users or visitors can be minimised. You are particularly responsible

for this type of activity if you are supervising other staff. If

appropriate, you should deal with any potential hazard yourself e.g. trailing flexes can be moved,

cluttered corridors can be tidied, or wet floors can

be mopped dry. However, there may be

occasions when you will have to seek further help

and advice, or report a potential hazard to your

manager e.g. or faulty equipment in need of repair, or suspicious persons on the premises who’s identity needs

to be checked.

Maintaining a Secure Workplace

Dealing with Visitors

There will be many visitors to your care home in addition to services

users’ relatives: e.g. doctors, district nurses, trades people.



You and the service users with whom you work need to feel safe

and secure. Your workplace will have a workplace policy on visitors to ensure this. However, as a general rule you should: check the

identity of all visitors to the nursing home e.g. ask for

identity badges and ask for a works telephone number

so that you can ring and ascertain the identity of

tradesperson etc. You should also:

� Check with your supervisor that the visitor has clearance to

visit

� Check that the service user wants to see the visitor

� Check the visitor completes the visitors book, and give them a

visitors badge

� Get to know regular visitors to the home and introduce them

to other staff � Know how to raise the alarm if you discover an intruder.

DID YOU KNOW?

Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent

Roberts.

ACTIVITY ONE

Circle the words or phrases you would associate with a safe

work environment

Responsibility Hazard Mug

Cup Visitor book Moving and handling

HSE Glass Monitoring

Maintaining the Security of Possessions

Property and valuables belonging to individuals within a care home

must be safeguarded. Many service users will want to keep their

treasured possessions with them, but if they are of value staff

should offer to place them in safekeeping. Usually, a property book

is kept for this purpose, and it is regularly updated as the circumstances of the service user changes. Staff should record the

following details:



� All possessions on admission to the home

� A separate record of any valuable items e.g. Jewellery � Items of jewellery should be itemised according to their colour

e.g. “ white metal” rather than “silver.”

� The service user should sign a disclaimer for any valuables

they keep themselves. This usually states that the service

user is responsible for any loss.

It is likely that your employer will have a policy and set procedures

relating to the safekeeping of valuables – see activity below:

Risk Assessment

Employers are required by law to identify and

assess risks in the workplace, including any

procedures or situations that may cause harm. If any potential risks are identified, the Management

of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

require employers to introduce risk control measures e.g. the

provision of warning signs when floor cleaning is in operation.

According to the HSE there are 5 key stages in the risk assessment

process:

� What is the purpose of the risk assessment?

� Who has to assess the risk?

� Whose risk should be assessed? � What should be assessed?

� When should the risk be assessed?

You must always ensure that a risk assessment has been

undertaken before you carry out any work activity, and then follow

the steps identified in order to reduce any risk. In addition, you

must balance the individual preferences of the service user with your own safety and the safety of others e.g. co-workers, other

service users and their visitors

Environmental Risk Assessment

The Health and Safety Executive states that a

general health and safety risk assessment of your care home should include the following:

Floors

� Are there slippery surfaces?

� Have spillages been cleaned up?

� Are floor surfaces suitable, non-slip, flat, properly maintained?

� Are there obstructions or tripping hazards?



Stairs

� Are they well lit? � Is the stair covering in good condition and

clean? � Are there obstructions?

Lighting

� Are bulbs working?

� Are lighting levels sufficient, including those on stairs and

corridors?

Ventilation

� Are there odours?

� Are there draughts?

� Is there sufficient fresh air? � Have chemicals, fumes, steam and condensation been

removed?

Windows

� Are restraints in place?

� Is glazing in good condition? � Is the glazing material appropriate?

Display screen equipment

� Has the work station been assessed to reduce the risk? � Has the equipment, furniture, software, worker’s needs been

considered?

� Are eyesight tests needed? � Are staff trained to use and set up their work station safely?

Water and surface temperatures

� Are thermostatic mixing valves operating at the required temperature?

� Are hot water temperatures regularly tested

using a thermometer? � Is the maintenance schedule for the

thermostatic valves followed?

� Are radiators and pipe work hotter than 43 degrees centigrade?

� If yes, what remedial action has been taken

to protect vulnerable service users?

� Is the room temperature comfortable i.e. Not too hot or cold?

Kitchen safety

� Are machines properly guarded? � Are floors clean, slip resistant and dry?

� Is there room to move around safely?



� Is ventilation sufficient? � Are staff trained in kitchen hygiene, use of equipment etc? � Is food stored correctly, at the correct temperature?

Laundry

� Are machine interlocks working?

� Is there separation of soiled laundry?

Outside environment

� Are steps and paths in good condition and

well lit? � Has a risk assessment of falls from

balconies been undertaken?

� Are pesticides locked away?

� Are staff trained to use outdoor equipment safely? � Do staff have suitable protective equipment?

Risk Assessment for environments other than your care

home

It might be that you are planning a visit to the local shops or the

cinema, or planning a holiday with your service provider. If so, you

will need to consider:

� Accessibility to the premises � Accessibility and safety of the transport you intend to use

� Any potential hazards that might be present

� Safe and accessible toilet facilities � Dietary arrangements

� Moving and handling arrangements

� Security of people, property and any travel documents

� Insurance.

You will need to undertake this risk assessment before you

undertake any visit, and you will need to record the outcomes of

your assessment in the service users care plan.

Risk assessment for substances that might be hazardous to health

There are also many potentially hazardous substances

and chemicals in your workplace, including:

� Cleaning materials e.g. Bleach and disinfectant that

can cause burns or poisoning � Drugs and medicines e.g. Antibiotic powders that can cause

poisoning or allergy



� Latex e.g. protective gloves that can cause skin allergy. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

(COSHH) have been put in place to protect you against these

harmful substances. In particular,

COSHH states that employers must:

� Ensure safe storage and disposal of

substances that are harmful to health

� Check that health hazards from all

substances are assessed, including the

laundry, kitchen and outdoors

� Ensure appropriate control measures are implemented

� Ensure staff are trained about safe procedures and use of protective clothing

� Check that procedures for spillages are in place, and

� Check that new staff are trained before using substances.

Before any substances are used in the workplace, employers must

undertake the following risk assessment:

� What substances are present and in what form?

� What harmful effects are possible?

� Where and how are the substances stored, used and handled? � Are harmful fumes produced, especially if products are mixed?

� Can a safer substance be used?

� Who could be affected, to what extent, for how long and under what circumstances?

� How likely is it that exposure will happen?

� Are precautions required, such as ventilation and protective

equipment?

Your care home will have a COSHH protection file. This will tell you

what protective clothing you should wear (if any), how to store any

hazardous substances, and how to dispose of any hazardous

substances e.g. used needles should be placed in a yellow sharps

box.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are thirteen languages spoken by

more than 100 million people. They are:

Chinese, English, Hindi, Spanish, Russian,

Arabic, Bengali, Portugese, Malay-

Indonesian, French, Japanese, German and Urdu.



ACTIVITY TWO

Circle the words or phrases you would associate with COSHH

Glass Substances Storage

Harmful Mug Disposal

Training Spillage Cup

Reporting accidents or ill health

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences

Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995, came into force on 1 April 1996. RIDDOR requires the reporting of work-related accidents, diseases

and dangerous occurrences. It applies to all work activities, but not

to all incidents. Reporting accidents and ill health at work is a legal

requirement. The information that is reported enables the enforcing

authorities to identify where and how risks arise and to investigate

serious accidents. The enforcing authorities can

then help and advise on preventive action to reduce

injury, ill health and accidental loss. Your employer

needs to report any: deaths; major injuries;

accidents resulting in over 3 day injury; diseases;

dangerous occurrences and gas incidents. All

accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences can be reported to

the Incident Contact Centre ( www.riddor.gov.uk/info.html) Your employer must keep a record of any accident, reportable injury,

disease or dangerous occurrence. The record must include:

� The date and method of reporting; � The date, time and place of the event,

� Personal details of those involved and � A brief description of the nature of the event or disease.

Any accidents that occur at work must be recorded in an Accident

Report Book. The details contained in this document are confidential

and must comply with the Data Protection Act (1998).

Safe Manual Handling The spine is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae. These are joined

together along the backbone in an S shape. The S shape gives our

backbone flexibility and strength, and enables us to maintain our balance.



If the spine is twisted out of shape, it can cause serious injury to

the vertebrae. The spine protects our spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs from the bottom of

the spine to the brain. The spinal cord carries

messages from the brain to the muscles, and from

the muscles to the brain. This enables us to

maintain our posture, and to move. Damage to

the spinal cord can cause paralysis. The vertebrae

are cushioned by inter-vertebral discs. These act

as shock absorbers. If too much pressure is put on these discs (e.g.

by lifting a heavy object) they can tear or prolapse. This can be

very painful. The discs are linked together by spinal ligaments. If

these become overstretched (e.g. by jerky or sudden movements),

they can sprain and become swollen and painful. The muscles of the

spine are the muscles of the back, chest and pelvis. They are attached to the vertebrae and give strength and flexibility to the

spine. Strong and well-toned back muscles are essential for moving

and handling activities. However, they can be easily torn and

become swollen and painful.

The Manual Handling Regulations 1992 were introduced to reduce

the number of injuries from moving and handling activities. The

term ‘manual handling’ includes the lifting, moving putting down,

pushing, pulling and carrying by hand or bodily force of goods,

equipment and people. An employer must avoid moving and handling where there is a risk of injury to staff, assess the risk of

injury from moving and handling, and reduce the risk of moving and

handling. An employee must make full and proper use of the manual handling systems and equipment provided. You might be

involved in moving objects as well as people. In order to reduce the

risk of injury you should consider whether the move is necessary,

whether it can be done in a different way, or whether any special equipment is needed. Your risk assessment should consider:

Task > Load > Environment > Individual Capability.

Task - you must assess whether the task involves:

� Holding the load at a distance from your body

� Bending, twisting, stooping or stretching

� Moving the load over excessive distances

� Frequent or prolonged physical effort � Any sudden movement of the load

Load - you must assess whether the load is: � Heavy or bulky

� Difficult to grasp



� Unstable e.g. Unpredictable behaviour

� Potentially harmful e.g. An agitated or aggressive individual Environment - you must assess whether:

� The space is adequate e.g. Not restricted by furniture

� The height is appropriate e.g. Beds can be raised by wooden

blocks

� The floors are slippery or uneven � The floors are level e.g. Are there any slopes

or stairs?

Individual capability - you must consider yourself

as well as other members of the team, particularly

whether you or they:

� Have been adequately trained in moving and handling

� Are pregnant, or have a disability � Are wearing any clothing that might restrict their movement

� Are wearing any jewellery that might injure any staff or

service users

� Are tired or fatigued

Most care homes have a risk assessment checklist that you can use

to generate an agreed lifting plan. This should be kept in the service

user’s care plan. As a general rule, you should always:

� Undertake a risk assessment prior to any move � Follow the agreed lifting plan contained in the service user’s

notes

� Give clear instructions to colleagues concerning the move � Check any equipment prior to its use

� Ensure you maintain your centre of balance

throughout the move

� Hold the load close to your body, or get as close to the load as possible

� Avoid bending, twisting, stooping or stretching

� Avoid moving the load over excessive distances

� Avoid frequent or prolonged physical effort

� Avoid sudden movements

� Allow adequate time for rest and recovery



Risk Assessment Checklist:

1. Is the individual weight bearing? Yes/No

2. Is the individual unsteady? Yes/No

3. What is the individual’s general level of mobility?

Good/Poor

4. What is the individual’s weight? (Please state)

5. What is the individual’s height? (Please state)

6. How many people are required to move this individual? (See care plan)

7. What equipment is needed e.g. hoist, transfer board etc?

(Please state)

8. Is equipment available? Yes/No

9. If not, is there a safe alternative? Yes/No

10. Are the required number of people available? Yes/No 11. What is the purpose of the move? (Please state)

12. Can the move be safely achieved? Yes/No

DID YOU KNOW?

In the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta,

if a man was not married by age 30, he

would not be allowed to vote or watch

athletic events involving nude young

men.

ACTIVITY THREE

Circle the words or phrases you would associate with moving

and handling

Load Environment Cat

Dog Task Individual capability

Equipment Horse Regulations



Infection control

Communicable or infectious diseases are caused

by:

� Bacteria e.g. Food poisoning

� Viruses e.g. Influenza

� Fungi e.g. thrush.

The older person is often at risk from infectious or communicable

diseases because they live in close contact with others in the

nursing home, and their immunity to micro-organisms such as

bacteria and viruses is often low. This might be because of the

medicines they are taking, or their nutrition may be poor. Infection

control, or the ways in which the spread of infection might be reduced, is an important part of a care worker’s job. In fact, the

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences

Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995 require that your employer reports

certain cases of infectious diseases to the local environmental

health officer.

Micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi can be spread

by:

� Direct contact – being touched by an infectious person e.g. Scabies

� Indirect contact – touching materials an infected person has

used e.g. Impetigo � Inhalation – breathing in infected droplets from a cough or

sneeze e.g. Influenza

� Ingestion – from contaminated food e.g. Salmonella food

poisoning � Injection – from needle stick injury e.g. HIV or

Hepatitis B

Preventing the spread of blood borne infections such

as HIV and Hepatitis B is a particularly important job for the care

worker. In fact, you and your employer have a duty under COSHH regulations to do this. The Health and Safety Executive indicates

that the following is particularly important:

� The risk of contamination from infected materials, including

used instruments, used needles and soiled laundry

� Do you wear appropriate protective equipment and clothing?

� Do you cover cuts, grazes etc with waterproof dressings? � Do you follow basic hygiene procedures, including regular

hand washing?



� Do you follow procedures for cleaning up spillages?

� Do you know how to deal with a needle stick accident i.e. Encourage bleeding, wash wound liberally with soap and

water, report and record accident?

� Have you been advised about Hepatitis b immunisation?

The importance of uniforms

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Regulations 1992 state that your employer must

provide you with protective clothing. You will be

provided with a uniform. This should not be worn

outside the care home (i.e. to and from work), or

at home, as it might be contaminated and could spread infection to

the outside community or your family. You should change from your

uniform into outside clothes before you leave the care home, and store your uniform in the lockers provided for you in the workplace.

You should not take uniforms home to wash, but should use the

laundry service provided by your employer. You will also be

provided with plastic apron to wear when attending to the personal

hygiene needs of service users. This will help to protect your

uniform from spillages of urine, faeces etc. and prevent cross

infection. You must wear a clean apron for every service user you

work with, and correctly dispose of it in the clinical waste bag when

finished. If you have to work with body fluids and waste or soiled

laundry, you will also be provided with gloves. You must wear these, for your own protection and to prevent the spread of

infection from one service user to another. You should place any

used gloves into the clinical waste bin. It is most important that you wash your hands after wearing them.

Handwashing

One of the most important measures you can take to prevent the spread of any infection is correct hand washing technique.

Particularly before you:

� Handle food

� Give out any medicines

� Give emergency first aid � Handle any wounds.

Also, you should wash your hands after you:

� Use the lavatory

� Assist others to use the lavatory

� Cough or sneeze, or use a handkerchief � Handle any dressings or wounds

� Make beds



� Handle rubbish

� Handle raw food � Handle dirty or soiled laundry.

When washing your hands it is important that you

use the following technique as this will remove

most of the bacteria that cause contagious

diseases i.e. diseases spread by direct or indirect

contact.

Correct hand washing techniques

� Wet your hands with hot running water

� Rub some liquid soap between your palms

� Rub your right palm over the back of your left hand � Rub your left palm over the back of your right hand

� Rub your palms together with your fingers interlocked

� Rub the back of the fingers of your left hand with your right

palm

� Rub the back of your fingers of the of your right hand with

your left palm

� Rub around your left thumb with your right palm

� Rub around your right thumb with your left palm

� Rub your left fingertips round and round in your right palm

� Rub your right fingertips round and round in your left palm � Rub your left wrist with your right hand

� Rub your right wrist with your left hand

� Rinse both hands thoroughly under running water � Dry each hand on a clean paper towel

� Discard paper towel into pedal bin, without touching the top

or the sides of the bin.

REMEMBER, the correct hand washing procedure will take several

minutes and you will still need to wash your hands even if you were

wearing gloves!

Safe Food Handling

Food that is not handled correctly can become

contaminated with bacteria, viruses and fungi, which

can cause food poisoning. The symptoms of food

poisoning are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and

diarrhoea. Food poisoning bacteria grow in raw or

waste food and rotting rubbish. Pests e.g. mice and

cockroaches carry food poisoning bacteria. Food poisoning bacteria are also carried by humans:



� Escheriscia coli is found in faeces but is harmless until it is

‘activated’ by contact with food � Salmonella is found in raw meat, poultry, eggs, shellfish and

faeces

� Staphylococcus aureus is found on our skin, in our nose,

throat, mouth, ears, hair, nails, and in

cuts and boils.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and

Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)

1995 require that your employer reports any

cases of food poisoning to the local

environmental health officer. Workplace procedures for safe food

handling are governed by the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food

Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995.

Good personal hygiene is particularly important for preventing the

spread of food poisoning bacteria. If you are involved in handling

food you should wash your hands with soap and hot running water

before you handle food. You should also wash your hands after:

� Handling any uncooked or waste food

� Using the lavatory

� Assisting service users to use the lavatory

� Handling rubbish � Using or handling handkerchiefs or tissues

� Coughing or sneezing

� Touching your hair or face, or the hair and face of a service user.

If handling food, you should also:

� Wear protective clothing

� Keep your nails clean and short

� Keep your hair tied back or covered

� Cover any minor wounds with a coloured

waterproof dressing

� Do not smoke in any area where food is being stored, prepared or served

The spread of food poisoning bacteria can also be controlled by

cleaning and storing kitchen equipment correctly:

� There should be a separate fridge for cooked and raw food.

� Different surfaces should be used for preparing cooked and raw foods



� Different equipment e.g. knives, chopping boards etc should

be used for raw and cooked foods, and kept separately � Work surfaces should be scrupulously cleaned after use for

raw meat or poultry

� All food should be kept covered

� No food should be kept past its ‘use by’ date

The spread of food poisoning bacteria can also be controlled by

cooking and storing food at the correct temperatures. Most bacteria

are killed by heat at 70 degrees centigrade or above. Fridges and

freezers should be set between -22 and five degrees centigrade, as

most bacteria cannot live at these temperatures.

DID YOU KNOW?

In Shakespeare’s time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes when

you pulled on the ropes the mattress

tightened making the bed firmer to sleep

on. That’s where the phrase, “goodnight,

sleep tight” came from.

ACTIVITY FOUR

Circle the words or phrases you would associate with food

handling

Work surfaces Golf Bacteria

Tennis Chopping boards Fridge

Knives Cooked food Rugby

Dealing with hazardous waste

Part of your responsibility as a care worker is to

ensure the safety of the working environment, this

includes the safe disposal of clinical and bodily

waste, as follows:

� Soiled linen – red linen bags taken direct to laundry. If soiled

linen is handled, gloves must be worn



� Body fluids and waste – collected in urinal or bedpan. Gloves

to be worn and waste disposed of into sluice. Contaminated equipment must be cleaned and disinfected e.g. bedpan to be

cleaned and disinfected in bedpan washer.

� Clinical Waste e.g. soiled dressings – yellow bags labelled with

contents and source. This is usually collected by the local

authority for incineration.

� Sharps e.g. needles and syringes – placed in hard plastic

yellow sharps box. When full, this is sealed and then collected

by the local authority for incineration.

Working with hazardous materials : medicines

According to the National Minimum Standards for

Care Homes for Older People the Registered

Manager of the care home must ensure that there is a policy on the administration of medicines and

care staff must adhere to procedures, for the

receipt, recording, storage, handling,

administration and disposal of medicines. The care home’s policy

should include advice on:

Self-Medication. Service users, where appropriate, should be

responsible for their own medication. These individuals must have a

lockable space in which to store their medicines, to which suitably

trained, designated care staff may have access with the service user’s permission. The service user should be assessed by an

appropriately trained member of staff in order to establish his or her

suitability to self-medicate.

The Recording of Medicines. Records are kept of all medicines

received, administered and leaving the care home or disposed of to

ensure that there is no mishandling. A record is maintained of the medicines each service user takes, including those who are self-

medicating.

Handling and Storage of Medicines. Medicines

in the custody of the home are handled according

to the requirements of the Medicines Act 1968, guidelines from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society,

the requirements of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

and nursing staff must meet the standards laid down by the

Nursing and Midwifery Council for the administration of medicines.

Controlled Drugs are stored in a metal cupboard, which complies

with the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973.

Medicines, including Controlled Drugs, for service users receiving nursing care, are administered by a medical practitioner or

registered nurse.



In residential care homes, all medicines, including Controlled Drugs,

(except those for self-administration) are administered by designated and appropriately trained staff. The administration of

Controlled Drugs is witnessed by another designated, appropriately

trained member of staff. Receipt, administration and disposal of

Controlled Drugs are recorded in a Controlled Drugs register.

Staff Training. The training for care staff must be

accredited and must include basic knowledge of how

medicines are used and how to recognise and deal

with problems in use; and the principles behind all

aspects of the home’s policy on medicines handling

and records.

Caring for those Receiving Medication. Care staff should monitor the condition of the service user on medication and call in

the GP if they are concerned about any change in condition that

may be a result of medication. When a service user dies, medicines

should be retained for a period of seven days in case there is a

coroner’s inquest.

The role of the care worker in the administration of

medicines

Many of your service users will be taking medication prescribed by

their family doctor. Unless you have been trained in the administration of medicines and you are a designated person, you

will not be allowed to administer medicines to service users. Your

responsibility is to support and encourage the older person to take his or her medication by:

� Providing information about the medication that is to be taken

� Ensuring that the medication can be swallowed in an appropriate form (some tablets or capsules should not be

crushed, for example)

� Assisting the individual to take their medication e.g. By

adjusting their position so they can swallow more easily, or

providing a drink

� Making sure that the medication has been taken

� Reporting to your supervisor any problems

associated with taking the medicine.

Risks from utilities such as gas and electricity

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 apply to all gas appliances in your setting. All appliances, flues and pipe work

should be checked once a year by a registered CORGI engineer.



Gas is flammable. It can cause explosions or fire. It can

also cause asphyxiation. Your workplace will have a procedure for dealing with gas leaks, but as a rule, if there

is a gas leak, you should:

� Ventilate the area by opening windows and doors to

let the gas escape

� Not light matches or cigarette lighters

� Not touch any electrical switches

� Turn off the gas mains

� Use an external phone to call the gas emergency services,

and

� Give first aid if necessary, and dial 999 if an ambulance is

needed e.g. for asphyxiation

Electricity can also kill. It causes shock and burns and can also start

fires. The use of electricity is covered by the Electricity at Work

Regulations 1989, which require employers to maintain any

electrical systems and electrical equipment within their control. This

includes lighting and power circuits, electrical equipment and

appliances such as washing machines, irons, vacuum cleaners etc.

Work on electrical appliances must only be carried out by a trained

electrical engineer. The main risk to people is contact with live parts

causing shock and burns e.g. through frayed or exposed wiring.

Your workplace will have a procedure for dealing with electrical emergencies, but as a rule, if one

occurs, you should:

� Turn off the power supply at the mains

� Never touch a person or an object that is

connected to the power supply, and

� Give first aid if necessary, and dial 999 for an ambulance if needed e.g. for asphyxiation.

Fire Awareness

You will receive training from a specialist trainer in fire awareness.

Fire is a serious danger in care homes and is responsible for many

deaths. It can be prevented by:

� The use of smoke alarms

� Ensuring all cigarettes have been properly extinguished � Unplugging unused electrical equipment at night e.g.

televisions

� Keeping fire doors closed to prevent the spread of fire

� Ensuring electrical and gas appliances have been properly checked for safety



Your workplace arrangements for fire safety should comply with the

Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations of 1997. It is very important that you get to know your care home’s procedures for fire

safety and that you attend fire training at least once a year.

If you discover a fire you should:

� Raise the alarm e.g. Use the fire alarm or dial

999 for the fire brigade

� Close windows and doors to prevent fire from

spreading

� If service users can move, escort them to the assembly point

or a place of safety

� Use designated fire exits and escape routes, close doors

behind you as you go � Do not use any lifts, unless directed to do so by the fire

brigade

� Check that everyone is accounted for and report this to the

fire brigade

� Do not return to the building unless the fire brigade says it is

safe to do so.

You might be able to put out a small fire by yourself, if it is safe to

do so: e.g. you could use a water-based fire extinguisher to put out

a fire in an office waste paper bin, or you might use a powder fire extinguisher to put out a small electrical fire in an office. You should

not do this unless you are familiar with the various types of fire

appliances. If used incorrectly, a fire appliance may cause serious injury or make the fire worse e.g. using a water based

extinguisher on a chip pan fire is dangerous as it will

cause the fire to ‘flare up’ and spread rapidly, and may

cause severe burns to the person operating the extinguisher.

It is your responsibility to familiarise service users with

your care home’s fire procedure. It is important that

service users can identify a fire alarm, and use an escape route by

following the fire exit signs. For those with a visual impairment, the fire exit signs might be in Braille. For those with a hearing

impairment the fire alarm might be a flashing light. It is important

that you inform staff and service users of these adaptations. Your

employer should regularly involve service users in a fire drill.



DID YOU KNOW?

In Scotland, Irn-Bru is a soft drink that is more popular than Coca-Cola. When

McDonalds opened in Glasgow and did not

sell Irn-Bru, it was considered an insult,

and the restaurant was subsequently

boycotted.

ACTIVITY FIVE

Circle the words or phrases you would associate with a fire

Bacon Fire drill Signs

Alarm Sausage Fire Brigade

Procedure Tomato Exits

Emergency first aid

Your role in giving emergency first aid is to:

� Preserve a casualty’s life � Prevent further harm � Promote or help their recovery.

You should only attempt to do this if you have

undertaken a recognised emergency first aid course. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous

Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995 requires

that any accident or injury that occurs at work, and

the treatment given, must be recorded in your care home’s accident

book.



You may receive training from a specialist trainer in emergency first

aid. During this training you will learn about the priorities in giving emergency first aid i.e. D R A B C

Danger – Before you attempt any first aid be sure that you are safe.

Response – Is the casualty responding? Talk to

them and shake their shoulders. If they respond,

reassure them, and move them to a safer area if in

danger.

Airway – If the casualty is unresponsive or

unconscious, check that their mouth or airway is not

obstructed. If you can, remove the cause of any blockage. Open the

airway by gently tilting the casualty’s head backwards and lifting their chin. Check that help is coming.

Breathing – Check the casualty is breathing. Put your cheek close to

their mouth and look at their chest, place your hand on their chest,

watch for breathing movements. If they are breathing but

unresponsive, put them in the recovery position (you will learn to

do this on your first aid course). If they are not breathing, check

that help is coming and then start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

(you will learn to do this on your first aid course).

Circulation – Check whether the casualty’s heart is beating. Feel for

their pulse. If the casualty does not have a pulse, check that help is

coming and commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Using primary health care services

Primary Health care services are provided by the ambulance

service, dentists, NHS Direct, general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and physiotherapists. These are the professionals we

first go to when we need advice if someone experiences an accident

or ill health.

The ambulance service is an emergency medical

service, staffed by trained paramedics. If a service user has an accident or a sudden life

threatening illness e.g. a heart attack, you

should telephone 999. You should clearly state the:

� Casualty’s name and age

� Location of the incident, address and telephone number

� First aid already given. � The emergency operator will stay on the line and give you

advice until the paramedic arrives.



NHS Direct is a national telephone advice line staffed by specially

trained registered nurses. If a service user has a minor acute illness e.g. influenza, you can telephone NHS Direct

for advice. General practitioners (GPs) are

medical specialists in diagnosis, treatment and

referral of acute and chronic illnesses. If a

service user becomes ill, you can contact the

local GP, or the deputising service, and

request a visit. Many health authorities now provide NHS drop-in

centres where you can take a casualty for advice or treatment of

minor injuries or illnesses. These are usually staffed by emergency

nurse practitioners. Pharmacists can also provide over-the-counter

advice for people with minor illnesses e.g. ear or eye infections.

Many physiotherapists will also provide emergency treatment for

minor sports injuries or accidents at work such as sprains or strains. It is important that the service user maintains his or her registration

with an NHS dentist, particularly if emergency treatment is

required, as few health authorities now provide an out of hours

dental service.

UNIT HSC027: SIGN-OFF

Assessor’s Name: _________________________________

Assessor’s Signature:_________________________Date:___________

Learner’s Name: __________________________________

Learner’s Signature:_________________Date:___________

Mentor’s Name: ________________________________

Mentor’s Signature: _________________Date:___________



UNIT HSC027 ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT ONE

Identify legislation relating to general health and safety in

your health or social care work setting

ASSESSMENT TWO

Describe the main points of the health and safety policies and procedures agreed with your employer



ASSESSMENT THREE

Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of:

• yourself

• your employer or manager

• others in your work setting



ASSESSMENT FOUR

Identify tasks relating to health and safety that should not

be carried out without special training

ASSESSMENT FIVE

Explain how to access additional support and information

relating to health and safety



ASSESSMENT SIX

Explain why it is important to assess health and safety

hazards posed by the work setting or by particular activities

ASSESSMENT SEVEN

Explain how and when to report potential health and safety

risks that have been identified



ASSESSMENT EIGHT

Explain how risk assessment can help address dilemmas

between rights and health and safety concerns

ASSESSMENT NINE

Describe different types of accidents and sudden illness that

may occur in own work setting



ASSESSMENT TEN

Outline the procedures to be followed if an accident or

sudden illness should occur

ASSESSMENT ELEVEN

Explain the recommended method for hand washing



ASSESSMENT TWELVE

Explain ways of ensuring that your own health and hygiene

do not pose a risk to others at work

ASSESSMENT THIRTEEN

Identify legislation that relates to moving and handling



ASSESSMENT FOURTEEN

Explain principles for moving and handling equipment and

other objects safely

ASSESSMENT FIFTEEN

Explain how to move and handle equipment or other objects

safely



ASSESSMENT SIXTEEN

Identify hazardous substances and materials that may be

found in your work setting

ASSESSMENT SEVENTEEN

Describe safe practices for:

• storing hazardous substances



• using hazardous substances

• disposing of hazardous substances and materials



ASSESSMENT EIGHTEEN

Describe practices that prevent fires from:

• starting

• spreading



ASSESSMENT NINETEEN

Outline emergency procedures to be followed in the event of

a fire in your work setting

ASSESSMENT TWENTY

Explain the importance of maintaining clear evacuation

routes at all times



ASSESSMENT TWENTY ONE

Explain how to use agreed ways of working for checking the

identity of anyone requesting access to:

• premises

• information



ASSESSMENT TWENTY TWO

Explain how to implement measures to protect your own

security and the security of others in your work setting

ASSESSMENT TWENTY THREE

Explain the importance of ensuring that others are aware of

your own whereabouts



ASSESSMENT TWENTY FOUR

Identify common signs and indicators of stress

ASSESSMENT TWENTY FIVE

Identify circumstances that tend to trigger your own stress



ASSESSMENT TWENTY SIX

Describe ways to manage your own stress

UNIT HSC027 : ASSESSMENT SIGN-OFF

Assessor’s Name: _________________________________

Assessor’s Signature:________________Date:___________

Learner’s Name: __________________________________

Learner’s

Signature:_________________________Date:___________

Mentor’s Name: ___________________________________

Mentor’s Signature:_________________Date:___________

Contribute to Health & Safety in Health & Social · PDF fileContribute to Health & Safety in...

Documents

Transcript of Contribute to Health & Safety in Health & Social · PDF fileContribute to Health & Safety in...