Promote and Implement Health and Safety in Health and Social Care

Transcription

1 In Association With Learning work book to contribute to the achievement of the underpinning knowledge for unit: HSC 037 Promote and Implement Health and Safety in Health and Social Care Credit value 6 All rights reserved, no parts of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored or transmitted without the prior permission of The Learning Company Ltd Version 1-01/10/10

2 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: QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 2

3 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 3

4 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 4

5 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 5

6 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 6

7 Unit HSC 037: Promote and implement 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 promote and implement health and safety in their work setting. 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 2. Carry out own responsibilities for health and safety 3. Understand procedures for responding to accidents and sudden illness 4. Reduce the spread of infection 5. Move and handle equipment and other objects safely 6. Handle hazardous substances and materials 7. Promote fire safety in the work setting 8. Implement security measures in the work setting 9. Know how to manage 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 7

8 Legislation Health and Safety at Work etc Act (HASWA) Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR) Workplace, (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR) Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (PPE) 1992 Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) Electricity at Work Regulations Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food Hygiene Regulations Purpose of the legislation Ensures the health and safety of everyone who may be affected by work activities. Require employers and managers to carry out risk assessments to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety. Minimise the risks to health and safety associated with working conditions. Minimise the risks to health and safety associated with moving and handling activities. Minimise the risks to health and safety associated with cross infection. Require that certain work-related injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences are reported to the HSE or local authority. Minimise the risks to health and safety from the use of hazardous substances. Minimise the risks to health and safety associated with the use of equipment. Minimise the risks to health and safety associated with electricity. Minimise the risks to health and safety of fire. Ensure that everyone can receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill in the workplace. Ensures that people with a disability have safe access to the workplace and a safe way out in the event of needing to evacuate the premises. Minimise the risks to health and safety associated with food handling. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 8

9 Data Protection Act Ensures everyone s right to privacy of their personal information. Corporate Manslaughter Allows an organisation to be convicted and Homicide Act when, due to negligence, the death occurs of someone to whom it owes a duty of care, such as a worker or person using the service. 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 aims to prevent illness and accidents at work through the provision of guidance and up to date information ( 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 QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 9

10 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 10

11 Health and Safety policies and procedures Health and safety policies set out the arrangements that a workplace has for complying with legislation. For example, in order to comply with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations, every workplace should have a policy that describes how it manages first aid. Health and safety procedures describe the activities that need to be carried out for policies to be implemented. They record who does what, when and how in order to maintain health and safety at all times. For example, first aid procedures will describe the roles of first aiders and the people responsible for maintaining first-aid equipment and facilities. They will also describe when and how to call the emergency services and when and how to complete a record of an accident. It is a legal requirement that you follow workplace health and safety procedures to the letter. Failure to do so could mean the end of your career in care. Main health and safety responsibilities Your responsibilities The Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 states that it is your duty while at work to: Take reasonable care of yourself and anyone else who may be affected by your actions, including colleagues, the individuals you work with, their families, carers and advocates Cooperate with your employer or manager in relation to health and safety issues Not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interest of health and safety, for example first aid and firefighting equipment, health and safety notices. In addition, you have a responsibility to follow health and safety policies and procedures to the letter, participate in and stay up-todate with health and safety training, and not carry out any task in which you have not been trained. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 11

12 The responsibilities of your employer or manager Legislation Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Workplace, (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (PPE) 1992 Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 Responsibilities of your employer or manager Write health and safety policies and procedures and make you aware of them. Ensure everyone s health, safety and welfare, including visitors and the people using the service, as far as is reasonably practicable. Carry out risk assessments to eliminate or reduce risks to health and safety. Set up emergency procedures and inform everyone about them. Provide you with clear information, supervision and training to ensure that you are competent to carry out your work. Meet minimum standards with regard to buildings and equipment, lighting, temperature, and the provision of first aid, drinking water and rest and toilet facilities. Train you in safe moving and handling. Eliminate or reduce all risks associated with moving and handling activities. Provide you with appropriate protective clothing and equipment. Train you in how to report injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences. Carry out risk assessments on all activities that involve using hazardous substances and write procedures for their correct and safe use. Train you in the use of equipment and supervise you to make sure you use it safely and correctly. Ensure that the equipment you use is safe, well maintained and appropriate for the job. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 12

13 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food Hygiene Regulations Data Protection Act Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act Carry out risk assessments on all activities that involve electricity. Ensure safe systems of working and that all electrical equipment is well maintained. Assess the risk of fire, paying particular attention to the needs of vulnerable people. Equip the workplace with fire detection and fire-fighting equipment. Train you in fire prevention and what to do in the event of a fire. Provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment and facilities. Provide an adequate number of qualified first aiders and appointed persons to take charge of first-aid arrangements. Ensure that people with a disability have safe access to your workplace and a safe way out in the event of needing to evacuate the building. Ensure that you have good personal hygiene and that the workplace meets Hygiene standards. Ensure that food safety hazards are identified and controlled. Train you in maintaining the security of personal information. Have in place adequate risk management systems. The responsibilities of others in the work setting Like you, your colleagues have a responsibility to follow procedures in their work. Visiting family, carers and advocates also have a responsibility to consider health and safety, especially with respect to helping maintain security, hand washing, conforming with no smoking rules, and their general conduct. The health and safety of the people you work with depends to a large extent on your ability to work together, in partnership. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 13

14 For example, the risks associated with moving and handling activities are greatly reduced when they fulfil their responsibility to assist with a move as much as they can. Other responsibilities they have include helping to maintain their personal hygiene, in order to reduce the spread of infection; remaining aware of what to do in the event of a fire; and using any equipment assigned to them, such as glasses and mobility aids, appropriately and safely. Specific tasks in the work setting that should not be carried out without special training Inappropriate or misuse of equipment can result in alleged abuse, spread of infection, injury or death, as can using equipment that hasn t been maintained or is in a state of disrepair. Only use equipment that you have been trained to use, and use it according to written procedures. If you have any concerns about equipment, report and record your worries and don t use it again until your concerns have been resolved. Whilst an untrained person who gives first aid in an emergency in good faith won t be running the risk of being sued, they could be charged with negligence or incompetence, especially if they make an incorrect diagnosis and give the wrong treatment. First aid training improves competence and can make the difference between a life lost and a life saved. Medication should only be given by staff who are trained and can demonstrate competence. The effects of a missed administration, an incorrect dose, a dose given at the wrong time or given incorrectly, such as by mouth instead of anally, or as a tablet instead of a fluid, can be devastating, even fatal for the person concerned. Training in the handling of medicines prevents accidents happening and demonstrates duty of care. Health care procedures are specialist activities and should never be carried out without training. In addition, they carry a high risk of cross infection and therefore should never be carried out without training in infection control. Food safety legislation requires that everyone who handles food, including storing, preparing, cooking and serving, supporting people to eat and drink, and disposing of waste, should be trained in food hygiene. Training helps reduce the risk of cross infection and the debilitating, sometimes fatal, effects of food poisoning. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 14

15 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, and 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? Tablecloths were originally used as towels on which dinner guests could wipe their hands and faces after eating. ACTIVITY ONE Circle the words or phrases you would associate with a safe work environment Responsibility Hazard Chocolate Coffee Visitor book Moving & handling HSE Tea Monitoring QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 15

16 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? QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 16

17 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? QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 17

18 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 the setting 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 QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 18

19 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? QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 19

20 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 setting 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? Every year more monopoly money is printed than real money printed worldwide! ACTIVITY TWO Circle the words or phrases you would associate with COSHH Phone Substances Storage Harmful Disposal Training Spillage Fax Reporting accidents or ill health The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995, came into force on 1 April RIDDOR requires the reporting of work-related accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences. It applies to all work activities, but not to all incidents. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 20

21 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, ( 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 21

22 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? QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 22

23 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 numbers of people available? Yes/No 11. What is the purpose of the move? (Please state) 12. Can the move be safely achieved? Yes/No QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 23

24 DID YOU KNOW? The Learning Company Ltd No two zebras have the same pattern of stripes. ACTIVITY THREE Circle the words or phrases you would associate with moving and handling Load Environment Calculator Computer Task Individual capability Equipment Printer 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 24

25 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 25

26 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. Hand washing 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 QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 26

27 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 QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 27

28 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 28

29 DID YOU KNOW? The Learning Company Ltd A dog was the first in space and a rooster and a duck were the first pilots in an air balloon. ACTIVITY FOUR Circle the words or phrases you would associate with food handling Work surfaces BMW Bacteria Rolls Royce Chopping boards Fridge Knives Cooked food Porsche Dealing with hazardous waste Part of your responsibility 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 29

30 Working with hazardous materials: medicines 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 selfmedicating. 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 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 30

31 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 health and social care worker in the administration of medicines Many people 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 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 QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 31

32 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 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 32

33 If you discover a fire you should: The Learning Company Ltd 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? Keep a goldfish in the room without light for a long time, it will naturally turn white. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 33

34 ACTIVITY FIVE Circle the words or phrases you would associate with fire Daffodil Fire drill Signs Alarm Tulip Fire Brigade Procedure Pansy 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 34

35 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 dropin 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. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 35

36 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. How to manage stress We all experience pressure from time to time, and some of us work best under pressure it motivates us to get on with the job! However, if the pressure builds up to the point that we can no longer cope, we become stressed. Some people thrive on stress for them it is a positive, energising emotion. But for most, it has negative consequences. According to the HSE, around 14 million working days and 4 billion are lost to work-related stress each year. The common signs and symptoms of stress include: Emotional ill-health, such as feeling unable to cope, tearfulness, anxiety and depression, negativity, irritability, anger, poor concentration, difficulty in making decisions, and thoughts of suicide Physical ill-health, such as not being able to relax, headache, insomnia, high blood pressure, palpitations, heart attack, indigestion, asthma, skin disorders, loss of libido and weight gain or loss Social problems, such as social conflict, unacceptable behaviour and social isolation. Factors that tend to trigger own stress To be able to manage our stress, we need to identify the factors or stressors that trigger it. Emotional stressors include fear and anxiety; having to meet deadlines and make decisions; job roles and responsibilities; personality traits such as wanting to create a good impression; and feeling a sense of helplessness or lack of control. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 36

37 Physical stressors are things that put pressure on your body, such as pain, ill-health, disability; insufficient sleep and rest; a poor diet; too much or too little exercise; and being on your feet all day. They can be chemical, such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine; and environmental, such as noise, pollution, a lack of space and an uncomfortable temperature. Social stressors include mixing with others; relationships; financial problems; coping with children and caring for elderly or infirm relatives; the empty-nest syndrome and important life events such as leaving home, moving house, a new job, getting married, having a baby and bereavement. Strategies for managing stress Having identified what in particular stresses you, you can start to manage your stress. According to Professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health expert at the University of Lancaster, the keys to good stress management are building emotional strength, taking control of your situation, having a good social network and adopting a positive outlook. Professor Cooper's top 10 stress-busting techniques 1. Be active. Exercise will help you get rid of pent-up energy, calm your emotions and help you think more clearly. 2. Take control. Taking control is empowering and will help you find a solution that satisfies you, not someone else. 3. Connect with people. Talking things through with a friend will help you solve your problems. In addition, a good social support network will help you see things in a different way. 4. Have some me time. Earmarking a couple of days a week for some quality me time will help you achieve a healthy, stressfree work-life balance. 5. Challenge yourself. Setting yourself goals, such as learning something new, builds confidence and helps you take charge of your life. 6. Don't rely on alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping. They might provide temporary relief but in the long term they don t solve problems, they just create new ones. 7. Do some voluntary work. Helping people in situations worse than yours will help you put your problems into perspective. QCF ACD H & SC L3 Licensed until Feb 12 Unit HSC 037 Page 37