HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

Campus locations: Sydney

UNIT DESCRIPTION

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply basic infection prevention and control principles in work settings. It includes implementing standard and transmission-based precautions, identifying and responding to infection risks, and following workplace procedures to prevent and control the spread of infection.

 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• This unit provides learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to apply infection prevention and control practices safely and consistently in the workplace. Participants will develop an understanding of:
• The role of infection prevention and control in the workplace, including relevant national standards, guidelines, legislation, workplace policies and individual responsibilities
• Common infectious risks and the causes of infection, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, colonisation, infection and disease
• The chain of infection, including infectious agents, reservoirs, portals of exit and entry, susceptible hosts and methods of transmission
• Standard and transmission-based precautions used to prevent direct and indirect transmission, including contact, droplet and airborne precautions
• Correct hand hygiene procedures, including when to wash hands, when to use alcohol-based hand rub and how to prevent hand contamination
• How to select, apply, use and remove personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks, protective eyewear, gowns and aprons
• Cleaning and environmental controls, including routine and enhanced cleaning, reprocessing reusable equipment, managing linen and responding to blood or body-fluid spills
• Waste management procedures, including the safe handling and disposal of general waste, contaminated waste and sharps
• How to identify infection risks, establish clean and contaminated zones, respond to exposure incidents, document actions and report risks or incidents to the appropriate person

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

This single-unit enrolment is open to both international and domestic students aged 18 years and over. There are no formal prerequisite units for HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control.

Applicants are required to provide evidence that they meet the academic and English language entry requirements for this unit.

In line with the 2025 Standards for Registered Training Organisations, prospective students are required to have their language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills reviewed before enrolment. This process helps the College determine whether the unit is suitable for the student and whether any additional support may be required.

Where support needs are identified, the College may provide reasonable assistance or learning support to help students meet the requirements of the unit.

Applicants who have successfully completed an AQF qualification delivered and assessed in English are deemed to meet the academic and English language entry requirements.

 

 

 

ASSESSMENT AND DELIVERY STRUCTURE

HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control is delivered through a flexible online learning and practical assessment model.

Practical activities are completed through video demonstrations and role-play scenarios that are recorded and uploaded through the Mercury Colleges eLearning System.

The unit is structured as follows:

Online Self-Paced Learning

Students complete learning content, readings, videos, resources and Moodle activities online. These activities develop the underpinning knowledge required to recognise infection risks and apply appropriate prevention and control measures.

Online Knowledge Assessment

Students complete an online Moodle knowledge assessment covering microorganisms and the chain of infection, standard and transmission-based precautions, hand hygiene, PPE, cleaning, waste and sharps management, exposure incidents, workplace policies, documentation and reporting requirements.

Practical Tasks

Some activities involve completing practical tasks that demonstrate how infection prevention and control procedures are applied in healthcare settings. These tasks may include identifying infection risks and demonstrating correct procedures such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning practices, and the safe handling of contaminated materials or waste.

Video Demonstrations and Role Plays

At certain points in the course, students will be asked to record short videos demonstrating infection control procedures or participate in role-play scenarios. These activities allow students to demonstrate how infection prevention and control procedures are applied and how they would respond in common workplace situations.

Role plays may be completed by recording and uploading the role play through the Mercury Colleges eLearning System.

To record a role play independently, students will need another person aged 18 years or over to assist by acting as a patient or colleague. This person may be a friend or family member, and no qualifications are required.

Videos may be recorded using a computer, tablet or mobile phone and uploaded directly through the eLearning System.

Additional Items Required for Assessment

To complete the practical activities, students will need access to the following items:

Basic PPE items for demonstration, including:

• 2 pairs of disposable rubber gloves that fit securely
• 1 disposable surgical face mask
• 1 white or black bin liner

These items are not supplied by Mercury Colleges and can be purchased from most supermarkets or pharmacies.

 

RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS

Students are required to have access to a laptop or desktop computer and a reliable internet connection to complete online learning activities and the knowledge assessment. A computer, tablet or mobile phone with video-recording capability is also required for practical video and role-play submissions.

Students must also provide the basic PPE demonstration items listed above. These items are not supplied by Mercury Colleges.

 

EXIT POINT/AWARD

Students who successfully complete HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control will be issued with a Statement of Attainment by Mercury Colleges.

This is a nationally recognised unit of competency delivered under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).