COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the course on Using PPE Effectively in Disability Support. This course is designed to provide you with knowledge and practical skills necessary for the effective use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in disability support settings. By the end of this course, you will be well-prepared to select, use, and maintain PPE properly, ensuring the safety and well-being of both clients and staff.
We begin with an introduction to PPE in disability support, providing an overview of what PPE is and its critical importance in protecting against infections and ensuring safe care environments. You will learn why PPE is essential in disability support and how it helps in preventing the spread of infections.
Next, we explore the different types of PPE, including gloves, masks and respirators, gowns and aprons. Understanding the specific purposes and uses of each type of PPE is fundamental to using them effectively in various scenarios.
Regulatory requirements and standards are crucial for compliance and safety. This section covers Australian PPE standards, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission guidelines, and workplace health and safety regulations that govern the use of PPE in disability support settings.
Selecting the right PPE involves assessing risks and matching PPE to specific tasks. You will learn how to customise PPE for individual needs, ensuring that the chosen equipment provides the necessary protection.
Proper use of gloves is essential for preventing contamination. This section covers when to use gloves, the correct methods for donning and doffing gloves, and proper disposal techniques to ensure hygiene and safety.
Proper use of masks and respirators is vital for respiratory protection. Learn about the different types of masks and respirators, how to fit and adjust them correctly, and the correct disposal methods to maintain safety standards.
Proper use of gowns and aprons provides additional protection in high-risk scenarios. This section covers when to use gowns and aprons, the proper techniques for donning and doffing, and safe disposal practices.
Eye and face protection is important for safeguarding against splashes and airborne particles. You will learn about the types of eye protection available, proper fitting and use, and how to clean and maintain these protective items.
Foot and leg protection ensures comprehensive safety. This section covers the types of foot and leg protection, when and how to use them, and the necessary maintenance and cleaning practices to ensure they remain effective.
Head protection is also crucial in certain environments. Learn about the types of head protection, proper use and fitting, and maintenance and storage practices to ensure safety.
Hygiene practices and PPE use go hand in hand. This section emphasises hand hygiene techniques, integrating hand hygiene with PPE use, and the importance of maintaining personal hygiene to prevent contamination.
PPE for specific scenarios involves managing bodily fluids, handling contaminated waste, and using PPE during outbreaks and high-risk situations. This section provides guidance on using PPE effectively in these challenging scenarios.
PPE and communication cover how to communicate effectively while wearing PPE, addressing communication barriers, and ensuring that clients feel comfortable and understood during interactions.
PPE in community settings involves protocols for home visits, day programs and activities, and transportation safety measures. Learn how to apply PPE protocols in various community-based scenarios to ensure safety.
Monitoring and compliance are critical for maintaining PPE standards. This section covers conducting regular audits and inspections, reporting non-compliance, and implementing continuous improvement processes to ensure adherence to PPE protocols.
PPE storage and inventory management are essential for ensuring that PPE is available and in good condition when needed. Learn about proper storage conditions, managing inventory, and ensuring that PPE is rotated and used before expiry dates.
Environmental considerations focus on sustainable PPE use, eco-friendly disposal methods, and reducing PPE waste. This section emphasises the importance of minimising environmental impact while maintaining safety.
Psychological impacts of PPE use address client anxiety and support staff well-being. Learn strategies for creating a comfortable environment and addressing any psychological concerns related to PPE use.
Finally, we present case studies and practical examples to illustrate successful implementation of PPE protocols, lessons learned from outbreaks, and real-life scenarios and solutions. These examples provide valuable insights and practical tips for effective PPE use in disability support.
By the end of this course, you will be well-equipped to implement PPE protocols effectively, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for both clients and staff in disability support settings.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to PPE in Disability Support
- Overview of PPE
- Importance of PPE in Disability Support
2. Types of PPE
- Gloves
- Masks and Respirators
- Gowns and Aprons
3. Regulatory Requirements and Standards
- Australian PPE Standards
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Guidelines
- Workplace Health and Safety Regulations
4. Selecting the Right PPE
- Assessing Risks
- Matching PPE to Tasks
- Customising PPE for Individual Needs
5. Proper Use of Gloves
- When to Use Gloves
- Donning and Doffing Gloves
- Disposal of Gloves
6. Proper Use of Masks and Respirators
- Types of Masks and Respirators
- Correct Fitting and Adjustment
- Disposal of Masks and Respirators
7. Proper Use of Gowns and Aprons
- When to Use Gowns and Aprons
- Donning and Doffing Gowns and Aprons
- Disposal of Gowns and Aprons
8. Eye and Face Protection
- Types of Eye Protection
- Proper Fitting and Use
- Cleaning and Maintenance
9. Foot and Leg Protection
- Types of Foot and Leg Protection
- When and How to Use
- Maintenance and Cleaning
10. Head Protection
- Types of Head Protection
- Proper Use and Fit
- Maintenance and Storage
11. Hygiene Practices and PPE
- Hand Hygiene Techniques
- Integrating Hand Hygiene with PPE Use
- Importance of Personal Hygiene
12. PPE for Specific Scenarios
- Managing Bodily Fluids
- Handling Contaminated Waste
- During Outbreaks and High-Risk Situations
13. PPE and Communication
- Communicating While Wearing PPE
- Addressing Communication Barriers
- Maintaining Client Comfort and Understanding
14. PPE in Community Settings
- Home Visits Protocols
- Day Programs and Activities
- Transportation Safety Measures
15. Monitoring and Compliance
- Regular Audits and Inspections
- Reporting Non-Compliance
- Continuous Improvement Processes
16. PPE Storage and Inventory Management
- Proper Storage Conditions
- Managing PPE Inventory
- Expiry Dates and Stock Rotation
17. Environmental Considerations
- Sustainable PPE Use
- Eco-friendly Disposal Methods
- Reducing PPE Waste
18. Psychological Impacts of PPE Use
- Addressing Client Anxiety
- Supporting Staff Wellbeing
- Creating a Comfortable Environment
19. Case Studies and Practical Examples
- Successful Implementation of PPE Protocols
- Lessons Learned from Outbreaks
- Real-life Scenarios and Solutions
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.