UNIT 208 UNDERSTAND HEALTH AND SAFETY IN SOCIAL CARE SETTING

Outcome 1 Understand the different responsibilities relating to health and safety in social
care setting:

1.1 List legislation relating to general health and safety in a social care setting:
- Manual Handling operations Regulations 1992;
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002;
- Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurences Regulations 1995
(RIDDOR);
- Health and Safety First Aid Regulations 1981;
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

1.2 Describe the main points of health and safety policies and procedures:
- risks in relation to the workplace and work tasks;
- control measures for hazards;
- procedures for reporting accidents or health problems;
- procedures for first aid, fire and emergencies;
- communication in the workplace.

1.3 Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of:

The social care worker:
- to take reasonable care of my own health and safety;
- to avoid wearing jewellery or improper clothes;
- to cooperate with my manager, making sure that I get proper training and that I
understand and I follow the companys health and safety policies;
- to report any injuries, strains or illnesses I suffer as a result of doing my job;
- to tell to the manager if something happens that might affect my ability to work.

The employer or manager:

- make the workplace safe;
- check that the right work equipment is provided and is properly used and
regularly maintained;
- tell me about any potential hazards from the work I do, chemicals and other
substances used by the company, and give me information, instructions, training
and supervision as needed;
- set up emergency plans;
- provide health supervision as needed;
- provide protective clothing or equipment free of charge;

Individuals:
- to take reasonable care of my own health and safety;
- if I have reasonable concerns about my safety, to stop work and leave my work
area ;
 - to understand where my responsibilities begin and end.

1.4 Identify tasks relating to health and safety that should only be carried out with special
training:
- manual handling;
- clinical tasks (like temperature or blood pressure);
- changing dressing;
- giving medication.

1.5 Describe how to access additional support and information relating to health and
safety:
- if I have to deal with a health and safety issue and I am not sure about what
legislation and guidelines to apply, or I dont know what action to take to ensure
safety, or I am concerned about a particular situation or person and I may find that I
need more information, my line manager is my first choice for additional information
and support. If my manager is unavailable or unsure, then the Health and Safety
Executive should be able to provide any information I need. Trade union is also
another source of information about health and safety issue.

Outcome 2 Understand the use of risk assessments in relation to health and safety:

2.1 Define what is meant by hazard and risk:

hazard = something that could possibly cause harm
risk = the likelihood of a hazard causing harm

2.2 Describe how to use a health and safety risk assessment:

- risk assessment in health and social care is important for everyone, who are required
by law to identify and assess risks in the workplace. This includes any situations where
potential harm may be caused. This means all activities, from walking on wet floors to
dealing with violence. Having carried out a risk assessment, the employer must then
apply risk control measures - actions taken in order to reduce an identified risk. Risk
assessment are not about restricting what people do, they are about making sure that it is
done safely.

2.3 Explain how and when to report potential health and safety risks that have been
identified:
- I am always aware of any risks in any situation I am in. In my workplace, I have a
responsibility to report any unsafe situation to my manager. For example if I use an
equipment and I find that it is unsafe or needs repair, I must report it. Also I must report
accidents and ill-health at work.

2.4 Describe how risk assessment can help address dilemmas between an individuals
rights and health and safety concerns:
- Life is full of risks, and all people have the right to take risks in order to live as they
wish. But a well carried-out risk assessment can make it less likely that any harm will
result. For example, vulnerable people being exploited or placed at risk of harm, or
someone with dementia may wish to go out shopping alone, a risk assessment will help to
look at the risks and the control measures that can be put in place in order to reduce the
risks of the activity.

Outcome 3 Understand procedures for responding to accidents and sudden illness:

3.1 Describe different types of accidents and sudden illness that may occur in a social
care setting:
- For example, if someone may have a fall or slip on a wet floor. I must record the
incident. I must report any accident in which I am involved, or have witnessed, to my
manager or supervisor. If someone has been involved in an accident, I should check if
there is anyone they would like to be contacted, perhaps a relative or friend. If the
accident is serious, and I cannot consult the person, the next of kin should be informed as
soon as possible. I will complete a report, and ensure that all witnesses to the accident
also complete reports.
3.2 Outline the procedures to be followed if an accident or sudden illness should occur:
- severe bleeding - I will use gloves and I will need to apply pressure to a wound that is
bleeding. If it is possible I use a sterile dressing. I will lay the casualty down and raise
the affected part if possible. I will call for the senior registered nurse to assess the severity
of the injury.
- cardiac arrest I will try to obtain medical help as a matter of urgency. I will do CPR
only if I have been trained for.
- loss of consciousness I make sure that the person is breathing and has a clear airway.
I will look for any obvious reasons why the person may be unconscious, such as a wound
or an ID band telling me of any condition that person may have. I will call for the senior
registered nurse to assess.
- burns and scalds I will try to obtain immediate medical assistance if the burn is
severe or extensive. I will try cool down the burn. I keep it flooded with cold water for 10
min or more.
3.3 Explain why it is important for emergency first aid tasks only to be carried out by
qualified first aiders:
- because the wrong action can cause more harm to the casualty. I can do further damage
to a casualty by attempting to carry out tasks I have not been trained for.

Outcome 4 Know how to reduce the spread of infection:

4.1 List routes by which an infection can get into the body:
- blood circulation;
- digestive;
- respiratory;
- body fluids.

4.2 Describe ways in which own health or hygiene might pose a risk to an individual or to
others at work:
- wearing jewellery or carring things (scissors or pen) in my pocket which could cause
injury;
 - long hair, long nails, dirty nails, dirty hands;
- high heeled or poorly supporting shoes are a risk for foot injuries and sore feet and
also overbalance or stumble;
- store and prepare food or drinks for people who are about to eat or drink. If the food it
is not stored or cooked properly may be contaminated by bacteria and people who are
old, ill or young children or pregnant women can be poison.

4.3 Explain the most thorough method for hand washing:

- wet my hand thoroughly under warm running water and squirt liquid soap onto the
palm of one hand. Rub my hands together to make lather. Rub the palm of one hand
along the back of the other and along the fingers. Then repeat with the other hand. Rinse
off the soap with clean water.

4.4 Describe when to use different types of personal protective equipment:

- gloves: when I will have contact with body fluids (including body waste, blood,
mucus, swear, vomit); when I have contact with anyone with a rash, pressure sore,
wound, broken skin; when I will clean up spills of blood.
- plastic apron: for any procedure which involves bodily contact or I have to deal with
body waste or fluids.
- mask: for different type of infection.

Outcome 5 Know how to move and handle equipment and other objects safely:

5.1 Identify legislation that relates to moving and handling:

- The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

5.2 List principles for safe moving and handling;

- the manager and myself, we need to make sure that me and other staff are not put at
risk by moving and lifting. It is also important that the person I am supporting is not
caused pain, distress or humiliation;
- the manager has a statutory duty to provide lifting and handling equipment, but it is
my responsibility to use the equipment that is provided;
- using the right equipment reduces the risk of harm for everyone.

5.3 Explain why it is important for moving and handling tasks to be carried out following
specialist training:
- to avoid the risk of injury for myself and also for the person I am supporting.

Outcome 6 Understand the principles of assisting and moving an individual

6.1 Explain why it is important to have specialist training before assisting and moving
individual:
- to avoid the risk of injury for myself and also for the person I am supporting.
6.2 Explain the importance of following an individuals care plan and fully engaging with
them when assisting and moving:
- I will know if it is necessary or not to use an equipment and what kind of equipment I
have to use. I will know the procedures and what steps I have to follow to keep the
balance between safety and the rights of the person.

Outcome 7 Know how to handle hazardous substances:

7.1 Identify hazardous substances that may be found in the social care setting:
- hazardous substances are: nicotine, many drugs, too much alcohol, radioactive
material, cleaning materials, pesticides, acids, disinfectants and bleaches.

7.2 Describe safe practices for:

- the workplace must have a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health),
which should be easily accessible to all staff. This file lists all the hazardous substances
used in the workplace. It should detail: where they are kept; how they are labeled; their
effects; how to deal with an emergency involving one of them.
Storing hazardous substances:
- using the correct containers as supplied by the manufacturers. All containers
must have safety lids and caps, and must be correctly labeled. I will not use the
container of one substance for storing another, and I will never change the label.
Using hazardous substances:
- I have to take the precautions detailed in the COSHH file. Maybe I have to wear
gloves or protective goggles. It may be a limited time I will be exposed to the
substance.
Disposing of hazardous substances:
- I have to read all details in the COSHH file. I have to look up all precautions I
need to take with the substance. I have to follow the procedures, which are
intended to protect me.

Outcome 8 Know environmental safety procedures in the social care setting:

8.1 Outline procedures to be followed in the social care setting to prevent:

Fire:
- workplace must have fire system alarm; I have to check time to time all places with
a possible risk of fire; no smoking into the workplace, only in the area for smokers;
Gas leak:
- workplace must have gas system alarm; all gas equipment must be in good condition
and inspected by a competent person.
Floods:
- water installation must be in good condition; I have to check that all taps are off.
Intruding:
- It is easy to identify the employees by identity badges with photographs, also for
visitors it is used badges. Some workplaces operate electronic security systems where
you have to use card to open doors, or they have keycard with a code number, or only
 keys. In general, each workplace has its own system to get in. But I must be aware of
everyone I come across and I will challenge polite anyone I do not recognize.
Security breach:
- to be sure that all security systems work properly.

8.2 Outline procedures to be followed in the social care setting in the event of:
Fire:
- raise the alarm; call 999; if it is safe to do so I will attack the fire with the correc
extinguisher; I must stay calm and not shout or run; I do not allow others to run; I
must maintain clear evacuation routes; I have to organise people quickly and firmly
without panic; I must direct those who can move themselves and assist those who
cannot.
Gas leak:
- raise the alarm; call 999; I must stay calm and not shout or run; I do not allow others
to run; I must maintain clear evacuation routes; I have to organise people quickly and
firmly without panic; I must direct those who can move themselves and assist those
who cannot.
Floods:
- to identify the source and shut down if it is possible; raise the alarm; call 999; I must
stay calm and not shout or run; I do not allow others to run; I must maintain clear
evacuation routes; I have to organise people quickly and firmly without panic; I must
direct those who can move themselves and assist those who cannot.
Intruding:
- if I find an intruder on the premises, I will not tackle him, I will raise the alarm.
Security breach:
- raise the alarm.

Outcome 9 Know how to manage stress:

9.1 Identify common signs and indicators of stress:

- loss of motivation;
- more sensitive;
- disturb of eating;
- disturb of sleeping.

9.2 Identify circumstances that tend to trigger own stress:

- changes in working;
- changes in team members;
- increased demands from others;
- relationships;
- financial, personal changes.

9.3 Describe ways to manage stress:

- more time for myself;
- talking with somebody about my feelings;
- more relaxing activities.
Outcome 10 Understand procedures regarding handling medication:

10.1 Describe the main points of agreed procedures about handling medication:
- ordering;
- receiving;
- storage administration;
- recording;
- disposal.

10.2 Identify who is responsible for medication in a social care setting:

- trained worker;
- designated person;
- individual (self-medication).

10.3 Explain why medication must only be handled following specialist training:
- to comply with legislation;
- to be administered safely and correctly;
- responsibility for the action.

Outcome 11 Understand how to handle and store food safely

11.1 Identify food standards relevant to a social care setting:

- Food Standards Act;
- Food safety workplace policy;
- Food safety guidelines.
11.2 Explain how to:
Store food:
- all food stored is covered over;
- storing food correctly in fridge/cupboard etc;
- all food stored to have label with date;
- cooked food must be stored when is cold.
Maximize hygiene when handling food:
- keeping myself clean;
- wearing protective clothes;
- workplace clean;
- regular washing hands.
Dispose of food:
- wiping all spillages;
- all left over food is disposed;
- bins must be emptied frequently.

11.3 Identify common hazards when handling and storing food:

- re-heating food more than once;
- using food out of date;
- not following correct the instruction for food.