The purpose of this training is to equip cleaning staff with knowledge and skills to implement Infection Prevention practices in the healthcare environment.

About the course

  • Course Design: Self-directed

  • Duration: It will take 4 hours to complete.

  • Eligibility for this course:
    • Cleaning staff
    • General assistants
    • Household aids
    • Porters
    • Working in healthcare settings within the Western Cape

  • Certification: All participants receive a certificate on completion.

  • Published: February 2024

Course curriculum

This course covers the following content:

  • Introduction to short course on Hygiene and Cleanliness
  • Importance of cleaning in healthcare facilities
  • Legislation
    • Understand importance of legislation in healthcare facilities
    • Familiarise key legislative frameworks relevant to IPC, waste management & Ideal Clinic Standards
    • Introduce Batho Pele principles
    • Personal health and safety according to Occupational Health and Safety Act
  • The standard precautions of infection prevention and control
    • Understand Standard precautions
    • Understand Healthcare associated infections
    • Understand the significance of standard precautions in maintaining a hygienic environment
    • Understand patient environment and factors for spreading infections
  • Hand hygiene
    • Create awareness about the importance of proper hand hygiene in healthcare settings.
    • Understand the correct techniques and best practices for hand hygiene, including handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers.
    • Reinforce the understanding regarding the critical role of hand hygiene in infection prevention and control
  • Environmental cleaning
    • Describe the purpose of environmental cleaning
    • Explain the risk of a contaminated environment
    • List and describe the key elements of routine cleaning
  • Transmission-based precautions
    • Understand and differentiate between the different types of transmission-based precautions, and which PPE to apply to the different types
  • Occupational health and safety 


Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness
People Development Centre

Acknowledgements:

  • Infection Control Africa Network (ICAN)