Infection control basics for independent support workers
Infection control basics for independent NDIS support workers: hand hygiene, PPE, cleaning, staying home when unwell, and protecting vulnerable participants.
Why infection control matters for independents
Hand hygiene: the single most important habit
PPE: using the right protection
Cleaning and safe handling
Staying home when you're unwell
Protecting vulnerable participants
Following current health advice
Frequently asked questions
What are the basics of infection control for support workers?
The core basics are hand hygiene (washing or sanitising at key moments), using PPE like gloves and masks appropriately, keeping surfaces and equipment clean, staying home when you're unwell, and following current public health advice. Together these protect vulnerable participants, your other clients and yourself from…
When should I wash my hands during a support shift?
Wash or sanitise on arrival and before leaving, before and after personal care or physical contact, before handling food, after using or assisting with the toilet, after contact with body fluids or wounds, after coughing or sneezing, and before and after wearing gloves. Clean for around 20 seconds and dry thoroughly.
Do gloves replace hand washing?
No. Gloves are a barrier for specific tasks, but germs get onto your hands when you put gloves on and take them off. Always clean your hands before gloving up and after removing gloves. Change gloves between tasks and between participants, and never reuse single-use gloves.
Should I work if I'm feeling unwell?
Generally no. Turning up with an infectious illness can seriously harm a medically vulnerable participant. Stay away when you have symptoms like fever, coughing, vomiting or diarrhoea, and follow current health advice on isolation. Plan ahead with backup workers and a financial buffer so time off is manageable, since…
How do I protect medically vulnerable participants?
Raise your standard for anyone immunocompromised or medically fragile: be strict with hand hygiene, consider masking when illness is around, discuss precautions with them and their health team, watch for early signs of illness, and avoid visiting if your own household is sick. Always work in partnership with the…
Where do I find current infection control advice?
Check official sources such as your state or territory health department and national health authorities, since guidance changes with seasons and outbreaks. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission also publishes infection prevention and control resources for NDIS workers. As your own boss, keeping up to date is your…