Health, Safety and Security in the Health Sector

This document covers the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector, Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector. It includes information on potential risks to health, safety and security in healthcare settings, ways to minimize risks, key legislation, responsibilities of employees, employers and others in the work setting, and ways to access additional health and safety support. It also covers the use of risk assessments in relation to health and safety, ways to reduce the spread of infection in healthcare settings, and the most effective method for hand washing.

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
Assessment
You should use this file to complete your Assessment.
How to complete and send your Assessment
 Save a copy of this document, either onto your computer or USB drive.
 Work through your Assessment, remembering to save your work regularly
 When you’ve finished, print out a copy to keep for reference
 Then, go to www.vision2learn.com and send your completed Assessment to your tutor via
your My Study area – make sure it is clearly marked with your name, the course title and
the Unit and Assessment number.
Please note that this Assessment has 17 pages and is made up of 5 parts.
Name:
Part 1: Know how to assist in maintaining a healthy, safe and secure working
environment consistent with legislation and organisational policies and procedures
This part will help you to evidence Learning Outcome 1: Know how to assist in
maintaining a healthy, safe and secure working environment consistent with legislation
and organisational policies and procedures
Learning objective Place in Assessment
1.1 Identify potential risks to health, safety and security in
healthcare settings in relation to:
 The environment
 Individuals
 Information and its use
Question 1 Page 1
1.2 Outline how risks to health, safety and security can be
minimised in an organisation or service
Question 2 Page 2
1.3 Identify the key legislation that related to health, safety
and security
Question 3 Page 3
1.4 Outline the main health, safety and security
responsibilities of:
 Self
 Employer
 Others in the work setting
Question 4 Page 4
1.5 Describe how to access additional support with regard
to health and safety
Question 5 Page 4
1. Identify two potential risks to health, safety and security in healthcare settings in relation
to each of the following: [1.1]
The environment
1. Risk of waterborne and diarrhoeal diseases due to limited access to drinking water
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
2. Hospital pollution can generate high air pollution risk
Individuals
1. Risk of infection in hospital include if tubes or catheters have moved or feel
uncomfortable
2. Risk of infection in hospital include if the site around the IV drip needle is not clean and
dry
Information (and its use)
1. Mandatory federal regulations
2. Existing and future policy
2. Read the case study below. Afterwards, complete the table by outlining how the risks to
health, safety and security that are highlighted could be minimised by the healthcare
organisation. [1.2]
Risk Action that can be taken to reduce risk
Indications for CPR
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When Alicia was appointed as a receptionist at a large city hospital, she was informed
that the person who previously filled her role had needed to practise CPR on a few
occasions. This is a constant concern to her, as she is not sure she would be able to help
a service user if she was put in a similar position (Risk 1).
On a particularly quiet afternoon, Alicia briefly leaves her desk unmanned (Risk 2) to use
the toilet. As she leaves, she notices the soap dispenser is nearly empty and there are no
dry paper towels available (Risk 3). As she is in a hurry to return to her desk and is
unaware of where to locate more soap and towels, she assumes the cleaner will be along
shortly and rushes back to her seat.
Later that day, a tall, stern-looking man marches up to Alicia’s desk. She instantly feels
threatened and flustered by his dominating presence (Risk 4). He demands for a doctor
to become available immediately because his girlfriend has been waiting for a long time to
see someone about a pain in her arm. Although Alicia explains he needs to be patient and
his partner will be seen as soon as possible, the man will not leave and continues to raise
his voice making her feel more uncomfortable and attracting the attention of other patients
who are waiting.

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
Risk 1 – Lack of first aid experience
 Lack of consciousness
 No breathing
 Lack of blood circulation (in this
situation it is more effective to check
the pulse in the carotid arteries)
If the resuscitator (the person conducting the
resuscitation) did not identify the pulse on
the carotid artery (or is unable to determine
it), then it should be considered that there is
no pulse, that is, the circulation of blood has
stopped. In accordance with the
Methodological Guidelines for Conducting
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation of the
European Council for Resuscitation 2010,
the only indications for the start of basic
resuscitation are the lack of breathing and
consciousness.
Procedure for resuscitation
The new set of measures to prevent the
death of adult patients recommended by the
AHA includes the following elements:
1. Early recognition of cardiac arrest
and call the ambulance brigade
2. Timely CPR with emphasis on
compression compression
3. Timely defibrillation
4. Effective intensive care
5. Combined therapy after cardiac
arrest
According to the recommendation of the
ANA for CPR from 2011, the order of
conducting cardiopulmonary resuscitation
from ABCDE to CABED has been
changed. Very important is the order,
phasing and sequence of activities.
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
Risk 2 – Unmanned reception desk She must not leave the desk unnamed
instead Alicia must inform someone who
can take care of things in her absence.
Risk 3 –No handwashing resources
available
If the desk was not left by Alicia unnamed
and should would have informed someone
who could have taken care instead of her
during the moment she went to toilet then
risk of losing soap from dispenser and dry
paper towels could have been reduced. The
next time proposed action is to inform and
call someone to take care of the desk in
absence of Alicia.
Risk 4 – Dealing independently with a
difficult patient
In a situation when someone tries to harass
receptionist, security must be called to
control such threats.
3. Identify four examples of key legislation relating to health, safety and security in the
left-hand column of the table below.
You must also provide a brief explanation of the purpose of each piece of legislation
in the right-hand column. [1.3]
Key legislation Purpose within the health sector
1. Food and Safety Act 1990 All staff coming in contact with food must be
aware of hygiene rules, and how food should
be stored, prepared, produced and distributed
in a way that prevents germ transmission
2. Data Protection Act 1998 Controls usage and access of personal
information by government, organisation,
and business and also prevents misuse of
confidential data
3.Manual Handling Operations Regulations
1992
Outline techniques for safe manual handling
to prevent injuries
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
4. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
2002
Outlines safe storage, usage, and disposal of
hazardous materials and medical waste
4. Outline the key responsibilities held by each of the roles listed in the table. [1.4]
Role Key responsibilities
Employee  Take rational care of personal safety
and health.
 Co-operate with the employer
 Report injuries, illnesses and strains
 Do not participate in tasks for which
adequate training has not been given
 Do not interfere with things that are
realted to health and safety
 Remain accountable for not putting
other employees at risk
Employer  Provide a harmless working
environment
 Offer data on health and safety
 Deliver free training on health and
safety
 Ensure entering or leaving the
workplace securely
Others within the work setting  Adhere to necessary health and safety
guidance
 Collaborate with others to guarantee
appropriate apparatus is used
carefully
 Take judicious care of own health and
protection
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
5. Describe ways in which additional health and safety support can be accessed via each
of the following methods: [1.5]
Method Group or organisation offering support Description of
this service
Online
http://www.hse.gov.uk/guidance/index.htm
This organisation
provides
information and
makes it easily
accessible to its
online users.
Directly via
telephone https://www.phoenixhsc.co.uk/consultancy/telephone-
email-support
This organisation
provide
competitively-
priced telephone
and email support
packages
Within a
healthcare
organisation
HSE HSE guide to the
health and safety
regulation within
organisation
Now that you have completed part 1 of your Assessment, remember to save the work
you have done so far – you will need to send your work to your tutor for marking once
you have completed all 5 parts of this Assessment.
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
Part 2: Understand the use of risk assessments in relation to health and safety
This part will help you to evidence Learning Outcome 2: Understand the use of risk
assessments in relation to health and safety
Learning objective Place in Assessment
2.1 Define what is meant by ‘hazard’ and ‘risk’ Question 1 Page 6
2.2 Describe how to use a health and safety risk assessment Question 2 Page 6
2.3 Explain how and when to report potential health and
safety risks
Question 3 Page 7
1. Provide a definition of what is meant by the following: [2.1]
Hazard: Anything that could lead to harm like sharp equipment, chemicals, and electricity
Risk: Likelihood or chance, great or little, that someone could be damaged by a hazard
2. Describe each of the five steps involved in carrying out a risk assessment. [2.2]
5 steps to risk assessment are as follows:
1. Identify the hazards- walking around workplace, asking employees for their opinion,
review the HSE website, check instructions and data sheets about equipment and
chemicals, review ill-health and accident records.
2. Decide the person at risk- identify people who are more likely to be affected by
hazards, seek feedback from staff who are in regular contact with risk factors.
3. Assess the dangers and formulate a precaution plan- Compare new strategies, take
into consideration obvious solution, use guards for preventing access, use PPE
4. Record the findings- conduct thorough check, deal with hazards encountered, involve
other staff
5. Conduct review assessment and implement changes- analyse the risk assessment,
record new things learnt and problems that were not spotted.
3. In the left-hand column state identified risks that should be reported.
In the right-hand column, explain ways in which your three identified risks can be
communicated to others as well as when they should be reported. [2.3]
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
Risks Communication of risks When to report
Chemical hazards like fumes,
gases, vapours, and liquids
Distributing opies of the risk
assessment
On conducting risk
assessment
Physical hazards like slippery
floors, clustered walkways,
poor lighting
Seeking explanation from
senior staff
On conducting risk
assessment
Ergonomic hazards like poor
equipment design, workflow,
manual handling, repetitive
movement
Using translators, diagrams
or photographs
On conducting risk
assessment
Now that you have completed part 2 of your Assessment, remember to save the work
you have done so far – you will need to send your work to your tutor for marking once
you have completed all 5 parts of this Assessment.
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
Part 3: Know how to reduce the spread of infection in healthcare settings
This part will help you to evidence Learning Outcome 3: Know how to reduce the
spread of infection in healthcare settings
Learning objective Place in Assessment
3.1 Describe ways in which own health and hygiene might
pose a risk to an individual or to others at work in a
healthcare setting
Question 1 Page 8
3.2 Describe the ways an infection can get into the body Question 2 Page 8
3.3 Explain the most effective method for hand washing Question 3 Page 9
3.4 Explain how the use of Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) can reduce the spread of infection
Question 4 Page 10
3.5 Describe circumstances when employees are advised to
stay away from the workplace
Question 5 Page 10
1. Describe three ways your own health and hygiene could be a risk to others in a
healthcare setting. [3.1]
 When there is direct contact- Under circumstance when there exists actual
physical contact with a contaminated surface or infected person. Principal
sources of direct pathogen contact are through our hands and mouth.
 When there is indirect contact- Under circumstances when the harmful
pathogens are transmitted from one individual to another, via contaminated
objects like toiletry, cutlery, and cups, food, animals, or insects.
2. Describe three routes via which infection can enter the body by completing both
columns in the table below. [3.2]
 Natural opening- Ears, nose, mouths, anus, urethra and vagina are the natural
openings. Insertion of tubes like catheters in the natural openings makes the tubes act
as direct routes for transmission of the infection deep in the body.
 Unnatural breaks- These include skin injuries such as, cuts, grazes, and scratches.
They also occur when tubes are inserted through skin in the form of feeding tubes and
IVs.
 Blood circulation- Infection can spread through wounds, contaminated blood
transfusion, tattoos, drug injection with unclean needles
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
 Digestive system- Contaminated water and food spreads infection. Poor personal
hygiene involving urine, faeces, and saliva also spreads infection
 Genital system- Exchange of semen and vaginal secretions during intercourse spreads
infection
 Body fluids- Body fluids that are either circulating or expelled from the body, have
the potential of infecting others
 Pregnancy- Placenta and umbilical cord spreads infection from mother to child
 Respiratory system- Contaminated air droplets from sneezing and coughing leads to
infection spread
3. Briefly describe the hand washing technique that should be practised at each stage of
the process in the right hand column.
You must provide the area of the hand being cleaned, the movement / technique being
practised and any items that are used to complete the action in your description. [3.3]
 Thoroughly wet all surfaces with warm water
 Apply soap and/or skin cleanser
 Rub and rotate the hands vigorously from palm to palm, over back of each
hand, and with interlaced fingers, tips and backs of fingers, wrists, and thumb
 Thoroughly rinse the hands
 Pat dry the hands with the help of disposable paper towels
4. In the table below, explain how three different types of personal protective
equipment (PPE) can reduce infection spread within a healthcare setting. [3.4]
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Ways to prevent infection
Single-use disposable gloves Prevents contact with germs, wastes, body
fluids, and hazardous chemicals
Aprons Provides visible prompts for taking extra
precautions, prevents splashing, prevents
infection transmission while handling food,
making beds, cleaning, disposing wastes, and
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
decontaminating equipment
Face masks Provides maximal barrier precautions during
invasive procedures or surgeries that have
high infection risks
5. Using two different examples of infection, describe the circumstances when employees
would be advised to stay away from the workplace. [3.5]
Illness Incubation Contagious for/
symptom duration
Recommended
recovery period
Influenza (flu) 1-4 days 5-7 days until
symptoms clear up
Up to 7 days
Norovirus (stomach
bug)
12-14 hours 24-72 hours until
symptoms clear up
Up to 3 days
Rhinovirus (common
cold)
1-4 hours 1-5 days until
symptoms clear up
Up to 5 days
Strep throat 2-3 days 1-3 days until
symptoms clear up
Up to 2 days
 Situation analysis- Current position
 Hazard identification and risk assessment
 Credible scenario assessment- Potential incidents
 Emergency plan writing
 Training needs analysis
 Gap analysis- Improvements
 Competency framework- Maintain current skills
Unrivalled knowledge in emergency response facilitates development of advanced methods
for operational incident preparation. From planning emergency response to reviewing and
testing the procedures, the assistance aids ensuring the legal compliance of the organisation
and also improves safety and health procedures.
 Write emergency response and rescue plans
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
 Identify all credible scenarios
 Review and test emergency response and rescue plans and procedures
 Provide complete on-site emergency provision
Now that you have completed part 3 of your Assessment, remember to save the work
you have done so far – you will need to send your work to your tutor for marking once
you have completed all 5 parts of this Assessment.
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
Part 4: Know how to summon immediate help in an emergency
This part will help you to evidence Learning Outcome 4: Know how to summon
immediate help in an emergency
Learning objective Place in Assessment
4.1 Identify situations that may need an emergency response Question 1 Page 12
4.2 Describe the process for summoning immediate help in
an emergency
Question 2 Page 13
4.3 Outline the actions that could be taken to contain the
emergency until help arrives
Question 3 Page 13
1. Identify two situations where you would need an emergency response in relation to
each of the following: [4.1]
A patient:
A colleague:
An intruder:
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 Patients are experiencing adverse medication reaction
 Patients weakened by their disease are at a risk of falling
 While working in a stressful environment, the colleague makes
errors
 Incorrect lifting of equipment or patients puts them and
patients to risk
 Unauthorised people enters the premises
 They have criminal intent and harm patients and staff

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
2. Read the scenario below and outline the actions you would take as a healthcare
employee witnessing the event first hand in the box below. [4.2]
3. Complete the table below by outlining in more detail each of the steps that are taken
to contain an emergency until help arrives.
You need to expand on the information provided by describing how a person should
react in these ways and by using examples where necessary. [4.3]
Step Description
1. Take care
All workers should not put them in the path of hazard or risk.
2. Prioritise
There is a need to take action such that it will not lead to a
damaging interruption elsewhere. It would be silly to bestow
time serving somebody with a twisted ankle at the same time as
failing to demand for the fire brigade when there is a fire
breakout.
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You are walking along a quiet, empty corridor in a hospital when you suddenly hear a loud
bang coming from one of the rooms. Suddenly, a young patient stumbles out, clutching at
her side in pain. She explains that a piece of equipment has caught on fire as she keels
over onto the floor. You notice small plumes of smoke are beginning to pass through from
the room into the corridor where you both are.
How should you summon help and respond to the patient’s needs? You must write your
answer in the order in which you would carry out your actions.
I will immediately call the first aider and fire warden and report them to come at an urgent
basis. I will also seek assistance from my co-workers in evacuating the patient from the
corridor. I will set off the alarm for fire by breaking the glass and pressing the alarm button.
This will be followed by calling the medical services to check the patient for any adverse
health impacts, on coming in contact with smoke.

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
3. Administer aid
If somebody has been found in a life intimidating situation then
techniques or first aid such as, cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR) must be directed if a worker is skilled in its usage.
4. Alert
Other persons should be forewarned in a disaster situation
through alarm or informing persons what is happening.
5. Inform
Under circumstances when it is not conceivable or suitable to
raise an alarm, help should be summoned from appropriate
people.
Now that you have completed part 4 of your Assessment, remember to save the work
you have done so far – you will need to send your work to your tutor for marking once
you have completed all 5 parts of this Assessment.
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
Part 5: Understand the need for, and ways of reporting incidents related to health,
safety and security
This part will help you to evidence Learning Outcome 5: Understand the need for, and
ways of reporting incidents related to health, safety and security
Learning objective Place in Assessment
5.1 Explain the importance of accurate and timely reporting
of incidents that may put health, safety and security at risk
Question 1 Page 15
5.2 Explain the method(s) used for reporting incidents in
line with the procedures of an organisation or service
Question 2 Page 15
1. Explain why it is important to keep accurate and timely reports of incidents that put
people’s health, safety and security at risk in your place of work (or one that you
know well).
Think about the documentation you need to use in order to report these incidents
and include examples of this documentation in your answer. [5.1]
Incident report forms are a crucial aspect of reporting health, security and issues in healthcare
sector, and typically provide a written, detailed record of all incidents or near misses, so that
people who were not present, such as, directors or managers, obtain a precise idea about the
exact happenings and how the situations were managed.
Another potential benefit of the documentation is that it also supports investigation that are
conducted later, thus taking an attempt to reach the root of the incident that occurred and
prevent such instances from happening again.
2. Explain the method you would use to report an incident in your healthcare organisation
(or one that you know well). Using the boxes below, provide an outline of the content you
would include in your incident report. [5.2]
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
a) Firstly, identify the methods you would use in line with your organisation’s procedures.
Consider the importance of timely reporting and responses.
 Assess the situation and take necessary action without endangering oneself
 Depending on the incident severity, immediately inform others by face-to-face
contact, through telephone or by raising alarm
 Contact with most senior individual such as, team leader and ward manager who will
ensure that all people obtain instant aid and there is no on-going risk.
 After stabilising the situation, report form will be filled out by the involved people
 In serious situations, senior members and police will be informed (on suspecting
criminal activity)
And
b) Using one of the two scenarios provided, develop them using the tables below by
completing all sections of the report. This content could be used in an incident report form or
a similar document used in your place of work.
Scenario A
A patient in a hospital who is unsteady on their feet without support has slipped on a wet
floor which has just been cleaned following a spillage of water.
Scenario B
A care assistant making a cup of tea has spilled boiling water over their hand and arm. It’s a
serious burn and the assistant is currently attending to a service user who is at home. There is
only one care worker present but as their manager you must fill in the incident report form.
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
Incident Where did it
happen? (Which
department?
Which local
authority?)
What was being
carried out at the
time of the
incident?
What time did the
incident occur?
Serious burn London Emergency
department of
hospital was
informed of incident
4:00 pm
Did the incident result in
an accident?
What was the accident? Explain how the accident
occurred
Not it didn’t result in
accident
Not applicable Not applicable
Injured person’s name Injured person’s address Injured person’s job title
David Brown ABC, postal code 113205 Self Employed
Injuries sustained by the
person
Severity What part of the body is
affected?
Not applicable
Not sever Hand and arm
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Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Unit 4: Health, safety and security in the health sector
Have you read through your work? Make sure you check your answers carefully before
submitting your Assessment.
Once you have completed all 5 parts of this Assessment, go to www.vision2learn.com.
Log in to the platform and send your Assessment to your tutor via your My Study page
for marking. Good luck!
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