PWCS 27: Understand health and safety in social care settings

1. Understand the different responsibilities relating to health and safety in social care settings

• 1.1. List legislation relating to general health and safety in a social care setting
• 1.2. Describe the main points of health and safety policies and procedures
• 1.3. Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of: • the social care worker • the employer or manager • individuals
• 1.4. Identify tasks relating to health and safety that should only be carried out with special training
• 1.5. Describe how to access additional support and information relating to health and safety

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

• 2.1. Define what is meant by “hazard” and “risk”
• 2.2. Describe how to use a health and safety risk assessment
• 2.3. Explain how and when to report potential health and safety risks that have been identified
• 2.4. Describe how risk assessment can help address dilemmas between an individual’s rights and health and safety concerns

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
• 3.2. Outline the procedures to be followed if an accident or sudden illness should occur
• 3.3. Explain why it is important for emergency first aid tasks only to be carried out by qualified first aiders

4. Know how to reduce the spread of infection

• 4.1. List routes by which an infection can get into the body
• 4.2. Describe ways in which own health or hygiene might pose a risk to an individual or to others at work
• 4.3. Explain the most thorough method for hand washing
• 4.4. Describe when to use different types of personal protective equipment

5. Know how to move and handle equipment and other objects safely

• 5.1. Identify legislation that relates to moving and handling
• 5.2. List principles for safe moving and handling
• 5.3. Explain why it is important for moving and handling tasks to be carried out following specialist training

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 an individual
• 6.2. Explain the importance of following an individual’s care plan and fully engaging with them when assisting and moving

7. Know how to handle hazardous substances

• 7.1. Identify hazardous substances that may be found in the social care setting
• 7.2. Describe safe practices for: • storing hazardous substances • using hazardous substances • disposing of hazardous substances

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 • gas leak • floods • intruding • security breach
• 8.2. Outline procedures to be followed in the social care setting in the event of: • fire • gas leak • floods • intruding • security breach

9. Know how to manage stress

• 9.1. Identify common signs and indicators of stress
• 9.2. Identify circumstances that tend to trigger own stress
• 9.3. Describe ways to manage stress

10. Understand procedures regarding handling medication

• 10.1. Describe the main points of agreed procedures about handling medication
• 10.2. Identify who is responsible for medication in a social care setting
• 10.3. Explain why medication must only be handled following specialist training

11. Understand how to handle and store food safely

• 11.1. Identify food safety standards relevant to a social care setting
• 11.2. Explain how to: • store food • maximise hygiene when handling food • dispose of food
• 11.3. Identify common hazards when handling and storing food