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Respiratory infections risk management Hub
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Respiratory infections Hub Home
Member only resources
On this page:
- Includes COVID-19, Influenza and RSV
- Infectious Disease Risk Management
- COVID-19 Safe Plans
- Workers and vaccination guidelines
- Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) guide
- Environmental cleaning and waste guide
- Workforce infection control training
- Information and support for people with disability
- Useful links and numbers
- Related Resources
Includes COVID-19, Influenza and RSV
NDS's Infectious disease risk management hub is a collection of resources, information and advice from across Australian governments, agencies and our members. We urge all providers to stay abreast of current State, Territory or Commonwealth information, noting that advice about any infectious disease changes and viral diseases such as COVID-19 continue to evolve. This information should be considered in the context of any formal advice given through the Government Health Authorities. Each organisation will need an individualised response that reflects the risks, size and types of supports they provide.
Infectious Disease Risk Management
The NDS risk management information identifies key issues for ongoing consideration by providers and includes links to Commonwealth, state and territory information and resources. The information outlines provider risk mitigation considerations related to policy, procedure, and operational needs in recognition that transmission of common infectious diseases can be reduced by applying similar strategies in the workplace.
Diseases such as COVID-19 is predicted to remain a health risk into the future and where specific actions are needed these will be identified Health Authorities and NDS will share these with the sector and update this webpage as needed. While the impact of future variants is unknown health authorities advise the current environment of risk related to COVID-19 is that it remains a serious disease for the Australian population and especially for people with disability or who are immune compromised.
Responsibility for reducing known risks for workplace hazards is the obligation of employers as part of work, health and safety legislation. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care have also communicated risk reduction recommendations associated with services and settings involving the care and support of immune compromised people, those with chronic health conditions and disabilities. The recommendations are based on pandemic evidence and broader infectious disease management increasing the risk of poorer outcomes for people in these population groups. Health experts promote the importance of maintaining a combination of risk reducing strategies for the settings including people who are more vulnerable or immune compromised, such as disability.
In the absence of government health authority requirements for any infectious disease such as COVID-19, risk mitigation strategies need to be defined in organisation’s policy and procedures and discussed with workers and individuals with disabilities prior to implementation.
Commonwealth, state, and territory COVID-19 and other respiratory infections resources have been provided below. The weblinks are intended to assist you with your risk management decisions and planning or review of existing policies and procedures.
Commonwealth:
- Healthdirect webpages: COVID-19, Flu (influenza), RSV (Respitory synctial virus)
- Control and Public Health Management of Outbreaks of Acute Respiratory Infection (including COVID-19 and Influenza) in Disability Residential Services | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Australian Capital Territory:
- Home - COVID-19 (act.gov.au)
- Advice for high-risk settings - COVID-19 (act.gov.au)
- Disability - COVID-19 (act.gov.au)
New South Wales:
- COVID-19 | NSW Government
- COVID-19: Advice for disability service providers - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) (nsw.gov.au)
- COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Manual - Clinical Excellence Commission (nsw.gov.au)
Northern Territory:
Queensland:
- Infection prevention and control guidance (including PPE advice) | COVID-19 | Queensland Health
- Information about acute respiratory infections | Queensland Health
South Australia:
- COVID-19 health information | SA Health
- COVID-19 information for Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) and Disability Residential Services (DRS)
Tasmania:
Victoria:
- VIC GOV COVID-19
- Influenza (flu) - Better Health Channel
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Infection prevention control resources - COVID-19 | health.vic.gov.au
Western Australia:
Hierarchy of risk management controls
Current government infectious disease risk management guidance has been developed with a focus on residential accommodation settings due to their potential for infection transmission is highest. In home support workers and providers delivering day services, community activities or employment services can still use the guidance related to case management and exposure of people who are COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positive, or other infectious diseases to consider what risk management actions can be implemented in their settings to minimise infection transmission.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has provided infection prevention and control guidelines for use by employers to identify and implement risk management policies and procedures. This includes the 2023 Control and Public Health Management of Outbreaks of Acute Respiratory Infection (including COVID-19 and Influenza) in Disability Residential Services | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care guidance document. The guidance covers outbreak management and prevention of acute respiratory infections including COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, usually identified as RSV, within residential accommodation settings.
The hierarchy of controls guide in this document outlines risk-avoidance or mitigation strategies in decreasing order of reliability. Multiple control strategies can support the elimination of, or effective minimization of, any hazards. These can be implemented at the same time or follow one another. The hazard control measures are broadly grouped into six categories with the addition of some specific COVID-19 disability considerations:
Elimination:
- Reduce workers/residents/visitors’ exposure to a person who has identified they have tested positive or been diagnosed, with COVID-19, influenza, RSV or other infectious disease
- Decrease the number of workers involved with the identified positive person
- Increase infection control protocols to minimise infection transmission at onset of outbreak or when community infection rates are known to be high
Substitution:
- Use online contact options if this can replace face to face interactions. This could apply to interactions with workers, family, and other residents where appropriate to context and needs
Isolation:
- Develop and implement an organisation policy and procedure to identify your expectations of workers who have tested positive or been diagnosed as having an infectious disease, regarding isolation from work. Communication with workers who are expected to meet this requirement may need to have this reiterated when community transmission is high
- Development of an agreement with individual residents outlining any actions to be taken when individual is COVID-19 positive, may include:
- Isolate from others in shared house in agreed areas of residence
- Use of communal areas at agreed times
- Not attending external activities during defined timeframe
Please note: organisations may want to consider including other infectious disease risk management strategies in agreements developed with resident's to minimise cross infection
- Clear communication with all participants of day or community service of organisation expectations to be taken when individual tests positive, or is diagnosed with an infectious disease including:
- Time away from activities, day supports or other identified strategies the organisation expects to be met if participation continues
Engineering controls :
- Increased ventilation, use of air scrubbers
Administrative controls:
- Worker vaccination policies for identified infectious diseases where eligible
- Policy and procedure developed regarding worker/resident reporting of RAT/PCR positive results to support exposure identification
- Combination RAT options: Testing kits are available for COVID-19, Influenza and RSV. Refer to product details listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) use and item type communicated and supplies immediately accessible.
The hierarchy of controls should be applied in resident contact settings and other shared facilities such as:
- Shared areas – kitchen, lounge, laundry, bathrooms etc.
- Staff meeting/working areas
- Transport – provider fleet cars and buses, ride share and public transport
Policy and procedure considerations
Infectious disease risk management policy and procedure development should include consultation with workers, people with disability and their identified supports. A list of key focus areas for policy and procedure needs has been included below:
Worker focused
- COVID-19, influenza, RSV testing supplies and who provides these – individual or disability provider
- RAT use, when needed and reporting expectations to employer and other reporting avenues
- COVID-19, influenza , RSV or other infectious disease positive result expectations including employer notification for exposure identification
- Isolation period from defined work sites if testing positive or have been diagnosed with infectious disease and leave arrangements
- Expectations regarding return to work when asymptomatic
- COVID-19, influenza, RSV or other highly infectious diseases prevention, management and outbreak guidance implementation and monitoring
- COVID-19, influenza, or other identified vaccination requirements where an organisation worker vaccination policy has been developed and implemented including what positions this applies to
Focus on people with disability
Individual rights and choices will need to be a key consideration in any discussion and development of risk mitigation agreements to protect the individual, other residents, workers, and broader community regarding infection transmission.
This needs to include provider expectations regarding COVID-19, influenza and RSV or any diagnosis of an infectious disease relevant to service delivery context or accommodation setting. Any expectations of this nature need to be developed in discussion with people with disability, family or carers in the context of reducing risks of infection transmission for all people, time for recovery and how this is one part of a maintaining an environment of care for all involved. Residential setting risk mitigation strategies will also need to consider agreements with residents regarding:
- RAT supplies and who provides these – individual or disability provider and any NDIS billing involved
- Agreed actions to reduce risk of infection between all people and how use of common shared spaces and social distancing etc., will be managed
- Recovery needs and how this might interrupt an individual’s participation in external activities.
- PPE to be worn by workers when caring for individuals who have tested positive for an infectious disease and the settings where this will be applied.
COVID-19 Safe Plans
Australian workplaces must have a COVID-19 safe plan identifying the actions to prevent infection and responses to a suspected or positive case of COVID-19. Provider consideration of how these risk reduction plans can be amended to include reference to other infectious diseases can support people with disability, workers, and visitors.
Regular reviews of plans with all workers including new employees and casual or agency staff are essential to ensure workplace procedures align with relevant jurisdictions. A comprehensive collection of resources, information, tools, templates, posters, and guidance for workplaces are available from the safe work sites. In some instances, COVID-19 specific details are listed separately or included under the general health and safety obligations of employers. A link to the commonwealth, state, and territory authorities responsible for work health and safety are listed below.
Work Health and Safety obligations
Work health and safety legislation across Australia requires employers to identify known risks as the basis for assessment of relevant requirements to protect the health and safety of workers. This includes visitors and customers. Commonwealth, state and territory links have been included for your reference.
- Commonwealth: COVID-19 Information for workplaces | Safe Work Australia (swa.gov.au)
- ACT: COVID-19 - WorkSafe ACT; Infectious diseases - WorkSafe ACT
- NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) | SafeWork NSW; Diseases | SafeWork NSW
- QLD: Integrating health, safety and wellbeing | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au
- SA: Infectious diseases | SafeWork SA
- TAS: Coronavirus (COVID-19) (worksafe.tas.gov.au)
- VIC: Coronavirus (COVID-19) | WorkSafe Victoria
- WA: Managing COVID-19 risks in the workplace | Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Workers and vaccination guidelines
There are no mandated requirements for disability workers to have or maintain a COVID-19 vaccination. Mandates ceased in all state and territories in 2022.
Decisions related to worker vaccination requirements for any disease are the responsibility of employers. Disability providers to determine if a requirement for any workplace vaccination needs arean appropriate risk mitigation strategy to adopt.
Any decision to require workers to have a vaccination to reduce known infectious disease risks in the workplace should be considered carefully and if adopted defined in policy and procedure. The process involves a consultation with all staff. This applies to the introduction of any vaccination requirements including setting or where a previous mandate has existed. Guidance on how to conduct the consultation appropriately has been identified by the Fair Work Commission and work safe authorities to ensure state and territory considerations can be included to determine how to assess risk in relation to worker positions and vaccination.
Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) provide guidance to the Australian Government regarding vaccinations as a protective strategy with details relevant to the specific disease. Guidance identifies eligibility and dose recommendations such as one-off vaccination or specific dose needs to ensure protection is maintained especially when changes in the disease type occurs.
Disability Providers
Australian vaccination recommendations
COVID-19 Vaccination
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care have updated COVID-19 vaccination information to outline the 2024 ATAGI advice for all people according to age or health needs.
Age groups and immune compromised people should consider the recommendations for vaccinations below:
- 75 years are recommended every 6 months
- 65 to 74 years are recommended every 12 months. This age groups can also consider a vaccination every 6 months in discussion with health practitioner
- 18 to 64 years
- With severe immunecompromise are recommended every 12 months. This group can also consider every 6 months in discussion with health practitioner
- Without severe immunecompromise to consider every 12 months.
- 5 to 17 years
- With severe immunecompromise to consider every 12 months
- Without severe immunecompromise the vaccination is not recommended
- Children under 5 years the COVID-19 vaccination is not recommended
As with all vaccinations, people are encouraged to discuss the vaccine options available to them with their health practitioner.
COVID-19 2024 Vaccination Eligibility Tool
The Australian Government have developed a COVID-19 booster eligibility checker tool to assist anyone who is not sure if they are eligible or should receive a COVID-19 2024 vaccination. The tool is not, or intended to replace, medical advice. Individuals should still talk to their immunisation provider about their individual circumstances.
ATAGI advice notes it is safe and efficient to receive your COVID-19 vaccine alongside your flu shot or other routine vaccinations, including those for children and teens.
Finding a vaccination provider
Check with local GP or community pharmacy for vaccination appointments or use healthdirect to identify an option in your local area.
Vaccination support for people with a disability
The Australian Government have information for disability service providers and workers about COVID-19 vaccines outlining the updated COVID-19 vaccination guidance for communication with workers and people with a disability, their family and carers.
The resource reiterates the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care commitment to ensuring in home vaccination support for people with a disability.
Local Primary Health Networks can assist with identifying vaccination providers including the in-reach options for their region. Primary Health Networks can connect individuals and providers with available local GPs (General Practitioner), pharmacies or other vaccine providers that deliver COVID-19 vaccinations.
Commonwealth, state, and territory links have been included for your reference.
- Commonwealth: Is it true? Get the facts on COVID-19 vaccines | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- ACT: Vaccination - COVID-19 (act.gov.au)
- NSW: COVID-19 vaccines
- NT: Vaccine | NT Health - COVID-19
- QLD: COVID-19 | Vaccination Matters
- SA: COVID-19 vaccinations
- TAS: Vaccination | Tasmanian Department of Health
- VIC: About COVID-19 vaccines | Coronavirus Victoria
- WA: COVID-19 vaccine (healthywa.wa.gov.au)
Influenza vaccination
The Australian Government recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months has a flu vaccination every year. The annual flu vaccine is free for some people under the National Immunisation program. These people include:
- all children aged 6 months to 5 years
- all adults aged 65 years and over
- people aged 5 to 65 years who are at a higher risk of complications from the flu. That is, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who have certain medical conditions and pregnant women
Influenza vaccination can be given at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccination. The Department of Health and Aged Care have published information on the flu vaccine in an Easy Read format for people with an intellectual disability. Translated information on influenza and the flu vaccine is available on the NSW Health website.
All people are encouraged to discuss vaccination needs and options available to them with their health practitioner.
Check with local GP or community pharmacy for vaccination appointments or use healthdirect to identify an option in your local area.
NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission
The NDIS Code of Conduct, highlights the need for providers and workers to deliver supports and services to people with disability in a safe and competent manner. This includes assisting participants to access COVID-19 vaccination, planning for an outbreak of COVID-19 and taking precautions to minimise infection risks.
Registered providers have additional obligations under the NDIS Practice Standards in relation to the management of risks, provision of safe supports, and to have emergency and disaster plans in place for the continuity of support to participants including during a COVID-19 outbreak. A link to the Safe work Australia COVID-19 vaccination and work, health and safety obligations is recommended for further guidance and support.
As of January 2024, NDIS providers no longer need to report all COVID-19 infection cases (workers and participants). However, providers must inform the NDIS Commission when the consequences of COVID-19, or another change or event, have a significant and adverse effect. See the NDIS Commission website for more information.
Australian Government Health Protection Principal Committee
A statement released by the Australian Government Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) declared on 20 October 2023, that COVID-19 would no longer be identified as a communicable disease incident of national significance.
However the need for an ongoing proportionate approach to COVID-19 risk management remains applicable for the current context and provider considerations. Recommendations regarding risk management included maintaining continued protection of those most vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19 especially in settings where there is increased risk of outbreaks occurring.
Risk reduction strategies include:
- Ensure you are up to date with recommended vaccinations
- Stay home if you are unwell and get tested
- Speak to your healthcare professional about eligibility for treatments should you become unwell with COVID-19
- Consider wearing a mask when outside your home and especially when in crowded, indoor environments such as public transport
- Keep indoor spaces well ventilated
- Practice good respiratory and hand hygiene
Fair Work Australia guidance
Fair Work Australia recommends employers undertaking a risk assessment process to determine employee vaccination needs to include consultation with workers. Fair Work Australia provides guidance on worker consultation steps and how to assess levels of risk across worker roles.
Consultation regarding any requirement for employee vaccinations needs to occur with workers regardless of any previously existing government vaccine mandates such as those related to COVID-19. Employers need to communicate with workers about changes with mandates or requirements associated with their position, current risk mitigation needs, and the actions proposed.
Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) guide
Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are strongly recommended by health authorities as an important tool in reducing infection transmission. These tests enable providers and workers to identify when infection risk mitigation strategies need to be increased relevant to a positive individual (worker or person with a disability) and setting context.
Tests approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in Australia included combination options that can identify COVID-19, influenza and RSV. Worker and resident access to early testing will require immediate access to RATs at each residential site, monitored for expiry dates and stored in a manner that protects product from deterioration. Always follow manufacturers advice regarding correct storage.
Exposure to infectious diseases, testing and isolation considerations
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care resource Control and Public Health Management of Outbreaks of Acute Respiratory Infection (including COVID-19 and Influenza) in Disability Residential Services provides an overview of the risk management strategies related to exposure, testing and isolation timeframes for providers to consider when developing organisation policy and procedure to minimise infection transmission.
The respiratory diseases identified include COVID-19, influenza and other confirmed respiratory infections including RSV with variations in management for each of these included. Tables one and two provide details to assist with developing policy outlining worker expectations when exposed, testing positive and management of infection outbreaks in residential settings with people with a disability.
Disability providers who operate services in nonresidential settings can apply the principles outlined in the resource for risk management decisions and plans appropriate to their needs and disability population group.
Anyone who has been exposed to a COVID-19 positive person or has symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of whether they know an exposure has occurred, is recommended by Australian health authorities to complete a COVID-19 test.
Note: Eligible NDIS participants and providers can purchase rapid antigen tests (RATs) with core funding from their NDIS plan. Refer to the NDIS Pricing arrangements in the COVID Addendum.
Organisational policy will need to include agreements developed with residents or day setting participants regarding risk reduction plans if they test positive for COVID-19. Where any agreement to isolate has been identified this needs to include a clear description of what this will involve such as:
- Residential settings using common areas of the residence, and minimizing common area interaction
- Agreements with residents will also need to include organisational requirements associated with involvement in external activities (alone or with other people with disability) in relation to protecting others from infection and worker PPE expectations during these activities
- Day settings when a return to activities is agreed as appropriate
RAT storage and supply options
Storage and expiry
Most RATs remain effective for six months from development with recommendation to check expiry dates especially with any products offered at discounted rates.
All RATs need to be stored according to manufacturer’s requirements to remain viable for use. Anyone carrying RATs in a vehicle should check the products are not exposed to the elements, especially direct sunlight or excessive heat in vehicles or site storage locations. Insulated containers may be required for outreach workers.
Refer to manufacturer’s guidance for specific details on storage.
RAT supply estimates
The suggested supply for immediate use below is based on the readily available RATs for purchase in the community if needed. Where supply may be less reliable in the local area the stock may need to be doubled.
The table below provides a summary of RAT stock needs to have for immediate use on site when an exposure to COVID-19 has occurred or an individual is showing symptoms of infection.
Test use | Supply estimate | Reason for volume identified |
---|---|---|
Workers and residents | Two boxes of five RATs on site for each worker delivering support in a residential of a disability accommodation or in-home support setting. Residents are also recommended to have two boxes of five RATs available for personal use. | Number of tests allows for a positive result to be identified up to day 14, testing as symptoms arise or spread out after day seven. Boxes of five RATs are a common supply volume. |
Worker surveillance testing | One box of five RATs for each worker. | This stock only needs to be maintained if organisation implements a policy to include worker surveillance testing during times of increased infection risk in the community. |
Rapid Antigen Testing, supplies, management of COVID-19 and reporting weblinks
There are no requirements to report positive COVID-19 test results to any State or Territory Departments of Health in Australia. The links below provide guidance on management of COVID-19 and how to reduce the risk of cross infection in the community.
- ACT: Information for people who test positive for COVID-19
- NSW: Testing positive to COVID-19 and managing COVID-19 safely at home
- NT: Managing COVID-19
- QLD: I have COVID-19 | Health and wellbeing
- SA: What to do if I have COVID-19 | SA Health
- TAS: Tested positive to COVID-19
- VIC: I am a COVID case/contact
- WA: COVID-19 Coronavirus: Managing COVID-19 in WA
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protects against infection when correctly used applicable to the nature of the infectious agent, and is immediately available for donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) in the right sequence.
PPE stock guide
Residential service providers and in-home supports should consider maintaining a readily accessible supply of PPE to for use when needed on site. In-home support workers should maintain a supply at their home or base site and carried for each individual appointment. This guidance has been informed by the several infection control expert consultants along with the disability sector insights gained during Australian COVID-19 2020-22 outbreaks, isolation, and quarantine needs.
The requirements for COVID-19 risk levels and PPE may vary across states and territories depending on the COVID-19 context and outbreak management recommendations or if emergency health requirements are enacted.
PPE outbreak estimates
PPE stock to have available for worker use should be sufficient to last seven days. This follows the Australian Health Protection Principle Committee advice allowing for workers to implement PPE while organising testing for any individual where immediate testing may not be possible.
- Disability residential service estimate: Rule of thumb estimator is a complete change of PPE every four hours per support worker
- Calculation formula: [FTE per week] X [hrs. per week normally 38]: [shift length normally eight hours.] X [PPE changes normally four to six for N95] burn rate per week
Shift breaks: All single use PPE must be doffed and disposed of. All reusable items must be cleaned and disinfected before donning can occur again.
Worker PPE stock supply needs calculator for COVID-19 risk environments
The table below identifies the individual PPE stock items required for workers to wear when supporting an individual with personal care who is COVID-19 positive or when a person is displaying COVID-19 symptoms and testing is taking place. The estimated stock needs are based on how often each item must be changed by number of workers to cover a seven-day timeframe. A supply for 14 days is suggested where any difficulty in accessing supplies at short notice may occur such as rural or remote settings.
Please note: If you are viewing this page on a mobile device, please scroll horizontally to view the full table
Stock item | Disposable gloves (Small, medium, and large) | Disposable gown - full cover long sleeve | Surgical mask - not recommended by health authorities for COVID-19 positive case environments | P2 / N95 respirator masks | Eye protection (Goggles or face shield) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stock icons | ![]() |
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Estimate for stock for access when COVID-19 transmission when increased risk or outbreak occurs. |
Gloves need to be replaced after every interaction, remembering you need two per worker per interaction. Estimate is 15 changes each day = 30 gloves x worker x each shift. Size guide general rule:
|
Two for each shift and allow for change every four hours. Always have spare available for any tears or soiled gowns. |
Two for each shift to allow for changes every four hours. |
Two for each shift to allow for changes every four hours. (Can be used for estimate calculation where organisations require all workers in defined roles to wear a face mask during increased community transmission contexts.) |
One each shift with spare available if damaged or soiled. If reusable can be one per shift with appropriate cleaning supplies. |
PPE items and correct application
All PPE must be worn and removed in manner that reduces the risk of cross contamination between the person who is COVID-19 positive and other workers or people with disabilities who are not positive in the setting.
This involves removing (doffed) PPE that has been worn while in contact with the person who is positive and correctly disposed of before going on a break. When the worker resumes their shift or activity with the COVID-19 positive person they must re apply (don) new PPE when any contact with the individual.
- Full cover waterproof gowns: Gowns need to have long sleeves and cover the front and sides of worker, securing at the back
Waterproof isolation gowns may be used for extended periods in specific cohort environments. They must be replaced if torn or contaminated with body fluids. - N95 respirator masks: These can only be worn for a maximum of four hours. N95 masks must be TGA-approved for COVID-19 use and supply must allow for different shapes and size of workers’ faces
- Face shield or goggles: Face shields were identified as the most effective option during COVID-19 outbreak periods in Victoria .Single-use goggles and face shields can be worn for an entire shift. These must be replaced after assisting with an aerosol-generating procedure
Where single-use face masks, face shields or goggles are used for extended periods, good hand hygiene and sanitising should be maintained. If reusable products are in use they must be cleaned and disinfected before use - Disposable gloves: allow for the variations in worker hand size and fit; small, medium, and large and any latex allergies
Gloves need to be changed between every participant interaction and when contaminated or torn
The guidance on the use of PPE for health care workers has been sourced from the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.
Correct use of PPE masks
All workers need to be trained in donning and doffing of the PPE supplied and know how to fit check their N95 masks. This is essential for correct use of each item and preventing the spread of infection. It also ensures that the investment in the PPE supply is not wasted through ineffective donning and doffing that can result in an increased risk of workers becoming COVID-19 positive.
NDS and Health Education Collaborative have produced four short videos on the correct use of face masks and common mistakes reducing effectiveness. They are clear, informative, at times surprising and essential viewing for anyone working in a healthcare setting.
- Watch the clip: The correct use of face masks - an introduction
- Watch the clip: The application and removal of Cloth Masks
- Watch the clip: The application and removal of Surgical Masks
- Watch the clip: The application and removal of N95 / P2 Masks
Environmental cleaning and waste guide
Cleaning process and supplies guide
The Australian Government Department of Health has recommended the following COVID-19 principles for cleaning and disinfection to reduce infection transmission in residential settings:
- Ensure all residential sites have an easily accessible supply of appropriate hand sanitizers, detergents, and disinfectant products for implementation when COVID-19 outbreaks are identified
- Supply needs on site to allow for increased use during outbreaks to reduce the risk of infection transmission from high contact surfaces and items
Routine cleaning applies to frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, tabletops, light switches, computers and other shared equipment, shared tools, phones, entertainment devices and controls, kitchen equipment, sinks, bathrooms, and toilets. The process involves the following steps:
- Visible grime or dirt should be removed (scrubbed off) by hand first
- Use of detergent solution and disinfectant (as per manufacturer’s instructions) or detergent/disinfectant wipes
Recommendations for minimal touched surfaces, such as floors ceilings, walls, and blinds, include:
- Use of detergent solution (as per manufacturer’s instructions) or detergent wipes for cleaning general surfaces
- Damp mopping should be used instead of dry mopping to increase effectiveness
- Cleaning walls and blinds when visibly dirty or dusty
Infectious waste disposal planning
Waste disposal needs should be identified in advance of any increased infection transmission and checked against state or territory government requirements. The information below is an example identified through the Victorian Department of Health link to EPA waste management COVID-19.
Planning decisions should include:
- Do state or territory waste management regulations allow for PPE to be double-bagged and tied before placing in the external general waste bin?
- Arranging for clinical waste contractors to be set up for use when needed in advance of any outbreaks to ensure required supply
Workforce infection control training
Infection, prevention and control information and training is critical for the disability workforce, including direct and indirect support workers, casual workers, transport providers, cleaners and volunteers.
Providers must monitor staff training and regularly review relevant Department of Health or NDIA infection prevention and control changes, which may require further training.
Training options include short e-learning refreshers, video demonstrations of infection control practice and longer online training for workers with limited or no infection control training to support workers with the critical foundation knowledge needed for the prevention of infection transmission in day-to-day disability context.
NDS training resources
Disability providers are welcome to contact the NDS for further information regarding COVID-19 management, support, resources, and practical disability informed online infection prevention and control training.
Online course: Maintaining safe and effective infection control in disability settings
NDS have partnered with the Health Education Collaborative, experts in infection prevention and outbreak management to develop Maintaining safe and effective infection control in disability settings (nds.org.au) This online training has been developed with input from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, Australian Services Union and 300 plus sector workers.
Key benefits for this sector specific online program:
- Covers essential infection control and prevention knowledge and skills needed for the current disability context
- Addresses COVID-19 risk management and other common infectious conditions for broad application
- Uses range of learning formats to be accessible for workers with little or no health literacy background
Organisations investing in the infection control capability of workers need to contact Health Education Collaborative to discuss invoicing and set up for tracking staff completion through an LMS system. Individuals can also request an invoice for access as part of professional development.
To arrange for ‘Maintaining safe and effective infection control in disability settings’ course enrolment access contact Heather McMinn, NDS Disability Sector Consultant at contact Heather McMinn: submit enquiry/feedback or show phone number.
Information and support for people with disability
A person-centred approach that includes an ongoing discussion with individuals, families and carers will assist in finding a balance between a social model of health and reverting to a clinical model in response to COVID-19.
The resources listed below can assist providers supporting people with disabilityto manage the risks of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.
- COVID-19 and Emergency Management Planning for People with Disability
- COVID information - Council for Intellectual Disability (cid.org.au)
- COVID-19 stories | Disability Gateway
- Health and wellbeing | Disability Gateway
- Trusted Health Advice and symptom checker | healthdirect: 24 hour health advice you can count on call 1800 022 222
Useful links and numbers
- Healthdirect - Trusted health advice and symptom checker: 24 hour health advice you can count on call 1800 022 222
Related Resources
For any enquiries, please contact Heather McMinn, Disability Sector Consultant, show phone number, submit enquiry/feedback