Infection prevention and control in health and social care refers to the systems and procedures used to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms. Infections can be transmitted through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, airborne particles, or poor hygiene practices.
Understanding the chain of infection helps care workers take proactive steps to break transmission routes. Standard 15 provides practical knowledge on identifying infection risks and implementing preventative measures that reduce cross-contamination in care environments.
Core Areas Covered in Standard 15
The course focuses on essential areas of infection control procedures UK care staff must follow:
Hand Hygiene
Effective hand hygiene standards in care settings are the most important defence against infection. Staff learn when and how to wash hands correctly and use alcohol-based hand rub safely.
Use of PPE
Understanding PPE in infection prevention ensures gloves, aprons, masks, and eye protection are used appropriately and removed safely to prevent contamination.
Cleaning and Waste Management
Safe cleaning, correct disinfection methods, and proper waste disposal align with UK infection control best practice, helping maintain hygienic care environments.
Risk Assessment
The course introduces infection control risk assessment in care settings, enabling staff to recognise potential outbreaks early and follow reporting procedures promptly.
Why This Standard Matters
Failure to follow infection control procedures UK standards can lead to serious health consequences and regulatory action. The Care Certificate Standard 15 UK framework ensures care workers understand their responsibilities under CQC regulations and national guidance.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Following organisational infection control policies
- Maintaining consistent hand hygiene
- Using PPE correctly
- Reporting infection risks immediately
Who Should Complete This Training?
Infection Prevention and Control Care Certificate training is essential for new care workers and recommended for existing staff requiring refresher knowledge. It applies to healthcare assistants, support workers, domiciliary carers, and team leaders across all UK health and social care settings.
Completing Care Certificate Standard 15 Infection Prevention and Control demonstrates commitment to safe, compliant, and professional care delivery while protecting vulnerable individuals and strengthening workplace standards.
Care Certificate Standard 15 Infection Prevention and Control - Frequently Asked Questions
This course teaches essential practices to prevent and control infections in health and social care settings based on UK regulatory standards.
It is suitable for all health and social care workers, support staff, and anyone involved in direct care or clinical environments in the UK.
Yes, this training is CPD-accredited, and a certificate is issued upon successful completion.
Most learners complete it in approximately 2-3 hours, and you can study at your own pace.
You will understand infection risks, hand hygiene, PPE use, hazard control, cross-contamination prevention and regulatory compliance requirements.
Yes. A downloadable CPD certificate is issued once you pass the assessment at the end of the course.
You can retake the assessment up to 30 times at no extra cost, allowing you to review the material and improve your score.
It aligns with UK care standards, supports CQC expectations, and helps staff maintain safe infection control practices in professional settings.
It improves your understanding of health and safety practices, boosts workplace confidence, and supports compliance with UK regulatory bodies such as CQC.
