Infection Prevention and Control (An Understanding) Level 2 Course

Understanding Infection Prevention and Control: Level 2 – Online Course

Course overview
This online course develops learners’ understanding of infection prevention and control, focusing on how infections spread and how appropriate measures can help reduce transmission risks. It covers standard infection-control principles, aseptic techniques, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, environmental cleaning, safe handling of sharps and the management of healthcare waste. The course takes approximately 2 hours to complete and carries 2 CPD points.

Please note: This course provides Level 2 knowledge and understanding of infection prevention and control. It does not replace any practical, regulated or role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
• The chain of infection and how transmission occurs
• Standard infection prevention and control principles
• Principles of asepsis and aseptic techniques
• When aseptic techniques are required
• Sterile equipment
• Different types of hand cleaning
• Effective handwashing and alcohol-based hand rubs
• Personal protective equipment, including gloves, aprons and face protection
• Staff responsibilities for infection prevention and control
• Environmental management and cleaning schedules
• Safe storage of cleaning equipment and colour-coded cleaning materials
• Managing blood and body fluid spills
• Spillage kits and procedures for dealing with blood spills
• Safe handling and disposal of sharps
• Sharps containers and sharps injuries
• Linen classification, separation and safe handling
• Healthcare waste disposal and waste classifications
• Hazardous and non-hazardous waste
• Safe disposal of medicines and anatomical waste

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for people who need to understand and apply infection prevention and control principles as part of their work. It can support induction, refresher training, awareness and knowledge development for:
• Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and clinical staff
• Social care workers, support workers and residential care staff
• Hospitality employees, including hotel staff, restaurant workers and food service personnel
• Teachers, education administrators and school or college support staff
• Retail and customer service employees
• Other workers whose roles involve infection prevention and control responsibilities

Practical benefits
• Improve understanding of how infections spread and how transmission can be interrupted
• Apply appropriate hand hygiene practices
• Understand the correct use of personal protective equipment
• Recognise when aseptic techniques may be necessary
• Follow appropriate cleaning and environmental hygiene procedures
• Understand how to manage blood and body fluid spills safely
• Handle sharps, linen and healthcare waste with greater awareness of infection risks
• Strengthen knowledge of workplace responsibilities for infection prevention and control

What learners will be able to do
• Explain the chain of infection and identify common transmission routes
• Describe standard infection prevention and control principles
• Understand when and how aseptic techniques are used
• Apply effective hand hygiene principles
• Identify appropriate personal protective equipment for relevant situations
• Understand procedures for cleaning and managing the environment
• Recognise the importance of safe blood and body fluid spill management
• Understand the safe handling and disposal of sharps
• Distinguish between different types of healthcare waste
• Recognise appropriate procedures for handling linen and disposing of waste

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz to assess their understanding of the course material. On successful completion, they receive a CPD-accredited certificate that can be downloaded or printed. The course carries 2 CPD points, takes approximately 2 hours to complete and includes unlimited assessment retakes.