Public Health - Work-Related Infections

Question 1

What is HIRARC?

Answer 1

It is a tool to identify, assess/measure and to control hazards and risks of any workplace.

Question 2

What does HIRARC stand for?

Answer 2

HI: Hazard Identification
RA: Risk Assessment
RC: Risk Control

Question 3

Infectious agents frequently found in hospitals

Answer 3

1. Tuberculosis
2. Varicella
3. Pertussis (whooping cough)
4. Blood borne pathogens
5. Respiratory pathogens (Covid, RSV)

Question 4

Once the hazards are identified, Risk Assessment involves the use of…

Answer 4

a risk matrix

Question 5

Risk is a combination of… (2)

Answer 5

1. The likelihood of an occurrence of a hazardous event.
2. The severity of injury or damage to the health of people, property, environment.

Question 6

3 main interventions are needed to prevent exposure and infection (BBP control steps)

Answer 6

1. Basic occupational healthcare (immunizations & awareness of current health status)
2. Prevention of needle-stick injuries and other blood exposures
3. Management of exposures to blood (e.g. post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP))

Question 7

Hierarchy of hazard controls

Answer 7

1. Elimination of hazard
2. Engineering controls
3. Work practice controls
4. Personal protective equipment

Question 8

T/F: If I get a needle injury, I do not need to worry about it.

Answer 8

F: There is an urgent procedure to follow after a sharps injury. DO NOT DELAY AND DO NOT IGNORE A NEEDLE STICK INJURY.