3 Standards to help with controlling the spread of infection

Standards to assist in controlling the spread of infections

In cases where the spread of infection could potentially affect the health and safety of many, it's important to implement processes to contain it as best as possible. 

To assist in infection control, Standards play an important role in establishing processes and providing guidance on how to implement effective measures, especially within the healthcare sector.  Healthcare and medical organisations must utilise these processes as part of everyday procedures in order to prioritise the health and safety of both the workers and the patients. 

Here are three important Standards related to the healthcare and medical industries, that should be followed to help control the spread of infection. 

1. AS/NZS 4187:2014 Reprocessing of reusable medical devices in health service organizations

This Standard specifies the requirements and practices necessary for the effective and safe reprocessing, storage, handling and transportation of reusable medical devices (RMDs) in human health care.  

2. AS/NZS 4815:2006 Office-based health care facilities 

This Standard sets out the reprocessing of reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment and maintenance of the associated environment in office-based health care facilities not involved in complex patient procedures and processes. 

3. AS/NZS 4146:2000 Laundry practice

This Standard specifies general laundry practice requirements and recommendations for commercial, industrial, hospital, institutional, on-premise and coin-operated laundries. It also includes minimum performance requirements which should be attained in order to provide an acceptable level of service. 


Whether these Standards relate directly to you or not, they can be utilised in times where infection control is important in minimising risk to health and safety of individuals. 

It's important to note that everyone has a role to play when controlling the spread of infection. Staying informed of how you or your business can implement safety precautions through Standards and  new processes is one important step in the right direction.