Australian Capital Territory
Corrections Management (Infectious Diseases) Policy 2009
Notifiable instrument NI2009-131
made under the  
Corrections Management Act 2007, section 14(1) (Corrections policies and operating procedures) 

1	Name of instrument
This instrument is the Corrections Management (Infectious Diseases) Policy 2009.

2	Commencement
This instrument commences on the day after it is notified.
3	Policy
I make the

Infectious Diseases policy

attached to this instrument, to facilitate the effective and efficient management of correctional services.

James Ryan
Executive Director 
ACT Corrective Services
     25 March 2009

Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC)

Infectious Diseases Policy

Purpose
Authority
Policy
Principles
Hand washing
Personal protection kit
Information to prisoners
Catering, food handling and hygiene
Related Policies and Procedures

Purpose
To outline the policy to reduce the risk of the spread of infectious disease at the AMC.

Authority
Legislation
Corrections Management Act 2007, sections 14, 53, 77 and 92.
Public Health Act 1997.
Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989.

Policy
Principles
In order to reduce infectious diseases within correctional centres, staff and prisoners will be given appropriate information and training.

Corrections officers will be mindful of the risk of infectious diseases and take the following precautions:
•	treat all bodily fluids (e.g. blood, vomit, urine, semen) as if that fluid is infectious;
•	handle needles or other sharp objects in accordance with the Infectious Diseases Procedure;
•	keep all cuts, scratches or wounds covered with a waterproof dressing when on duty; and
•	ensure prisoners cover cuts and open wounds, and refer skin complaints to health care staff.

Hand washing
Hand washing is an important measure in controlling infection. Hands should be washed before and after an incident. 

Personal protection kit
Each corrections officer is issued with a ‘Personal Protection Kit’, which contains the following basic protective equipment:
•	disposable gloves;
•	eye wash;
•	wound irrigation;
•	hydrogen peroxide bleach; and
•	bandaids.

Corrections officers are responsible for keeping their kits stocked. Items that have been used or have passed the use by date are to be disposed of appropriately.

Information to prisoners
On admission to the AMC, all prisoners will undergo a health assessment. Health staff will provide appropriate treatment or referral as necessary.

Corrections Health staff at the health centre can provide prisoners with:
•	information on the health services available to prisoners;
•	literature regarding infectious diseases, including Hepatitis B, C and HIV/AIDS;
•	infectious diseases counselling; 
•	diagnostic blood tests; and
•	treatment.

Corrections officers should facilitate any requests for information referring the matter to staff at the health centre.

Catering, food handling and hygiene 
All prisoners involved in food preparation are to receive training in safety and hygiene requirements.

Prisoners working in areas of food preparation are to be monitored for any health condition that may present a compromise to them performing kitchen duties by the Catering Supervisor and catering staff. Prisoners who are declared temporarily unfit to work in the kitchen, are to return to work only after they have been assessed and provided with a certificate of clearance from a Doctor.

Prisoners employed in areas involving food handling must, at all times, use disposable gloves whilst handling food.

Related Policies and Procedures
Infectious Diseases Procedure
Segregation Policy