Australian Capital Territory
Corrections Management (Infectious Diseases) Policy 2014 (No 1)
Notifiable instrument NI2014-536
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 2014 (No 1).

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.
4	Revocation
This instrument revokes notifiable instruments NI2009-131 and NI2007-441.

Bernadette Mitcherson
Executive Director 
ACT Corrective Services
21 October 2014

ACT Corrective Services
All Facilities and Opeartions

Infectious Diseases Policy

Purpose
Authority
Policy
Principles
Hand washing
Personal protection kit
Information to detainees
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 correctional centres.

Authority
Legislation
Corrections Management Act 2007, sections 14, 53, 77 and 92.
Public Health Act 1997.
Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Policy
Principles
In order to reduce infectious diseases within correctional centres, staff and detainees 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 Management of Blood Spills and Needle Stick Procedure;
•	keep all cuts, scratches or wounds covered with a waterproof dressing when on duty; and
•	ensure detainees 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 detainees
On admission to the AMC, all detainees will undergo a health assessment. Health staff will provide appropriate treatment or referral as necessary.

Corrections Health staff at the health centre can provide detainees with:
•	information on the health services available to detainees;
•	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 detainees involved in food preparation are to receive training in safety and hygiene requirements.

Detainees 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. Detainees 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.

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

Related Policies and Procedures
Management of Blood Spills and Needle Stick Injury Procedure
Segregation Policy