Infection Control SWMS

Infection control in healthcare is both a clinical standard and a WHS obligation. Workers face bloodborne pathogen exposure from sharps injuries and body fluid contact, airborne pathogen transmission from respiratory procedures and aerosolising treatments, and surface contact transmission from contaminated equipment and environments. The WHS Regulation 2025 requires PCBUs to manage biological hazards using the hierarchy of controls, with specific obligations for exposure incident management, PPE provision, and health monitoring including vaccination programs. This template covers infection control as a WHS procedure with controls mapped to the binding Healthcare Code effective 1 July 2026.

Legal Requirements

regulation

WHS Regulation 2025 Part 7.1 — Hazardous Chemicals (biological); Healthcare Code 2026

hrcw category

Work involving biological hazards (bloodborne and airborne pathogens)

code of practice

Healthcare Code of Practice 2026 (binding 1 July 2026 under Section 26A)

section 26a binding

Yes — Healthcare code binding July 2026. Non-compliance is a standalone offence.

Hazards

Hazard	Consequence	Likelihood
Bloodborne pathogen exposure from body fluid contact and sharps injuries	Hepatitis B/C, HIV transmission	Possible
Airborne pathogen transmission from respiratory patients and aerosol-generating procedures	Tuberculosis, influenza, COVID-19, measles	Possible
Contact transmission from contaminated surfaces, equipment, and linen	Multi-drug resistant organism acquisition, skin infections	Possible
Biological waste handling creating splash and puncture exposure	Bloodborne pathogen exposure, environmental contamination	Possible
Inadequate PPE during high-risk procedures and patient care	Pathogen transmission, occupational infection	Possible

Controls (Hierarchy of Controls)

Implement standard precautions for all patient contact regardless of known infection status

Provide appropriate PPE for each transmission risk level — gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, respirators

Ensure P2/N95 respirator fit testing for all workers who may care for airborne-infectious patients

Establish vaccination program covering hepatitis B, influenza, and other relevant vaccines

Implement exposure incident management protocol with immediate first aid, risk assessment, and follow-up

Segregate and dispose of clinical waste according to state waste classification requirements

Conduct hand hygiene compliance auditing at defined intervals with feedback to clinical areas

Recent Prosecutions

SafeWork NSW v Healthcare Facility$350,000

Multiple workers acquired bloodborne infections after exposure incidents were not managed according to protocol. No post-exposure prophylaxis was offered and no follow-up testing was conducted.

2024 — SafeWork NSW Prosecution Database

What Your SWMS Must Include

✓Standard precautions specification for each patient care activity

✓PPE selection matrix by transmission risk level and procedure type

✓Respirator fit testing program for airborne pathogen protection

✓Vaccination program with coverage requirements and declination process

✓Exposure incident management protocol with PEP access and follow-up schedule

Need a compliant Infection Control SWMS?

Our WHS consultants develop infection control SWMS with PPE matrices, exposure protocols, and vaccination programs for your healthcare setting.