Infection Prevention & Control
CCSA’s Infection Control program focuses on prevention, preparedness and planning regarding infection control practices for continuing care facilities across Alberta.
Education and Training
Infection Prevention and Control Education Course
This course can form part of an employer’s exposure control plan and can be used for new hire onboarding, regular (e.g., annual) refreshers, and for whenever you want answers to infection control questions.
Infection Prevention and Control is Everyone's Business
This course provides a basic understanding of the AHS Infection Prevention and Control Program structure and role, basic IPC principles, and how those principles relate to every health care provider and their practice.
Infection Prevention and Control for Family Members and Visitors
Using reputable sources of information, this online educational program is designed to provide an overview of COVID-19 including direction on doing your part to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
CCSA's Respirator Fit Tester Training
The world is unpredictable, and infectious agents can pop up at any moment. To keep our healthcare heroes safe, it’s crucial that organizations have Respiratory Protection Programs in place. Our 6-hour program is the ultimate guide to prepare your team to conduct qualitative fit testing (QLFT) in compliance with legislation and CSA Standard Z94.4-18. We’re targeting aerosol and bioaerosol hazards to ensure you’re ready to tackle anything that comes your way!
Note: Respirator Fit Tester Orientation is the Required Part of the Respiratory Fit Tester Training
This online portion of the course is specifically designed for healthcare workers who want to learn about respiratory protection programs. The course covers all the important aspects, including the reasons and requirements for these programs, fit testing, respirator selection, and proper use and maintenance.
Table of Contents:
- Respirators types
- When respirators are needed
- The Respirator Fit Test
- Caring for a respirator
- When to be re-Fit Tested for a respirator
- Respirator Legislation
Estimated Duration: 30 Minutes
NOTE: You must complete the Respirator Fit Tester Orientation , a 30-minute Free OnDemand Course, not later than 30 days before taking the Instructor-Led Respirator Fit Tester Training.
After completing the Respirator Fit Tester Orientation part, you are ready to put your learnings to the test. You will refresh your memory on theory before tackling the ultimate challenge: donning and doffing the N95 respirator, user seal check, comfort assessment, and fit testing. With an engaging instructor by your side for 3.5-hours via Zoom, you’ll get valuable feedback and demos to nail the proper technique.
Prepare for an In-Depth Look at Respiratory Protection:
- The importance of respiratory protection and how to test for proper fit
- How airborne diseases spread and techniques for self-protection
- Laws and standards that pertain to respiratory protection programs
- Different types of respirators, how to choose them, and how to maintain them
- Essential components of a respiratory protection program
- Hands-on training in the art of qualitative fit testing (QLFT)
IMPORTANT! Respirator Fit Tester Training consists of three parts:
- Part I: a 30-minute eLearning theory component, Respirator Fit Tester Orientation;
- Part II: a 3.5-hour virtual Instructor-Led training and review;
- Part III: a 1,5-2-hour practical component (virtual or in-person, no additional cost for this part) that demonstrates a qualitative fit test during a 1:1 session with a CCSA Health and Safety Consultant.
This course is particularly relevant to industries such as healthcare, where respiratory protection is essential.
The Respirator Fit Tester Training doesn’t certify participants to train others to be fit testers, nor does it qualify participants to conduct fit testing as a paid service. Successful program completion enables learners to fit test their colleagues within their organization.
Once participants have completed Part I, they will be able to register for the virtual Instructor-Led review training (Part II) and schedule their practical session (Part III).
- Part III: a 1.5-2-hour practical component (virtual or in-person, with no additional cost) that demonstrates a qualitative fit test during a 1:1 session with a CCSA Health and Safety Consultant.
It’s important to note that since a partner is needed during the Part III practical session, selecting an appropriate partner should be done in advance.
Furthermore, participants are required to adhere to any PPE, infection prevention and control, and occupational health safety measures provided by their employer. During the practical session, health and safety measures will be reviewed as well.
To ensure the accuracy of the competency demonstration in respirator fit testing, please be mindful of the following requirements:
- Practice in a clean environment and have access to a sink in close proximity during the demonstration.
- Attend the competency portion with a partner, such as a co-worker or fellow participant, who will be required to wear a NIOSH-approved disposable N95 respirator.
- Ensure that your partner is clean-shaven (if needed) where the respirator seals to the skin of the face or neck, and has not eaten, drank anything (except plain water), smoked, or chewed gum in the 15 minutes prior to the session.
- Please note that denatonium benzoate (bitter) and/or saccharin (sweet) solutions will be used in this training. Confirm that your partner is not allergic to such agents, and that you have access to the safety data sheets for these products which have been read and followed.
- As per CCSA standards, your partner must review and complete a health assessment form supplied by your employer, and a copy of which must be provided to your employer.
- In the event of an emergency, ensure the availability of a first aider or the ability to obtain assistance.
- Have a laptop with Zoom and a camera and audio enabled, with continuous internet access.
The “Respirator Fit Tester Training”, was developed in collaboration with CCSA, SASWH, and PHSHA. This training aims to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct fit testing and utilize respiratory protection in the workplace. Successful program completion enables learners to fit test their colleagues within their organization. This training is particularly relevant to industries such as healthcare, where respiratory protection is essential.
The Respirator Fit Tester Training concludes with a final online evaluation and observation of your first fit test. Successful program completion enables learners to fit test their colleagues within their organization. It doesn’t certify participants to train others to be fit testers, nor does it qualify participants to conduct fit testing as a paid service.
Prevention and Control
Outbreak Management
Effective outbreak management requires a multidisciplinary approach and involves individuals with different responsibilities.
Routine Practices
Routine practices enable staff to protect themselves and others from the transmission of microorganisms.
Resource Manuals
This manual is intended to support staff in caring for residents living in Continuing Care settings who have a known or suspected infectious disease or condition.
Covid-19
There are many ways your actions can help protect you, your facility residents and visitors from severe illness from COVID-19.
Best Practice Recommendations
We provide best practice recommendations in order to prevent a resident and caregiver from acquiring a healthcare associated infection.
The Hidden Risk: Virtual Escape Room (by Aberta Health Services)
A strange tree like virus has taken over the small town you live in. Your friend who works for a nearby research laboratory is infected and needs your help finding and distributing the cure. Use your infection prevention and control knowledge to get into the laboratory and save the day before it is too late! To play this virtual escape room you will need to follow a series of clues and puzzles to crack codes and make it out without getting infected!
Carefully read the dialogue and instructions throughout the game. The game is designed in PowerPoint, after clicking >>>Start the Game, you will be able to find the PowerPoint in your downloads folder to access. Use your skills and knowledge to begin your virtual experience.
