This procedure outlines the responsibilities for the management of: - Infection control in accordance with the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995; and - Contagious Conditions in accordance with the requirements of the Public Health Act 2005.
Statement of intent
The Department of Education and Training has a general obligation under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 to prevent injury and illness in the workplace. This obligation requires the implementation of infection control practices at schools and other workplaces that provide for the health and safety of staff, students and others such as visitors and volunteers. Infection Control Guidelines (new window) 940k 
have been established to provide a minimum standard to be implemented at schools and departmental workplaces.
The Public Health legislation requires provisions to minimise the spread of contagious conditions 
in schools. Responsibilities and processes are outlined in this procedure.
Penalties under the Public Health Act 2005 exist for failure to act in certain circumstances and failure to heed a lawful direction.
If a suspected outbreak of a contagious condition (new window) , prescribed under the Public Health Regulation 2005 takes place within a school, it is vital that steps are taken to protect the health of the school community in a timely manner.
Although there are many medical conditions that are contagious, the responsibilities outlined below apply only to the specific conditions which are prescribed under the Public Health Regulation 2005. As the list of prescribed conditions may change from time to time, it is important to consult with the closest Population Health Unit within Queensland Health if concerns are raised. The prescribed contagious conditions (new window) include:
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Diphtheria
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Enterovirus 71 (EV71)
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Gastroenteritis outbreaks
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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection
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Hepatitis A infection
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Measles
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Meningococcal infection
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Pertussis (whooping cough)
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Poliomyelitis
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Rubella
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Typhoid paratyphoid
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Untreated Tuberculosis
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Varicella (chicken pox)
Similarly, although there are many vaccine preventable conditions, this policy only applies to the vaccine preventable conditions prescribed under the Regulation:
The Regulation defines prescribed periods for the various prescribed contagious conditions (new window) .
Contacts
For further information about infection control, please contact:
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For further information about contagious conditions, please contact:
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