IPC Audit Tool

An interactive infection prevention and control audit checklist for UK care homes. Use this tool to assess your home's compliance across key IPC areas and identify areas for improvement.

How to Use This Tool

•Work through each category and check / tick items that are compliant.
•Items that are not compliant require an action plan — note these in the comments section.
•The audit should be completed at least monthly and whenever there is an outbreak or incident.
•Print a copy for your records or save as evidence for CQC inspection.

Audit Details

Care Home Name

Date of Audit

Completed By

Date of Previous Audit

Hand Hygiene

Alcohol hand rub dispensers available at point of careSoap and warm water available at all sinksPaper towels available and stockedHand hygiene signage displayed (5 Moments poster)Staff observed performing hand hygiene at all 5 momentsHand hygiene compliance rate monitored and recordedNo nail polish or artificial nails observed on clinical staffHands and forearms free of watches and jewellery (except plain band)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE (gloves, aprons, masks, eye protection) readily availableCorrect PPE selected for the taskStaff observed donning PPE in correct sequenceStaff observed doffing PPE in correct sequenceGloves changed between tasks and between residentsNo bare below the elbows compliance observed

Environment and Equipment

Communal areas visibly clean and free from clutterCommodes and toilets cleaned after each useCleaning schedules displayed and up to dateCleaning equipment colour coded appropriately (national colour coding)PPE and clinical waste bins available and not overflowingSharps bins correctly assembled, not overfilled (3/4 line), and datedEquipment cleaned between each resident useSpillage kits available for body fluid spillages

Waste Management

Waste segregated correctly (clinical, domestic, recyclable)Waste bins foot-operated or hands-freeClinical waste bags not overfilled and correctly sealedSharps disposed of at point of useWaste collection schedules maintained

Outbreak Preparedness

Outbreak management plan available and up to dateOutbreak box/kit stocked and accessibleStaff trained in outbreak procedures (within last 12 months)Norovirus and influenza signage availableContact information for local Health Protection Team displayedIsolation rooms available and ready for useEnhanced cleaning protocols documented

Resident Care

Residents with infections risk assessed and isolated appropriatelyAntibiotic stewardship policy in placeUrinary catheter care bundle in useWound care aseptic technique usedEnteral feeding equipment cleaned and maintainedLaundry managed according to infection control policy (separate infected laundry)

Action Plan & Comments

Areas of Non-Compliance

Action Plan & Responsible Person

General Comments

Sign-Off

Auditor Signature

Date

Manager Signature

Date

CQC & Legislative Context

The CQC assesses infection prevention and control as part of the “Safe” key question. Regulation 12 requires providers to prevent and control the spread of infection. The IPC Code of Practice (Department of Health & Social Care) sets out the 10 criteria against which CQC judges IPC compliance. This audit tool covers all 10 criteria areas.

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Important Notice

Care Handbook is a guidance resource only. This audit tool is designed to support your IPC governance and should be used in accordance with your organisation's policies. It does not replace your organisation's own audit tools or the IPC Code of Practice requirements.