All of the following are methods used to disinfect tools and equipment EXCEPT
This OSH Answers document covers cleaning disinfection and other sanitation activities in retail, offices, schools and similar workplaces, but does not cover work environments with specialized sanitation needs, such as health care, food processing, etc. Show
If your workplace has a specific infection or sanitation control procedure, please ask your supervisor or infection control officer for more information. Every healthcare facility should have written protocols to guide routine general cleaning and ensure that all areas of the environment are regularly cleaned to a satisfactory standard. Staff undertaking cleaning should follow agreed protocols and have access to adequate resources and equipment to achieve the required standard of cleaning. COSHH regulations should always be adhered to and staff should use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves at all times. CleaningCleaning with warm water and detergent is a process that removes visual dirt and contamination and in most cases is effective for decontaminating both equipment and the environment. However in certain situations e.g. during an outbreak, increased incidence of infection or in the case of Clostridium difficile infection, surfaces and equipment require both cleaning and disinfection. DisinfectionDisinfection is a process that reduces the number of microorganisms to a level at which they do not present a risk to patients or clients. It is only effective if surfaces and equipment have been cleaned thoroughly with detergent and water beforehand. Warm water and detergent should be used to clean hard surfaces followed by disinfection with 1000ppm (0.1%) chlorine releasing agent/hypochlorite solution or chlorine dioxide solution (diluted, and with a contact time, as per manufactures’ instructions). The specific disinfectant to be used will be specified in the local cleaning/disinfection policy or procedure. The hypochlorite or chlorine dioxide solution will kill both bacteria and viruses provided it is used as per manufactures’ instructions. Hypochlorite solutions are corrosive and it is recommended that the solution is rinsed off commodes, mattresses and stainless steel surfaces with warm water at the end of the process. Some chlorine dioxide solutions do not need to be rinsed off. Cleaning and disinfection of the environmentRoutine General Cleaning?Routine cleaning of the environment should be undertaken at least daily. Thorough cleaning with neutral detergent and water is commonly used. If soiling (with blood and/or bodily fluids) is evident, then general cleaning should be followed with a disinfectant clean - using a chlorine releasing product/sodium hypochlorite or a chlorine dioxide solution. If using a hypochlorite solution the area should then be rinsed and dried although this is not required with some chlorine dioxide solutions.Always ensure that surfaces that are being disinfected are compatible with the product being used. Enhanced Cleaning?During an outbreak of infection or an unusual increase in the incidence of a particular organism, enhanced routine cleaning (minimum twice daily) is recommended. This will entail cleaning/disinfecting the environment including frequently touched surfaces such as bed tables, bed rails, the arms of chairs, sinks, call bells, door handles and push plates, and any area/piece of equipment that may potentially be contaminated. Depending on the type of outbreak in the healthcare facility, certain areas will require more frequent cleaning and disinfection, e.g. sanitary areas during an outbreak of gastrointestinal infection. Terminal Cleaning?Terminal cleaning is the thorough cleaning/disinfection of all surfaces including floors and re-useable equipment either within the whole healthcare facility or within an individual ward/department/unit. This may be required in the following circumstances:
A terminal clean will be advised following discussion and agreement between the Infection Prevention & Control Team and the nurse or manager in charge of the ward/unit/facility. The terminal clean should not commence until the relevant room/area has been fully vacated. Note: The cleaning schedule for the facility should clearly advise which member of staff is responsible for cleaning different areas of the room/areas to be included in the terminal clean. Note: In addition to the above, some facilities/organisations employ the use of other technologies such as steam or vaporised hydrogen peroxide when doing terminal cleans. This is an additional step in the cleaning process but should not replace the physical decontamination of the environment/equipment with detergent & water and disinfectant.
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