1. Decontamination of Equipment.
Care Home Link Nurse Meeting
February 2012

2. WHAT IS DECONTAMINATION?
A process which removes or destroys contamination so that infectious agents do not multiply at a susceptible site
There are 3 levels of decontamination:
Cleaning
Disinfection
Sterilization

3. Cleaning
A process that physically removes infectious agents and the organic matter in which they thrive but does not necessarily destroy infectious agents.
Any shared equipment should be cleaned patients i.e baths, commodes, beds,
Cleaning is a essential prerequisite to ensure effective disinfection or sterilization.
This process involves using a general purpose neutral detergent i.e. Hospec.

4. Personal Protective Equipment
Single use disposable aprons and gloves should be used when cleaning or disinfecting equipment.
Hands should always be washed after removing gloves and aprons.

5. Cleaning
Cleanliness is intrinsically linked to infection prevention and control.
All patient equipment should be visibly clean with no blood or body substances, dust, dirt, debris, or spillages
The environment/ equipment can be contaminated with patient derived microorganisms.
Different spaces require different types of cleaning depending on what activities are carried out in those spaces.

6. Detergent that can be used
Low risk items should be cleaned with hot soapy water.
i.e Hospec – neutral liquid detergent.

7. Cleaning Low risk equipment
Beds
Wheelchairs
Baths
Commodes

8. Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs should be cleaned daily according to manufacturers instructions.
This includes all parts not just cushions.

9. Mattress Checks Establish a frequent inspection
regime for records and keep written record of inspection checks.
Mattresses should be checked monthly.
Remove the cover and inspect its
inside surface and the mattress
core for staining or contamination.
Safely dispose of any covers
showing signs of damage or
staining.
Arrange for contaminated mattress
cores to be cleaned and
decontaminated in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions or
safely disposed of.

10. Definition of Detergent
A cleansing substance that acts similarly to soap but is made from chemical compounds rather than fats and lye.
Definition of Disinfectant
A chemical agent which under defined conditions is capable of disinfection.

11. Disinfection
A process used to reduce the number of micro-organisms but not usually bacterial spores.
This process does not necessarily kill or remove all micro-organisms, but reduces their number to a level which is not harmful to health.

12. Disinfection for medium risk equipment
Shared equipment i.e. in Clostridium Difficile
During outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting.
Body fluid spillages

13. High Risk Equipment
Equipment used for invasive procedures should now be single use only
Dental Instruments
Podiatry Instruments
Instruments used in
Minor surgery

14. CLEANING SCHEDULES
Cleaning schedules should be in use. These can be used for evidence.
Cleaning schedules should be signed and dated and available for residents and visitors.
Cleaning schedules should include
Daily, weekly and monthly tasks.

15. Colour coding of all cleaning equipment is essential
There is a national colour-coding system in place in the NHS.
Toilet/ wash areas RED Kitchen Green
Offices Blue Clinical areas Yellow
This colour coding should be followed at all times by staff undertaking cleaning activities.
All cloths should be disposable and colour coded.
Mops and Mop buckets should be colour coded.
Mops should be either disposable and changed weekly or washable and washed weekly.
Mops and mop buckets should be stored inverted.
Cleaning products should be kept in a dedicated locked cupboard/room.

16. Colour Coding

17. DAILY WEEKLY MONTHLY As daily duties PLUS:
DAILY
Dust/damp wiped all areas, skirting, radiators
Damp wipe/disinfect all kitchen surfaces, mop floors, wipe down tables.
Carpets hoovered
All toilets cleaned
Waste bins emptied, liners replaced(wipe underside of lid)
Any damaged areas or furniture need reporting
WEEKLY
As daily duties PLUS:
High level dusting (damp or dry) completed
* Desks/furniture polished
*Window ledge/suface/shelving wiped
Glass partition doors wiped
Linoleum floors scrubbed
* if requested to, & only if area cleared
MONTHLY
High level dust/damping of tops of doors/door & window frames?
Paintwork wiped down
Window blinds wiped
Microwave, cooker, other kitchen appliance cleaned
Inside of fridge cleaned
TIME & Signature of person completing form

18. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health(COSHH)
Cleaning in a healthcare environment requires the use of chemical agents and this is potentially dangerous.
Employers are required to protect employees who are exposed to chemicals by complying with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
Guidance leaflet available – A Brief Guide to the regulations – What you need to know about the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.