Cleaning Policy & Procedure May 2003
CLEANING
POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Approvals
The signatures below certify that this procedure has been reviewed and accepted,
and demonstrates that the signatories are aware of all the requirements retained
herein and are committed to ensuring their provision.
Name
Signature
Position
Date
Domestic Supervisor
May
2013
Prepared by
Reviewed by
Linda Knight
Approved in monthly
SMT meeting
Not required as
existing local policy
Amendment Record
Page No
Context
Health & Safety
Revision
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Next Review: May 2016
Date
Cleaning Policy & Procedure May 2003
1. AIMS
a.
b.
c.
To give guidelines on safe and proper methods of treating equipment, fittings,
fixtures and furnishings.
To promote a clean and comfortable home and to prevent cross-infection.
To cut down the excessive and unnecessary use of chemical disinfectants.
2. The four main ways of treating items/equipment after use :a.
b.
c.
d.
Sterilisation
This is the removal or destruction of all living microbes (bacteria) including
spores. Sterile equipment is essential for all procedures involving a break in
the skin. The best and most reliable method of sterilisation is heat, the Basil
Jones treatment room has a ‘little sister’ steriliser which can be used to
sterilise instruments.
Disinfection
This is the removal of harmful microbes (bacteria) not usually including
bacterial spores. Heat is the most reliable method of disinfection.
Cleaning
There are many items which just need removal of dirt and stains. Hot water
and detergent are recommended for this purpose.
Disposable Items
Where it is economical, the use of disposable items should be considered.
3. The use of Chemical Disinfectants
The use of chemical disinfectants can be confusing. Excessive use is the usual
temptation, which results in a false sense of security.
a.
b.
c.
Accessibility of Microbes (Germs)
Dirt protects microbes (germs) by absorbing added disinfectants. Therefore,
where possible all items must be cleaned before applying disinfectants.
Volume
The greater the volume the more active are ingredients at a particular
concentration, i.e.
1) Ten percent solution is stronger than a one percent solution.
2) One in two solution is stronger than a one in six solution.
Contact Period
Enough time must be allowed for the disinfectants to work when in contact
with surfaces/items. The time varies with different disinfectants, i.e.
1) Hypochlorites (Milton) and alcohols (spirit based) are the quickest acting,
in approximately two minutes on clean surfaces.
2) Phenolics (Dettol, Ibcol) act in approximately eight minutes on clean
surfaces.
d.
e.
Deterioration
Diluted disinfectants often ‘go off’ after twenty-four hours. If they are not
thrown away resistant organisms (germs) can grow in the made up solutions
which then become a source of infection. ‘Topping up’ old disinfectants can
lead to the same problems.
Inactivation
Different disinfectants are inactivated to different extents by various
materials.
The following are examples of serious inactivation:-
Health & Safety
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Next Review: May 2016
Cleaning Policy & Procedure May 2003
f.
4.
1) Phenolic fluids (Dettol, Ibcol) inactivated by Savlon (Centrimide
component).
2) Chlorhexidine (Hibisol, Hibiscrub) inactivated by hard water.
3) Hypochlorite (Milton) inactivated by Savlon (Centrimide component).
4) Savlon (Centrimide) inactivated by hard water, soap, sponge, rubber etc.
organic matter.
Unless specifically instructed, chemical disinfectants are not recommended
for :1) Damp dusting
2) Cleaning walls, floors, ceilings or furniture.
3) Pouring into drains, over-flows and waste pipes.
4) Disinfecting mops, cloths and brushes etc.
5) Pouring into lavatory pans or treating lavatory brushes.
Cleaning
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Health & Safety
Floors must be vacuum cleaned prior to washing/polishing. Brooms
must not be used indoors, except where specified. Dust pans and
brushes may be used for removing small amounts of debris.
Polished surfaces where stained should be washed with hot water
and detergent, dried and polished using clean duster and spray polish,
in the usual way.
Plastic surfaces should be washed with hot water and detergent and
dried with a soft clean cloth.
All cleaning equipment, dusters, mops etc. and storage area must
be kept clean.
Mops after use must be washed in hot water and detergent, rinsed in
clean water and all moisture removed.
Mops and cloths are placed in a red alginate bag and taken to the
laundry at the end of the day for washing at 71°F wash.
Store in an inverted position to enable the head to dry.
Fresh mops and cloths are used each day.
Spillages, including human spillage. The spillage should be
covered evenly with granules as soon as possible. Allow time for the
granules to absorb the spillage. Then remove with a dustpan and
brush or vacuum cleaner. Wash the area with the most appropriate
solution and leave to dry. (See separate Policy dealing with body
fluids).
Clean dustpan and brush or empty vacuum cleaner, as necessary.
Dusters are to be sent to the Laundry for washing. When clean they
will be left in a box in the airing cupboard for collection by each
cleaner
A colour code system is in place for infection control purposes.
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Cleaning Policy & Procedure May 2003
CLEANING MATERIALS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Supply
Most cleaning materials are obtained from Clinicare and Global Cleaning.
Stock and Requisitions
a.
The Porter/Domestic Cleaner is responsible for the Domestic
Cleaning Store.
b.
Requisitions are available in each cupboard. Cleaning materials
should be ordered each week by the Domestic Supervisor, as
necessary, on Mondays. They will be issued on Tuesday mornings.
Requisitions will be kept by the Porter/Domestic Cleaner so that the
use of equipment and materials can be monitored and adjusted, as
necessary.
The Domestic Supervisor or Director of Care sign the orders for the
purchase of cleaning materials.
Storage
Cleaning materials, as ordered by cleaners and equipment for day to day use
will be stored in designated locked cupboards.
Information on Health and Safety Precautions
a.
In each cupboard is a ring binder giving basic information on COSHH,
Health and the safe usage of cleaning materials.
b.
Health and Safety precautions must be taken by all staff. The
Domestic Supervisor must ensure that this information is up-to-date
and available to all staff.
c.
Pump dispensers, sprays etc. into which cleaning materials are
transferred must be labelled accurately.
Training of Domestic and Catering Staff
Training is carried out by the Domestic Supervisor in consultation with
the Training and Development Advisor and Director of HR.
Health & Safety
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Next Review: May 2016