Easi-Sterilise Standard Operating Procedures Introduction & Section 1 Cleaning Procedures Housekeeping Fire exits Bathrooms Mobile phones Tea and coffee Respect Topic Time 8.30 0945 0945-1100 11001215 12151245 1245 1415 Easi-Sterilise Standard Operating Procedure Topic: Sign in, Meet and Greet Morning Tea SOP 1 SOP 2 Lunch SOP 3 SOP 4 1415 - 1430 Afternoon Tea 1430- 1600 SOP 5 & Questions and Answers Finish Why are we here? Patient and staff safety Directives from QH EMT for rapid implementation of education and training following incidents Implementing a continuous quality improvement program Targeting training needs not targeting individuals Acknowledge an absence in effective communication when changes are made To build on current level of knowledge in light of ever changing technology, standards, guidelines, advisories and legislation QH Commitment Is to: Appropriately train and skill staff Provide information and resources so that step-by-step quality processes are consistently followed Assist in identifying gaps in knowledge and provide opportunities for improvement Aim of this workshop Provide participants with strategies to implement the SOPs and WSAs locally by improving and standardising knowledge on: Pre-cleaning Cleaning Drying instruments Packaging Sterilising Storage Annual performance qualification/validation of the sterilisation process SOPs & WSAs To assist Oral Health facilities operationalise QH policy and guidelines A resource for staff Update and supersede the OH Critical Instrument Tracking (2003) A framework to assist staff identify competence and areas where education and improvement may be needed A resource to identify opportunities for improvement within the department that will require further education and training Section 1 Cleaning Procedures 1.1 Standard Precautions Standard precautions are applied as a first-line approach to infection control. These form the basis for your decision-making and practice. Standard precautions are a set of guidelines based on the assumption that all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious. 1.1 Standard Precautions In the context of sterilising practice and ALL the Standard Operating Procedures, standard precautions include: Hand Hygiene Hand cream – approved by infection control – not in packing area Personal Protective Equipment • Gloves • Face shields, hair protection, safety glasses and masks • Fluid resistant gowns/aprons OHS Requirements 1.2 Soiled Pickup Collection Standard Precautions - PPE Contaminated items - dedicated collection trolley/cart Keep instrument sets together Follow the designated route with trolley (OHS) Collection containers are: puncture-resistant leak-proof and made of either plastic or metal with a lid or liner that can be closed 1.2 Soiled Pickup Collection Cleaned items must be dried prior to transport Reusable instruments cassettes and single items placed into designated transport containers Secure single loose items Don’ts Place heavy instruments on light instruments Lift above shoulder height Containers should not exceed 10 kgs Containers for Transport from Surgery with a lid easily cleaned puncture and leak proof kept in a clean, dry condition not overloaded carefully packed sharps recognised facing same direction 1.3 Sorting Prior To Cleaning Instruments and items sorted by; • Type • Method of cleaning e.g. Manual , ultrasonic, Instruments and items are checked for; • Completeness • Defects • Sharps or blades that have not been removed • Heavily soiled items • Single use only items are not to be returned for reprocessing Report concerns to supervisor Cleaning Cleaning removes organic and inorganic soil, blood, fats etc which contain pathogenic micro-organisms Cleaning minimises contamination levels of bioburden (number of micro-organisms) prior to sterilisation For sterilisation to occur the aim is to have a low number of micro-organisms present on instruments Cleaning Steam will not penetrate contamination left on instruments If the item is not clean it won’t be sterilised 1.4 Chemical & Detergent Mixtures Breaking down and removal of Blood, proteins and debris (organic soils) Medicaments and chemicals (inorganic soils) Breaks water tension – surfactant Keeps the soils suspended in the water Must be an “instrument” detergent. DO NOT use household type Compatible with instruments and equipment Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) – ChemAlert Appropriate storage requirements 1.4 Chemical & Detergent Mixtures Manual cleaning agents Mild alkaline instrument detergent - optimal pH: 8.0 -10.8 Low foaming properties Non-corrosive Non-toxic Non-abrasive Free rinsing Bio-degradable Preferably liquid Use and rate of concentration: as per manufactures instructions 1.4 Chemical & Detergent Mixtures Mechanical cleaning agents Mechanical washer manufacturer’s requirements e.g ultrasonic or washer/disinfector May be stronger alkaline pH range: 8.0-11.5 Biodegradable Nonabrasive Low foaming Free rinsing Preferably liquid Use and rate of concentration: as per manufactures instructions 1.4 Chemical & Detergent Mixtures Enzymatic Cleaners Includes enzyme pre cleaners and enzymatic detergents 1.4 Chemical & Detergent Mixtures Drying Agents/Rinse Aids – Washer disinfectors Surfactants that “wet” the final rinse water Automatically dosed into the final rinse water Spreads evenly over a surface instead of beading Beaded water leaves mineral salts Not as effective on plastics Load instruments and metals on the top racks with plastics on the bottom Plastics on edge to allow drainage 1.4 Chemical & Detergent Mixtures Acid Base Agents Only on stainless steel surfaces Only intermittently descaling or destaining Dissimilar instruments should not processed at the same time Mix the agent as per manufacturers instructions Only mix when required and discard at end of the day OHS -Chemical manufactures instructions , including safety precautions, dilution and instrument compatibility OHS - Rubber or nitrile gloves 1.4 Chemical & Detergent Mixtures Lubricants Water miscible – able to mix with water Compatible with the sterilizing agent As per manufacturers instructions Instrument stiffness needs to be investigated Lubrication used intermittently Routine use = heavy contamination 1.5 Pre Cleaning Pre cleaning (initial cleaning) allows for the removal of visible blood, body fluids and debris from items prior to cleaning (definitive cleaning). Pre cleaning shall be undertaken as soon as possible (e.g. during and post procedure chairside). If blood, proteins and other debris are allowed to dry or remain in crevices and joints, the instruments become very difficult to clean and are prone to stiffness and accelerated corrosion. 1.5 Pre Cleaning Pre cleaning can be performed by methods such as dry wiping, damp wiping or use of a commercially available single use only instrument sponge Place the dry wipe, damp wipe or sponge on the bracket table and carefully wipe the instrument across the material 1.5 Pre Cleaning Rinsing removes excess blood and debris Prevents blood and debris drying on items As soon as possible - post procedure Reduces bioburden - micro-organisms will multiply rapidly Use warm water hot water coagulates protein cold water - congeals fats 1.6 Hand Cleaning For Immersible Items Automated cleaning of instruments is the preferred practice, but not always feasible Identify instruments that cannot be immersed under water for manual cleaning Two dedicated sinks large, deep enough for practical use Separate hand washing facility 1.6 Hand Cleaning For Immersible Items Warm water – potable (drinkable) Instrument brushes various sizes Disposable low - lint cloth Suitable instrument detergent Ph: 8 Pressure equipment High pressure water Air pressure Disposable Syringe Non abrasive pad Double Sink Operation The first sink is to be always used for the initial rinse of instruments only and does not need to be cleaned between use. The second sink is to be used for the cleaning and the final rinse of instruments and only needs to be cleaned between these two activities if the instrument cleaning water is discoloured or cloudy. NB all sinks must be cleaned at the end of the day Single Sink Operation The sink is to be cleaned with a detergent impregnated wipe between the first rinse of the instruments and the filling of the sink for cleaning the instruments. Following cleaning of the instruments and before the final rinse the sink only needs to be cleaned with a detergent impregnated wipe if the cleaning water is discoloured or cloudy. NB all sinks must be cleaned at the end of the day, 1.6 Hand Cleaning For Immersible Items Standard Precautions Heavy duty gloves & PPE Initial Rinse - rinse instruments under warm running water Fill sink correct ratio of warm water and suitable detergent Identify instruments that require manual cleaning Disassemble and open items Inspect for damage or parts missing Immediately notify the supervisor and contact user area 1.6 Hand Cleaning For Immersible Items Limit the generation of aerosols Holding item low in the sink under the water line Apply adequate friction Visualise item under the water line Prevent against sharps injury and damage to the instrument Final rinse – Rinse thoroughly under hot running water Check that the item is clean LOOK and CHECK Use a magnifying glass if necessary 1.6 Hand Cleaning - Final Rinsing Final rinsing facilitates the drying of item Use warm water Mechanical washer disinfectors use hot water Removes chemical residues Tissue irritation Instrument damage If a demineralised/reverse osmosis water system is installed, rinse with demineralised/ reverse osmosis filtered water. 1.6 Hand Cleaning For Immersible Items Cleaning brushes Check no broken bristles or requires replacing Kept free of visible debris during, after use and before reuse Single or limited use cleaning materials Single use, non-abrasive cleaning brushes are disposed of at the end of the day. Reusable cleaning brushes are to be thermally disinfected at the end of the day and stored dry. Unsuitable Cleaning Agents or Equipment steel wool or other harsh abrasives cleaning powders excessive temperatures dangerous chemicals corrosive chemicals 1.6 Hand Cleaning For Immersible Items Flush, Brush and Flush all lumen items Flush lumen with water Wet bristles of correct size instrument brush Pass instrument brush through the lumen and rinse debris off brush tip in an appropriate cleaning solution Withdraw brush Flush through with running hot water Repeat until clean 1.6 Hand Cleaning For Immersible Items Drying – As per manufacturer’s instructions Drying cabinet Disposable low-lint cloth for hose, battery and external parts Air pressure gun (for removal of excess moisture) Disposable syringe 1.6 Hand Cleaning For Immersible Items Problems associated with incorrect drying Items should NOT be air dried/ dripped dry Good conditions micro-organisms multiply in 20-30 minutes Wet packaging result in unsterile item Can cause rusting, corrosion, pitting to the item 1.7 Hand Cleaning For Non-immersible Items For those items that are unable to be submerged under water Some items e.g surgical handpieces and attachments, may need hoses or caps attached to prevent water entering delicate parts 1.7 Hand Cleaning For Non-immersible Items Initial rinse - Some items may be gently rinsed with warm water to remove gross soil as per manufacturer’s instructions. Initial rinse - Some items may be rinsed using a low lint cloth immersed in water if the item cannot be placed under gently running water Fill sink correct ratio of warm water and suitable detergent Items are wiped using a clean cloth immersed in the clean, warm water with detergent added The cloth is squeezed (wrung out) to prevent water entering the instrument, it is damp only, and not dripping wet 1.7 Hand Cleaning For Non-immersible Items The impregnated damp cloth is rubbed over the item May need to be repeated depending extent of soiling Handpieces that cannot be immersed in water follow the manufacturer’s instructions Non-immersible cannulated items - the manufacturer’s instructions must be adhered to in relation to flushing and brushing 1.7 Hand Cleaning For Non-immersible Items Following washing the detergent must be removed FINAL RINSE - Using a damp clean low lint cloth (that has not been in contact with detergent), wipe over the item to remove the detergent. Note if a demineralised/reverse osmosis water system is installed, rinse with demineralised/ reverse osmosis filtered water These steps may need to be repeated to remove all traces of detergent (Dry as per instructions in SOP 1.6 immersible item) handpieces Handpieces outside surfaces cleaned using detergent wipe, rinsed by wiping dried slow speed motors outside surfaces cleaned using detergent wipe, rinsed by wiping, dried lubricated (manually or automatic) may need special adaptors Dried, wrapped & processed in a wrapped cycle Special adaptors may be needed Special adaptors may be needed Ideally, handpieces and slow speed motors are cleaned and lubricated using mechanised cleaning equipment Special adaptors may be needed 1.8 Ultrasonic Cleaner Purpose Ultrasonic cleaning is a form of mechanical cleaning that uses high frequency ultrasonic waves (cavitation) that dislodges fine particles from the surfaces of instruments. Ultrasonic cleaning is an effective cleaning method for instruments prior to the reprocessing 1.8 Ultrasonic Cleaner Minimises manual cleaning Does not disinfect instruments Remove debris using cavitation (sound waves) Detergent as per manufacturer’s instructions Requires degassing before use Rinsing after use (if no further washer/disinfector processing) OHS – do not immerse hands when operating OHS – aerosols – use lid when operating OHS – noise – use lid & hearing protection OHS – dry hands – when handling electrical leads and turning on or off at power point. 1.8 Ultrasonic Cleaner Follow manufacturer’s instructions Newer models may have different requirements Fill the tank with water (may be cold or warm follow manufacturer’s instructions) Then add the specified amount of detergent Degas the water – close the lid for recommended time Lumen instruments undergo manual cleaning first (FBF) Initial Rinse – Rinse all items with warm water to remove gross soil before placing into designated baskets Disassemble and open items 1.8 Ultrasonic Cleaner Place instruments in basket as per manufacturer’s instructions. Do not overload basket as ultrasonic waves will be unable to penetrate the soil on the instruments Never place items on the floor as transducers will be damaged. Place delicate or small pieces of items into lock down baskets Fully submerge the items below the waterline. Close lid and operate for recommended time 1.8 Ultrasonic Cleaner For bench top ultrasonic cleaning, use clean gloved hands Final Rinse - Thoroughly rinse instruments with warm running water Lumened items to have excessive moisture removed by air pressure gun or disposable syringe Dry using a drying cabinet or with a disposable low lint cloth 1.8 Ultrasonic Cleaner EMPTYING AND CLEANING THE MACHINE Daily and if solution becomes murky or discoloured as cleaning cannot occur in dirty solution. Routine cleaning of the ultrasonic machine is required see (SOP 5.9 Routine Cleaning Reprocessing Equipment) 1.9 Washer Disinfector Machines Batch and continuous type washer disinfectors clean and remove bio burden/micro-organisms (blood and debris) Thermal (high level) disinfection using time at temperature – final rinse Means the cleaning process is verifiable Lumened items still require Flush brush Flush Unlock and open items Use appropriate washer baskets/inserts Keep sets together 1.9 Washer Disinfector Machines Loading Lumen instruments have been flushed, brushed and flushed Use specific washer insert that is required e.g. dental handpieces Disassembled, unlocked, opened (e.g. forceps, needle holders, scissors) Ensure parts of disassembled instruments are together Use disk or tags to identify instrument trays when using multiple baskets Small/light items placed in lidded basket with hold down catch 1.9 Washer Disinfector Machines Loading If using barcode baskets select correct basket Load the baskets/racks ensuring they are not overcrowded or over opened Use a hold down screen Hollowware is loaded in a draining position Minimise lifting of racks Make sure equipment stays in the parameter of the rack. Select the appropriate cycle for the load 1.9 Washer Disinfector Machines REPORT IMMEDIATELY: Cycle parameters not meeting set requirements or variations to cycle parameters – failed cycles Items that appear dirty or stained are returned to the cleaning area for recleaning/destaining Excess water – check the following: the machine temperature, amount of rinse aid going into the machine or the way in which the machine was loaded Damaged instruments 1.10 Washer Disinfector Machines Releasing the load and unloading the washer disinfector Authorising release of the load occurs on completion of washer disinfector cycle and prior to opening the door. Check cycle parameters have been met and print out/log (or equivalent) is signed Care opening the doors due to heat and moisture Inspect load not become dislodged or displaced Avoid injury and damaging the equipment/instruments Washer disinfector printout 1.9 Washer Disinfector Machines UNLOADING continued Check for cleanliness If machine does not dry - place into drying cabinet Industrial dry and oil free compressed air used to remove excess moisture from lumen instruments. Only when dry, place instruments onto designated work benches to await packing/wrapping 1.10 De-staining Stains = corrosion, pitting or other damage Staining can occur Chemical incompatibility Water quality Interaction of alloys in instruments Investigate cause 1.10 De-staining Occupational Health & Safety PPE Acid based de-staining chemicals are a strong acid and can cause burns to hands, eyes etc. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and precautions. Refer to MSDS for first aid instructions 1.10 De-staining Only use intermittently NOT ROUTINELY Check de-staining solution is compatible Usually only stainless steel instruments. Standard precautions Wear protective clothing + heavy duty gloves Use a container with a good fitting lid Strictly follow manufacturer’s instructions on water temperature, chemical ratio and exposure time Dissimilar instruments not processed at the same time 1.10 De-staining Remove item using gloved hands After exposure item re-washed to remove chemical residue Only mix de-staining solution when required Change chemical daily or more often if solution discoloured. Remove gloves and wash hands. Identify and report any patterns of staining 1.11 Drying Cabinet Purpose To dry the cleaned item prior to wrapping and packaging and prevent damage that occurs to the item if it is left wet. Loading Unloading OH & S considerations