Borders
Title
Document Type
Infection Control Manual
Section 2.4 – Cleaning Drug Fridges
Policy
Document Number
IPCT001/07
Version Number
3rd Edition
Approved by
Infection Control Committee
Issue date
October 2015
Review date
March 2016
Distribution
All NHS Borders Staff
Prepared by
Infection Prevention & Control Team
Developed by
Infection Prevention & Control Team
Equality & Diversity
Impact Assessed
No
2.4 CLEANING SCHEDULE DRUG FRIDGES
For all cleaning procedures:
put on PPE of disposable gloves and plastic apron

assemble cleaning items required: - General purpose detergent
diluted in warm water (dilatation rate on side of container) and
sufficient colour coded disposable cloths/paper for both
washing and drying.
Daily
 check drug fridge temperature and record on temperature
chart

comparisons should be made between present and previous
readings and the safe zone temperatures for fridges, stated on
the recording chart (2-8ºC). Report any deviations from this to
Estates via electronic helpline and ensure action(s) completed
within agreed timescale

maximum and minimum temperature memory on fridges must
be re-set each day after recording previous 24 hours maximum
and minimum temperatures. Temperature memory should also
be reset after cleaning, stock takes and expiry checks once the
temperature has returned to the safe zone (2-8°C).
Monthly Clean – Drug Fridges by User Ward/Department
1. Remove all medicines from the fridge which is to be cleaned and
carefully pack them into a suitable thermal container.
2. Clean all surfaces thoroughly then dry with a disposable cloth or
paper.
3. Allow the fridge temperature to return to within limits (2˚C - 8˚C)
before replacing any of the stock.
4. When replacing stock do a stock and expiry check returning
unlabeled and out of date stock to Pharmacy. Ensure cold chain is
maintained when returning drugs to pharmacy by requesting the
pharmacy porter supplies a cool box for this purpose.
5. Sign and date register.
6. If fridge is not self defrosting defrost monthly.
IPCT001/07
Issue Date: August 2013
2
Review Date: August 2015
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED