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QUEENSLAND CORRECTIVE SERVICES
APPENDIX – CLEANING STANDARDS FOR QUEENSLAND HEALTH CENTRES
LOCATED WITHIN CORRECTIVE SERVICES FACILITIES
Availability: Public
Implement Date: 24 December 2008
Refer procedure – Domestic/Cleaning Staff
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1
Training......................................................................................................................... 2
Cleaning ....................................................................................................................... 2
Cleaning Solutions ........................................................................................................ 2
Cleaning Equipment ..................................................................................................... 2
Quality Management..................................................................................................... 3
Special Cleaning Considerations: ................................................................................. 3
General Cleaning .......................................................................................................... 3
8.1
Carpet Shampooing ........................................................................................... 4
8.2
Hard Surface Maintenance: Static Mopping ...................................................... 5
9. Health Centre Toilet/s Area .......................................................................................... 8
10.
Waste Management: Removal of General and Contaminated Waste ...................... 9
11.
Guidelines For The Cleaning Of Health Centre Areas ............................................ 10
1.
Introduction
Consistent with the Queensland Government’s strategy for delivery of quality, cost
effective services, health care cleaning should provide a consistent, high quality, efficient
and effective cleaning service which recognises the importance of cleaning and the vital
role it plays in infection control within health care facilities.
A professional approach to cleaning and hygiene is demanded in all health care facilities.
Hygiene is of paramount importance and it is essential that appropriate quality standards
are maintained.
It is acknowledged that at the time of implementing these cleaning standards, corrective
services facilities will be at varying stages of compliance. It is envisaged that within the first
12 months of implementation, a continuous quality assurance system will be in place in all
facilities to monitor all aspects of cleaning.
In an environment of continuous change, cleaning services must be responsive to future
variations in service demand and therefore, continually changing to meet the needs of
client groups.
Most of the infections in health care facilities are caused by bacteria which are
predominantly spread on the hands of health care workers. The inanimate environment of
a health facility poses minimal risk in the endemic spread of infection. However, the
environment may occasionally be the source of an outbreak. Compliance with standard
and additional precautions should further reduce the risk of cross infection.
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2.
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Training
Training for supervisors and cleaners must be considered an integral component of the
strategy to achieve standardised cleaning services. Offenders are required to undertake
training in all aspects of cleaning before undertaking employment in cleaning positions
within the Queensland Health centre.
The following principles are a guideline for infection control and environmental cleaning
services in Queensland Health centres situated within corrective services facilities.
3.
Cleaning—
a)
is the removal of soil and reduction in the number of micro-organisms from a
surface. This includes contaminants such as dust, soil, large number of microorganisms and the organic matter (eg faeces, blood) that protects them.
microbes are unable to multiply on clean, dry inanimate surfaces.
body fluid contamination or spills must be cleaned immediately.
damp dusting is the preferred method of dust control, particularly for high cleaning,
to reduce the amount of dust in the environment.
Dust should cling to the damp duster, the surface should be left slightly damp not
wet. Surfaces should dry within approximately a minute.
The use of spray bottles is not recommended due to the risk of solution
contamination at the time of decanting and the potential hazard of aerosolisation of
micro-organisms.
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
4.
Cleaning solutions
a)
b)
d)
Neutral detergent and water is generally used for routine cleaning.
One percent (1%) sodium hypochlorite to be used to decontaminate blood and body
fluid spills.
The selection of cleaning solutions should be determined in consultation with
infection control.
Standardisation of cleaning solutions is recommended.
5.
Cleaning equipment
a)
Selection, cleaning/maintenance and storage of equipment is to be documented
and periodically audited.
For manual cleaning, a dual bucket with roller system is recommended. The water
is to be changed frequently.
Mop heads are to be detachable and laundered after each use.
When dry dusting, equipment which traps and contains dust is recommended.
Used items are to be laundered or disposed of, not shaken out and re-used.
The use of brooms and feather dusters within health care facilities is not
appropriate.
Equipment used for wet cleaning is to be disposable or able to be laundered.
Portable vacuum cleaners are to be fitted with an appropriate filter.
A guide to the frequency of cleaning in health care facilities can be located in the
Queensland Health Cleaning Service Policy and Standards for Public Sector Health
Care Facilities. Relevant sections of this document have been amended for the
correctional environment and are included at the end of this document.
c)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
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Recommended frequency rates:
Excessive cleaning frequencies and over
application of cleaning products does not add any value and may shorten the life of
fabrics and floor materials. Too much is as bad as too little.
The application of these frequencies and the use of well established methods of cleaning,
along with appropriate equipment will result in a clean environment at an acceptable cost.
6.
Quality management
a)
To monitor cleaning, it is recommended that audit tools be developed The
frequency of audits to be determined by Nurse Unit Managers.
Environmental cultures (swabs etc) are not appropriate for assessing the standard
of cleaning.
b)
7.
Special cleaning considerations
Refer Queensland Health Policy for Hand Hygiene
Hands should be washed—
a)
b)
c)
before entering work area;
before and after use of toilet; and
after smoking, using tissue/handkerchief.
Use of Gloves –
Change Gloves –
gloves are to be used once and discarded.
after 30 minutes of use or if torn or damaged; and
on completion of one task before starting another cleaning task.
If any reaction to glove powder, or chemicals – report to Supervisor and fill out an
accident/incident form.
NOTE:
Be aware that wearing gloves does not replace the need for hand washing as gloves may
have defects which are not immediately obvious or may become damaged during use.
8.
General cleaning
Sink Stainless Steel – Chrome Taps—
a)
b)
wipe with a damp cloth and approved cleaner, removing water marks and other
residues; and
repeat with dry cloth.
Walls – Fittings—
a)
b)
remove dust, finger marks and spillages with detergent and water (damp cloth); and
high cleaning for dust and marks use a ‘Squeeze Mop’.
Floor – Vinyl—
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vacuum or static mop floor first, then using mop and mop bucket containing detergent
and hot water, mop floor.
Doors – Door Vents—
a)
b)
wipe doors free of dust, marks and spots with detergent and water (damp cloth);
and
remove dust and stains from door vents with a damp cloth and wipe with a dry cloth.
Ceiling – Ceiling Vents and Fittings—
clean as per duty lists provided by Nurse Unit Manager.
Desks – Furnishings—
wipe with a damp cloth removing dust and stains, and then repeat with a dry cloth.
Phones—
wipe with a damp cloth. Wipe with dry cloth.
Carpet Floor Area—
vacuum floors. Spot clean if needed. Shampoo as necessary.
Waste Paper—
a)
b)
c)
remove waste bin liner and waste;
wipe inside and outside of bin with water and detergent (damp cloth) to remove
stains and spillages; and
replace with new plastic bin liner.
Hand Basins—
a)
b)
apply water to moisten hand basin; and
commence cleaning using approved cleaner.
8.1
Carpet shampooing
Workplace Health and Safety precautions—
a)
b)
c)
d)
always wear gloves when cleaning and emptying;
correct use of chemicals;
follow manufacturer’s instructions at all times; and
check equipment for any faults and report to supervisor.
Care of Equipment – follow manufacturer’s instructions—
a)
b)
c)
always empty tank and then rise out and drain completely;
wipe over all of machine, wash brushes and hang to dry;
store all equipment in specified area; and
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coil electrical cords safely.
Process—
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
remove as much furniture as possible;
pre-spray any soiled area and spot clean as necessary;
set up shampooing machine, following manufacturer’s instructions strictly as stated;
shampoo carpet, finishing set area before starting another area;
do not leave carpet too wet. Extract as much water as possible with machine;
remove safety signs when carpet is dry; and
replace all furniture.
8.2
Hard surface maintenance: static mopping
Note: Do not use mop on wet, damp or sticky floors.
Workplace Health & Safety Precautions: Check handle is in safe condition, has no splits
or splintered areas.
Equipment—
a)
b)
c)
d)
static mop and spare fringe;
bannister brush;
dust pan; and
gloves.
Process—
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
starting point is determined by convenience for staff;
place mop firmly on the floor and push mop forward in one direction. Do not lift mop
from the floor until mopping is finished in the selected area;
if mopping is interrupted, dust must be cleared away and placed in waste bin;
do not shake mop, until all floors are finished;
when turning, turn mop on half circle and continue pushing mop forward;
when finished put on gloves; hold mop over rubbish bin;
shake excess dirt off, then brush rest of dirt of fringe; and
store mop standing-fringe up.
Care of fringe—
a)
b)
c)
wearing gloves, remove fringe from frame;
wash fringe in mild detergent and warm water solution; and
hang up to dry.
Buffing
Workplace Health and Safety precautions—
a)
b)
check electrical cords, plugs, polisher and brushes/pads for any equipment
damage;
have polisher set at correct height for individual use;
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c)
d)
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cord must be kept behind machine at all times and out of way of polishing floor
area; and
to remove or replace brush: follow manufacturer instructions.
Infection Control precautions—
a)
b)
change brushes and pads when soiled to avoid machining dirt into the floor; and
ensure machine filters are changed on a regular basis.
Equipment—
a)
b)
polisher fitted with brush or buffing pad; and
nylon hand pad for spot cleaning of floor.
Process—
a)
b)
inspect floor for any spillages, spot mop; and
commence buffing floor with polisher, spot cleaning with hand pad if necessary.
Dry Vacuuming
Workplace Health and Safety Precautions—
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
check cord and plug for damage before using machine, if damaged, report to
Supervisor and arrange for replacement machine;
cord is NOT to be coiled across floor;
plug must not be removed by jerking the cord;
switch machine “OFF” before removing plug from power point; and
switch machine off immediately if there is a burning smell, smoke or sparks or an
unusual noise coming from the vacuum. Report to supervisor.
Equipment—
a)
b)
c)
vacuum cleaner and correct attachments;
dust pan and brush; and
dusting cloths and gloves.
Care of Equipment and Storage: always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Disposable bag type—
a)
b)
c)
check bag, change if required and wipe over and inside of vacuum with damp cloth;
reassemble machine ready for use; and
store hose and attachments in appropriate place.
Removable dust filter bag type—
a)
b)
c)
wearing gloves, remove filter bag, hold over waste bin and brush excess dust
particles from filter;
empty dust/dirt from bowl, spray with solution, wipe over and inside with damp cloth;
reassemble machine ready for use;
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e)
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store hose and attachments in appropriate place; and
this procedure is suitable for Back Pak vacuum also.
Scrubbing
Workplace Health and Safety precautions—
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
wet floor signs placed in correct position with all scrubbing procedures;
follow manufacturer’s instructions for all electrical cleaning equipment;
correct quantity when using chemicals;
amount of water used not excessive;
check all equipment and report to Supervisor any faults with all cleaning equipment;
advisable to use power safety pack with electrical equipment; and
gloves to be worn when cleaning up all equipment.
Equipment—
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
polyvac/polisher – using brush or nylon pad;
rotowash/duplex/Nilfish scrubbing machines;
deck scrubber;
wringer buckets and mops;
wet floor signs/caution signs; and
gloves.
Polyvac/polisher—
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
when polyvac/polisher is used for scrubbing always ensure vacuum motor is turned
off;
mix chemical and water in one (1) bucket and have one (1) bucket of clean rinsing
water;
apply solution to floor area approximately 4 metres x 4 metres at a time and scrub
with polisher;
mop up soiled solution then mop over with clean water;
recoat with specified solution;
change rinsing water frequently leaving floor as dry as possible;
buff with polisher using clean brush following buffing procedure; and
clean polyvac polisher after scrubbing floor, wash brushes and hang to dry.
Scrubbing machine—
a)
b)
c)
d)
follow manufacturer’s instructions correctly;
scrub floor as directed;
clean up and leave machine clean and ready for use again; and
remove brush – wash – hang to dry.
Rotowash scrubber—
a)
b)
for use on tiled floors: bathroom, toilets and showers etc;
have one (1) bucket with solution and water and one (1) bucket clean rinsing water;
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c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
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mop up soiled solution then rinse floor area with clean water;
change clean rinsing water frequently;
repeat process until floor area being scrubbed is finished;
clean all equipment and store safely in cleaning room;
buckets to be rinsed out and left upside down to drain;
mop heads changed; and
wet floor signs stored in cleaning rooms when floor is dry.
9.
Health centre toilet/s area
Standard Required: Free from stains, water spots, mould and residue to maintain toilet area
hygiene.
Mirror—
a)
b)
wipe mirror frame and stainless steel ledge over with damp cloth; and
dry off residue with dry cloth.
Hand basin and surrounds—
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
apply approved cleanser;
clean using cloth pad;
clean under basin, goose neck, taps and surrounds;
rinse off using clean cloth; and
dry with clean cloth.
Toilet bowl—
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
flush toilet and apply toilet cleanser;
use toilet brush to scrub full interior of bowl, including under lip and ‘S’ bend;
use dam cloth and detergent to wipe top of toilet, lid, seat, sides and under pedestal
(scrub with brush as necessary);
use dry cloth to dry all surfaces; and
report faults to supervisors.
Walls—
a)
b)
wipe all walls including wall vent, toilet walls, cistern, ledges and wall fittings with a damp
cloth as per duty list; and
dry all surfaces.
Floors – Toilet—
Mop using approved cleaning chemicals only.
Ledges—
All high ledges to be wiped with damp cloth to remove dust as per duty list.
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Waste management: removal of general and contaminated waste
10.
Infection control precautions—
a)
hands must be washed—
i.
ii.
b)
c)
before entering health centre areas; and
before and after wearing gloves;
gloves must be worn when disposing of any waste materials, changing waste bags and
wiping/scrubbing waste bins; and
gloves must be changed if damaged or torn.
Workplace health and safety precautions—
a)
b)
c)
ALWAYS USE gloves when removing any waste materials;
DO NOT use hands to push rubbish down into bags. General waste – shake the rubbish
down; and
DO NOT PLACE ‘SHARPS’ containers inside waste bags.
Equipment—
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
supply of bags – clear and yellow;
clear (Sulo Bins) for general waste and Yellow for contaminated waste;
gloves;
cloth;
specific chemical for cleaning; and
small internal bins – as required.
Process—
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
collect equipment from Cleaners Room;
work towards waste collection area;
wearing gloves, remove waste bag from bin;
general waste – shake lightly down and secure the bag;
apply solution onto cloth and wipe inside and outside of bin, including the lid, replace
waste bag;
take all waste bags to collection point and place into correct bins;
yellow bags must be placed into YELLOW BINS;
clear bags must be placed into GREEN or BLACK BINS;
close lid;
dispose of any used non contaminated cleaning rags into general waste bags; and
remove wheelie bins and wash thoroughly with appropriate solution.
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Guidelines for the cleaning of health centre areas
AREA
DESCRIPTION
FREQUENCY
Offices
and
Admin Areas
and
Interview Room
Empty Rubbish Containers (Replace Liners)
Clean hand basins
Static Mop or Traffic Vacuum
Damp Dust Horizontal Services
Damp dust furniture/fittings
Damp Mop
Detail Vacuum
Spot clean soiled areas on walls, doors hands
and switches
Clean partition glass
Clean Rubbish Containers
Daily
Daily
6 times per week
daily
twice weekly
daily
weekly
(Vinyl/LMV)
weekly
weekly
monthly
(or when visibly soiled)
Reception Area
Buff
Clean inside windows/Frames
Clean air vents
High Dust
Clean Blinds – Vertical and/or Venetian
Damp dust walls
Empty Rubbish Containers (Replace liners)
Clean Hand Basins
Damp dust horizontal surfaces
Damp mop
Static mop or traffic vacuum
Damp dust furniture/fittings
Spot clean soiled areas on walls, doors,
handles and switches
Spot clean/vacuum chairs
Detail vacuum
Clean partition glass
Clean rubbish containers
Monthly
Every 2 months
Every 2 months
Every 6 months
Every 6 months
Every 6 months
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
6 times per week
3 times per week
3 times per week
weekly
weekly
weekly
monthly
(or when visibly soiled)
Buff
Clean inside windows/Frames
Machine scrub (Manufacturers specification)
Clean air vents
High dust
Clean Blinds – Vertical and/or Venetian
Damp dust walls
monthly
monthly
monthly
every 2 months
every 6 months
every 6 months
every 6 months
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AREA
Procedure
Room
and/or
Treatment
Room
(Vinyl/LMV)
DESCRIPTION
Clean and restock dispensers
Detail Vacuum
Damp Dust Horizontal Surfaces
Damp Dust furniture & Fitting
Damp Mop
Spot clean soiled areas on walls, doors,
handles and switches
Damp Dust screen rails
Clean rubbish containers
FREQUENCY
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Weekly
Weekly
Monthly
(or when visibly soiled)
Buff
Clean air vents
Clean inside windows/frames
High Dust
Damp Dust walls
Change screens
monthly
monthly
monthly
monthly
every 3 months
every 3 months
(or when visibly soiled)
“daily” refers to frequency of usage. For example, if the area is used Monday to Friday,
then “daily” means it is cleaned Monday to Friday. If used seven days a week, “daily”
means seven days a week. If used once per week, “daily” means 1 day/week.
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