Unit 412

Outcome 1 Understand how to maintain a clean environment to prevent the spread of infection
The learner can:
1. state the general principles for environmental cleaning
a) cleaning materials as defined in our company’s procedure( Policy No 412, Policy No 413 and Policy No 414) will be as follows:
• Detergent-any proprietary detergent for washing/wiping surfaces and items;
• Phenolic + detergent-e.g. Stericol-for bacterial infections;
• Hypochlorite+detergent- for incidents of viral infection;
• Cream clenser- any proprietary cream/liquid bath cleanser(not scourers);
• De-scaling agent- for cleaning shower heads;
• Disinfectant-e.g. presept- sodium dichloroicyanurate granules dissolved in water to 1000 ppm available chlorine;
• Carpet
3. describe how and when disinfecting agents are used
Disinfection can be carried out by either thermal or chemical processes. Thermal disinfection is preferred whenever possible. It is generally more reliable than chemical processes, leaves no residues, is more easily controlled and is non-toxic.
Organic matter (serum, blood, pus or faecal material) interferes with the antimicrobial efficiency of either method. The larger the numbers of microbes present the longer it takes to disinfect. Thus scrupulous cleaning before disinfection is of the greatest importance.
Thermal methods
Although not necessary for disinfection, autoclaving or steam sterilization (or a pressure cooker) may be preferred if available for the decontamination of certain items, e.g. vaginal speculae.
Moist heat at 70-100°C
Boiling (100°C) for at least 5 minutes (holding time) is a simple and very reliable method for the inactivation of microorganisms including hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus and mycobacteria. Provided it is carefully carried out, it is a high-level disinfection
for linen, bedpans, dishes and cutlery, respiratory circuits, laboratory glassware and used surgical instruments before autoclaving. In these machines the process of cleaning, hot water disinfection and drying are combined in a very effective procedure, providing some items ready for use, e.g. respiratory circuits, or safe to handle e.g. surgical instruments. The thorough initial rinsing and washing removes most of the microorganisms and shorter disinfection times may be appropriate, e.g. 70°C for 3 min, 80°C for 1 minute. If machines are used they should be regularly maintained and checked for efficacy. Low to high level disinfection is achieved depending on type of machine and complexity of the