HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL FACILITIES


“OF EVERY 100 HOSPITALISED PATIENTS, SEVEN IN


DEVELOPED COUNTRIES


AND TEN IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES WILL ACQUIRE


AT LEAST ONE HEALTHCARE- ASSOCIATED INFECTION.”


6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT


To determine a product’s level of sustainability, healthcare cleaning professionals can evaluate several aspects and characteristics, including ingredients, format, and efficiency:


• Consider the ingredients of the formulation and how they are sourced or manufactured. Many “natural” ingredients are in fact made from basic chemicals in factories. Also, products that use crop materials may result in deforestation or other intensive farming practices. Look for products that carry reputable sustainability certifications.


• Consider product format (e.g. concentration and packaging). Smaller packaging minimises transport, storage, and handling requirements. Super-concentrates also require less packaging. Users can also evaluate if the packaging is made from recycled and/or recyclable materials.


• Weigh the efficiency of the product. It is vital to ensure the product is correctly specified and used to the manufacturer’s recommendations (including correct dilution rate) to ensure maximum efficiency and performance and reduce waste.


• Take into account consequential benefits. This includes reduced energy and packaging consumption and adopting innovative formulations. For example, switching to formulations designed to work at lower temperatures can save energy. Another option is to adopt alternative products that may be just as effective but less damaging to the surfaces being cleaned.


Carefully considering then; application, patient needs, budget, staff training, and environmental impact can help narrow the list of potential disinfectants. With qualified recommendations, effective product in place, and an auditing programme, cleaning and disinfection programmes can be maximised.


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