HEALTHCARE HYGIENE


Seven ways to prevent healthcare-associated infection


SEKO explores seven key ways that facilities managers in hospitals, care homes and other hygiene-critical environments can prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).


Preventing and controlling infection is a constant challenge in healthcare settings, where outbreaks of bacteria such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile put patients at risk while placing additional strain on stretched staff and resources.


1. Implement training programmes


Janitorial staff must be given appropriate and regular training on proper cleaning and disinfection procedures including the difference between surface cleaning (removing visible dirt and debris), sanitising (reducing germs on surfaces) and disinfecting (eliminating germs and pathogens).


Cleaning and disinfection practices should also be monitored to ensure that they are being followed properly, while it’s important to promote usage of correct terminology such as ‘lightly’, ‘moderately’ or ‘heavily’ soiled rather than vague descriptions such as ‘dirty’.


2. Establish regular cleaning routines


Putting a cleaning schedule in place ensures high-risk areas – which include patient care zones and operating theatres – are prioritised but without neglecting non-critical environments such as storage rooms and hallways. Routine cleaning helps prevent the build-up of dirt and debris, which in turn reduces infection risk.


3. The right chemical for the


right surface Selecting the appropriate cleaning solution means operatives can be confident that the surface is effectively cleaned as well as protecting certain surfaces from harsh chemicals that can cause damage. Managers can assist with product identification by colour coding cleaning agents consistently across the site.


4. Only disinfect after cleaning


Disinfection is not effective when applied to an unclean surface, so initial cleaning must always be performed to remove dirt and debris. This ensures disinfectant is effective in reaching and killing germs and pathogens.


44 | TOMORROW'S CLEANING 5. Maximise disinfection efficacy


By providing staff with disinfectants that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), operators can ensure they are appropriate for the type of surface being cleaned and pathogens of concern.


Meanwhile, as well as being certain to completely cover the surface with disinfectant, cleaning operatives must always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never make assumptions about contact time and proper use.


6. Remember high-touch surfaces


Frequently contacted surfaces such as door handles, light switches, handrails, lift buttons and bedrails are more likely to be contaminated and can quickly spread infection if not cleaned and disinfected more frequently.


7. Install appropriate cleaning chemical dispensers


As well as the usage of suitable chemicals, facilities managers must fit the correct dilution systems to dispense cleaning agents into multiple vessels for various surface- cleaning requirements.


Dosing precision is, of course, a key consideration, which helps guarantee surfaces are effectively cleaned to a consistent standard. Managers can also choose to customise dispensers to help with product identification and eliminate incorrect chemical application.


For decades, chemical solutions specialist SEKO has been developing dispensing systems for the application of cleaning agents, sanitisers and disinfectants, including its flagship ProMax range. The wall-mounted ProMax offers accurate dilution of as many as four chemicals, with a selection of metering tips allowing users to make fine adjustments and optimise cleaning performance.


This versatile, customisable product family provides options for dispensing into spray bottles, mop buckets and scrubber dryers, making it ideal for multi-purpose cleaning stations where healthcare professionals need reliable infection prevention solutions.


www.seko.com x.com/TomoCleaning


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