Infection control
Table 1. BS EN classifications. BS EN 1276
BS EN 14476
The basic level of bactericidal testing for chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas. The minimum that a product claiming to be a disinfectant should possess. This requires a minimum of a 5-log reduction or 99.999 per cent reduction.
The standard applicable for chemical disinfectants making viricidal claims, i.e. able to inactivate viruses. This requires a minimum of a 4-log reduction or 99.99 per cent inactivation.
BS EN 13704 The standard applicable for the effective reduction of Clostridium difficile (C-difficile) spores. C-difficile is a spore-forming bacterium and more difficult to combat using traditional disinfectants.
rates and contact times. In addition to the cleaning regime,
it is crucial to remember the role of exemplary hand hygiene. Where soap and water are not readily available, the most effective way to reduce cross- contamination is by regular hand sanitation using an approved product. There has been much talk over the
past two years about the quality of hand sanitisers and many new products from a variety of business sectors have entered the market. Yet there is no point in using a hand sanitiser that does not do the job. Currently, the only BSI standard, kite-
marked hand sanitiser is AHS 70 Alcohol gel from Clover Christeyns, which has virucidal efficacy under BS EN 14476 and kills 99.99 per cent of germs. Make sure to look for a hypoallergic, alcohol-based product that contains over 60 per cent alcohol and one that ideally contains an effective emollient to help protect against dermatitis.
Good infection control practice It goes without saying that identification and risk assessment of common contact points, such as door handles, touch screens and handrails, is crucial to further avoid cross-contamination. When considering products to be used on these
surfaces some thought should be given to the materials they are made from and what they are used for. For example, you may choose a different product for areas in the home that deal with food handling and dining. Every care home will have its own
systems and routines but it is helpful to put together a cross-functional team of staff from various departments so that all locations, items of equipment and furnishings that regularly come into contact with staff, visitors and residents are covered in the cleaning schedule. This is especially important given the
reported lag between an individual being infective and displaying symptoms. If a team member reports testing positive for Covid-19 then a preventative programme will have reduced the risk of common contact points transferring the virus to others. Suggestions such as colour- coding contact points like ‘Red’, ‘Amber’ and ‘Green’ in terms of cross-transfer capability are worth factoring into any risk assessment. It is also worthwhile remembering
that cleaning staff will work better if they understand what they are doing and why and how valuable their role is. Maintaining consistent two-way communication, discussing issues and providing regular
product or method updates can only make the cleaning procedure more efficient and effective.
Conclusion If you have any questions about the right product for the job, ask your supplier. As with the use of any chemicals, always read the label and use the appropriate protective equipment. Check the PPE guidance as some
products may be harmful to the skin and eyes. Never mix chemicals and always follow the guidelines for use. Cleaning may be a routine job but the consequences of not doing it properly are wide reaching and often fatal.
TCHE
Neil Emery
Neil Emery is commercial director of Clover Christeyns, a manufacturer of cleaning chemicals. Based in Whalley Bridge in Derbyshire, the firm has been in operation since 1990. Neil has 21 years of management experience within the chemical industry and a further ten years of senior management within the medical device urology, stoma and wound care arena. Infection prevention, instrument disinfection, general cleaning, catering & laundry within healthcare and care home settings have all featured heavily throughout his career.
December 2021 •
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