Infection prevention
wash hands regularly, including before and after cleaning. Hands and wrists should be washed in warm water for 20 seconds, and never in a sink that is used for food preparation or in an area where equipment such as commodes or bedpans are cleaned. Bacteria can survive on bar soaps, so
liquid soap in a wall-mounted dispenser is the most hygienic option. For everyday handwashing, an ordinary liquid soap will do. However, when a deeper clean is needed - for example, after emptying bed pans or cleaning bathrooms - cleaning staff should follow their regular soap with an antiseptic handwash to remove any residual bacteria.
Dispose of waste correctly The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 state that waste materials should not be allowed to accumulate in the workplace and should always be disposed of in suitable receptacles. When cleaning any area of the care
home, most waste will be general - such as rubbish from bins, flowers, toilet roll tubes etc. - which means they can be disposed of in a general black waste bag and tied with a knot. When filling bin bags, it is best practice to only fill them two thirds of the way. This leaves enough room for the bag to be tied securely and to prevent overflowing or spilling. However, contaminated waste - such
as items that have come into contact with bodily fluids as well as PPE - will need to be disposed of safely. As long as the waste comes from residents or staff with no known illnesses it can be sent to landfill, but you may need double-bag it and use bags in a particular colour. Various local councils and waste contractors use different coloured bags for hazardous or hygiene waste, so it is best to check with them to see what kind of bag to use. Waste that has come from residents or
staff known to be carrying a virus will need to be disposed of in the correct coloured bag and sent to a licensed facility to be incinerated. Again, it is a good idea to check with your council or waste service to find out what kind of bag to dispose of infectious waste in.
Leave trolleys outside each room While each room is being cleaned, it is best to leave the cleaning trolley and laundry hamper in the corridor.
Before starting cleaning, all care home managers and cleaning staff should read The Health and Social Care Act 2008 and the national specifications for cleanliness to ensure that all cleaning measures comply with the national guidance
That minimises the risk of bacteria from one room being transferred and contaminating other rooms and surfaces.
Clean surfaces effectively When cleaning surfaces, it is usually best to work from the cleanest area towards the dirtiest moving your cloth or sponge in an ‘S’ shape. This will ensure germs are not being spread over cleaner areas. If there is not any noticeable dirt, then cleaners should work from top to bottom so it is obvious which areas have already been covered. During cleaning, bacteria and
microorganisms from surfaces can be transferred into the cleaning solution. To avoid recontamination of surfaces, it is best practice to replace the cleaning solution at least every 15 minutes or when changing tasks. The cleaning solution should always be disposed of in the appropriate way, such as in a sluice.
Clean hard flooring All flooring should be cleaned daily. While carpets can be vacuumed, hard floors will need to be mopped using a detergent solution designed for hard floors. Cleaning staff should also use a mop with a disposable or washable head which should be replaced after each use. Buckets should be cleaned thoroughly after use and stored upside down to dry.
Focus on potentially infected areas last Although staff should be changing their cleaning solution and equipment regularly, there is still the potential for some bacteria to remain on areas such as mop handles and buckets. For this reason, if any residents are known to be carrying a virus, then it is best to clean their residential space last to prevent contaminating other rooms. Because of this, it is also best practice to focus on the rooms of the most vulnerable residents first.
October 2021 •
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
Store equipment properly When not in use, all equipment will need to be stored properly in a locked cupboard. They should be kept clean and should be dried out fully after use. If any equipment gets dirty or breaks, then it should be reported immediately and replaced for the health and safety of staff and residents. An effective cleaning routine is
essential for preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses to care home residents and staff. By following the advice in this guide, you can help keep your staff and residents safe. Please note that this piece is intended
as advice only and Alliance Online are not responsible for any issues or illnesses that arise as a result of this article. Remember to always check the relevant guidance regularly to ensure you are up to date with the best cleaning practices.
TCHE
Mike Hardman
Mike Hardman is marketing manager at Alliance Online, an online store that specialises in supplying catering and cleaning equipment. Mike assumed the role in 2008, and his expertise and advice has been featured across the media including in national publications such as Red magazine.
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