ICS Ltd. Cleaning and Disinfection - Cleaning Areas Used for Source Isolation

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2007 Cleaning Areas Used for Source Isolation Policy (81 kB)

Cleaning Areas Used for Source Isolation

Home Infection Control Manual Cleaning and Disinfection Cleaning Areas Used for Source Isolation

Page updated 30 April 2007

Cleaning Areas Used for Source Isolation

Key Points
Need for terminal cleaning Nurse responsibility Room cleaning order and method Special disinfection See Section on Source Isolation

Key Points

Need for terminal cleaning

Nurse responsibility

Room cleaning order and method

Special disinfection

See Section on Source Isolation

Terminal Cleaning on Patient Discharge

This procedure is required after a room occupied by a patient in Source Isolation has been vacated. Before housekeeping /PSA / domestic staff begin cleaning the ward, nursing staff should ensure that the following have been carried out:

Discard any rubbish
The bed is stripped of all linen which is bagged in red alginate-stitched then clear bags.
All clinical equipment is cleaned and removed from the room
A red "Permit to Work" form is needed if the equipment needs servicing
Any spillage of blood/secretions/excreta has been dealt with
When required, walls must be washed by the Works/Housekeeping Department according to local policy before any dusting or cleaning takes place

Before cleaning, check with the nursing staff whether the patient's room or bed area requires special disinfection (eg patient infected with diarrhoeal pathogens, MRSA, GRE, Group A Streptococcus). This requires special steam cleaning of a carpet and wiping all surfaces with a disinfectant after routine cleaning.

Patient's ropes and handles should be removed and autoclaved. Other hoist equipment must be properly cleaned and decontaminated before it is used for another patient. See Special Disinfection overleaf.

The housekeeping/PSA/domestic staff may then proceed with cleaning. Protective clothing (plastic apron and domestic gloves) should be worn whilst carrying out the procedure.

For decontamination of a room to be effective it is essential that all dust is removed from horizontal surfaces and ledges.

Room Cleaning Summary

If not already available in the patient's room, collect materials and equipment. (Vacuum cleaners should have proper filters. Vacuum cleaner, disposable cloths, mop and bucket, GPD, disinfectant, etc).
Place materials and equipment outside cubicle door.
Put on plastic apron and domestic gloves.
Look inside the room for spillages and any used medical or nursing equipment which should have been removed. If present, inform nurse in charge of ward who must deal with this before cleaning starts.
Bring equipment into room. Close door, open window.
Take down curtains, if requested and place in a red bag.
Place red bag in clear bag.
Collect up rubbish and put into a yellow bag.

Surface Cleaning

Spot clean walls before starting general damp dusting.
Dust walls and all horizontal surfaces using a suitable mop. This should also be used to clean the floor area*, if not carpeted, the mop head then being discarded into a yellow bag.
Use a fresh disposable cloth to damp dust wall fittings, horizontal ledges, window frames, picture frames, door frames, pipes and radiators.
With fresh detergent solution and clean disposable cloth, damp dust-locker, bed frame, mattress (both sides), bed table and any other furniture including wastepaper bins.
Empty and rinse out bucket. Dispose of cloths in yellow bag.

Floors

Wash floor with clean detergent and fresh mop head*.
Empty bucket and rinse out. Dirty water should be thrown in a lavatory pan. Send mop head for laundering (clear plastic bag) or discard if appropriate.
Prepare fresh detergent solution in plastic bucket and wipe over the cleaning equipment. Empty plastic bucket, rinse and dry.
Vacuum clean the carpet. Replace vacuum cleaner bag. Dispose of used one in yellow bag. Arrange for special carpet steam-cleaning if indicated (virulent organisms).

En Suite Rooms

Wash sink and bath with a fresh disposable cloth and GPD. Discard.
Wash toilet seat, toilet-brush holder and toilet itself with a blue disposable cloth. Discard.
Wipe all surfaces with fresh detergent solution and a fresh disposable cloth. Discard.

Special Disinfection

Take a fresh solution of either "Hycolin" or Chlorine releasing agent and wipe all surfaces in the room paying particular attention to anything a patient might have touched.
Throw the cloth away.
Wipe electrical apparatus (eg TV-remote control) with alcohol wipe.

On Completion

Remove plastic apron into yellow bag.
Wash, then remove rubber gloves. Leave with cleaning equipment.
Wash hands.
Remove cleaning equipment from cubicle.
Remove yellow and red plastic bags to collection area.
Label bags with a ward label.
Wash and dry hands again.
Return to cubicle. Replenish paper towels, disposable bags, soap, toilet rolls and, if required, rehang curtains.
Inform Supervisor and Nurse in charge that the room is ready.

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