Unit 11
Cleaning, Decontamination and Waste Management
1. Understand how to maintain a clean environment to prevent the spread of infection.
1.1 State the general principals for environmental cleaning
The general principals for environmental cleaning are to ensure the hospital environment is as clean as possible to reduce the risk of infection, and that all precautions are taken in accordance to legislation and Healthcare policy’s and guidelines. “To prevent the transfer of micro-organisms which may cause infection, and to prevent the transfer of foreign protein which may cause adverse reaction and pose the risk of spreading diseases e.g. vCJD. “
Ref: class handout for Decontamination by xxxx

1.2 Explain the purpose of cleaning …show more content…

Sterilisation is used for high risk equipment that has been contaminated by entering the body or had contact with bodily fluids and mucous membranes, this process removes and destroys all pathogenic micro-organisms including bacteria and viruses. The surgical instruments used in the department are place in the red striped used instrument paper bag and placed in CSSD red plastic container where they go for autoclaving in sterile services department. 2.4 Explain the role of personal protective equipment during the decontamination process
Personal Protective equipment is provided in all departments according to the “Personal Protection Policy June 2008 to prevent cross-infection and to reduce the risk of clothing and skin by patients’ blood, bodily fluids, secretions and excretions”
As a healthcare assistance it is my responsibility to protect myself from infection. When working with patients I used the necessary protection, depending on the risk of procedure, or the cleaning of equipment necessary to prevent the risk of infection or cross contamination. I am provided with a gloves, apron, mask and face goggles. The equipment is provided to reduce the risk of exposure to pathogenic microorganism when exposed to used instruments, endoscopes and contact