The environment plays a relatively minor role in transmitting infection, but dust, dirt and liquid residues will increase the risk. They should be kept to a minimum by regular cleaning and by good design features in buildings, fittings and fixtures. National initiatives such as The Health Act 2006, Essential steps to Safe Clean Care (2006), Towards cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection (2004), and NHS Estates Healthcare Facilities Cleaning Manual (2009) all promote the importance of cleanliness in the healthcare environment, to assist in tackling the problem of healthcare acquired infections.
Work surfaces and floors should be smooth-finished, intact, durable of good quality, washable and should not allow pooling of liquids and be impervious to fluids. All surfaces should be kept clear of unnecessary equipment or clutter to ensure regular and thorough cleaning can occur. The most important component of an effective cleaning programme is the regular removal of dust from all horizontal surfaces. GPD and water should be used for all environmental cleaning – follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Disinfectant such as a chlorine releasing solution, should only be used to decontaminate spills of body fluids, or for “terminal” cleaning of an area after a known case or outbreak of infection. Walls require spot cleaning to remove splashes/marks.
Difficult to reach/clean areas should have contracts arranged for regular planned preventive maintenance and cleaning e.g. behind radiator guards, fans, ventilation units/grills etc. All cleaning equipment should be colour-coded for different areas of use, as per National colour-coding guide. The water used for cleaning, in buckets, must be changed frequently and disposed in a sluice sink. Clean the mop handle and bucket after use. Dry and store bucket inverted. Mop heads should be removed after each use for laundering in a hot wash and then stored dry but if heavily soiled to be discarded. Single-use mop heads should be used if industrial washing machine laundering facilities are not available. Single-use, non-shedding cloths or paper roll should be used for cleaning and drying. Equipment and materials used for general cleaning should be kept separate from those used for dealing with body fluids.
The Essay on Hospital Acquired Infections 2
The State of Illinois has several guidelines and activities in place as techniques to prevent nosocomial infections. In Illinois, Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), is charged with providing advice and guidance to the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services; the Director, CDC and the Director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious ...
Cleaning schedules are to aid the prevention and control of health care associated infections. Theatre have suitable arrangements and procedures as part of their health and safety requirements and must ensure that appropriate, standardised control of infection guidance exists and is readily available to, understood and followed by all members of staff.
Regular and efficient cleaning is necessary to maintain the appearance and function of the premises; it is also required to control the microbial population and to prevent the transfer of potentially infectious material. It is important that the chosen method of cleaning should remove the contamination, and not redistribute it.
The CQC expect to see clean premises, where all possible steps have been taken to ensure the risks associated with infections are at a minimum. Clear policies and procedures are in place to achieve this. The cleanliness of any environment is important to support infection prevention and control and ensure patient confidence. Cleaning staff play an important role in improving the quality of the care environment. The aim of a cleaning schedule is to provide a clean and appropriate environment that facilitates the prevention and control of infection.
By ensuring all staff are fully trained in infection control and waste management minimises the spread of infection.
All cleaning materials and equipment such as mops and buckets should be colour coded. The reason for this is to ensure cleaning equipment that is regularly used should be fit for purpose, easy-to-use and well-maintained. By ensuring each piece of equipment is only used in its designated area limits the chances of infections spreading from one area to another. It is very important that each healthcare provider regularly reviews its cleaning equipment to ensure that it is fit for purpose and, importantly, can demonstrate that it has clear infection control benefits. By using a nationally recognised colour code for all cleaning equipment, new staff will immediately be aware of the appropriate area to use specific equipment in.
The Term Paper on The Principles Of Infection And Prevention And Control
Employee’s rights and responsibilities in the relation to the prevention and control of infection are to follow company policies and procedures; keep themselves safe and others, report any hazards which could lead to infection, attend relevant courses, use the PPE provided, keeping the work environment clean and tidy and to maintain good personal hygiene. Employers responsibilities in the relation ...
The three stages of cleaning and decontamination are;
Cleaning –
Whilst cleaning can be a manual process, the mechanical method is considered preferable as it is more effective and can be properly validated. Not only does it provide higher standards of cleanliness, it reduces the risk of infection for staff involved. Effective cleaning is vital to the overall efficiency of the disinfection and sterilization stages of the decontamination process. If an item is not clean it cannot achieve sterility when autoclaved. Cleaning is a process which physically removes contamination but does not necessarily destroy microorganisms’. Cleaning is the first step in the decontamination process. It must be carried out before disinfection and sterilisation to make these processes effective. Thorough cleaning is extremely important in reducing the possible transmission of all microorganisms. Thorough cleaning with detergent and warm water and clean non-shedding cloths, followed by rinsing and thorough drying.
Disinfection –
Disinfection is a process which uses chemical substances to reduce the number of micro-organisms present to a level which is considered safe and not harmful to health, but which may not necessarily destroy some viruses or bacterial spores. Disinfection is usually acceptable for devices that pose a medium risk of infection if these devices cannot be effectively sterilised. Disinfection can be achieved in a number of ways including the use of heat and chemical disinfectants. Both methods have their drawbacks and it is often safer and more convenient to use a disposable device instead. Mechanical disinfection is preferable as it is consistent and it reduces the risk of injury from contact with hazardous chemicals used in manual disinfection. Disinfection should not be used as a substitute for sterilization and will not achieve the same reduction in microbial contamination levels as sterilisation.
The Term Paper on Gun Control Risk And Protective
Kyle Hutton 3-21-01 Gun Control Each year, guns end the lives of thousands of young people. Families and friends are left to cope with the loss of a life lived and to have a future overshadowed by the violence. Nearly 80% of all teenage deaths are the result of violence like homicides, suicides motor vehicle crashes and other unintentional injury ("Risk and Protective"). Teenage violence has gone ...
Sterilisation –
Sterilization is a process to render an object free from viable micro-organisms, including bacterial spores and viruses. It is recommended that sterile equipment should be obtained pre-sterilised from a manufacturer or via a Central Sterile Supplies Department (CSSD).
Sterilisation of items can be achieved by steam, steam & formaldehyde, hot air, ethylene oxide or irradiation. Autoclaving is the commonest method. It uses steam under pressure and is the most reliable way to sterilise instruments. A temperature of 134°C for 3 minutes or 121°C for 15 minutes is recommended. In theatre we use Bbraun to sterile and re-pack our equipment and trays.
Cleaning agents are substances, usually liquids, which are used to remove dirt, including dust, stains, and bad smells from surfaces. The purposes of cleaning agents in the care environment are to avoid the spreading of dirt and contaminants to oneself and others. Some cleaning agents can kill bacteria and clean at the same time. There are a wide variety of different cleaning agents and products, which will be used in different places and circumstances.
It is important that the chosen method of cleaning should remove the contamination, and not merely redistribute it. Do not use refillable spray cleaners as they provide a breeding ground for micro-organisms. Cream cleaner or a hard surface cleaner is usually suitable for cleaning hand washbasins and general-purpose detergent is recommended for other environmental cleaning. Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Detergent wipes can be used for those items that cannot be immersed e.g. electrical equipment. Bleach should be used on blood spills on hard surfaces. A COSHH assessment is required for any cleaning materials used.
How to clean care equipment.
* Clean the item in an area designated for cleaning.
* Wear protective clothing, i.e., apron, gloves and masks. * Prepare a fresh cleaning solution appropriately diluted for each task. * Make up only the quantity required in a sink designated for cleaning equipment. * Some cleaning products are incompatible; only mix if advised by manufacturer. * Use warm water, a general purpose detergent and disposable cloths or disposable paper towels. It is not necessary to use cleaning products that contain disinfectants and other antibacterial agents.
The Term Paper on Illegal Drugs Their Effects On The Body
Illegal Drugs: Their effects on the body There are many types of drugs, and they have many different effects on the body. Drugs can kill those abuse them in 3 different ways: by overdose, through side effects or bad reactions, and as a means of committing suicide. Some drugs may cause both murderous and suicidal behavior. The hallucinogens, especially PCP, are infamous in this respect. Valium has ...
* Avoid generating splash by immersing the item where possible. If splash is unavoidable wear protective eyewear. * After cleaning, rinse and inspect the equipment. If the item remains soiled, repeat the cleaning process. * Change the solution frequently to prevent a build-up of soil or micro organisms which would recontaminate surfaces. * Ensure the item is dried as quickly as possible either using paper roll or by inverting to air-dry. Air drying is acceptable for large surfaces, but small areas should be dried with clean disposable paper towels/cloths. * Dispose of cleaning solution promptly in a sluice or dirty utility area. * Remove protective clothing and wash hands before carrying out other duties.
In the care setting the decontamination processes that will be normally used are cleaning and disinfection.. Chemical disinfection using chlorine based disinfectants may be used following cleaning if items have been contaminated with blood and high risk body fluids and in outbreak situations. Disinfectants should not be used routinely.
Spillage of high risk body fluids
Spillages of blood and high-risk body fluids must be dealt with quickly and effectively. Disposable gloves and an apron must be worn for cleaning body fluid spillage and the contaminated debris treated as clinical waste. Chlorine-releasing agents can be a hazard especially if used in large volumes, in confined spaces or mixed with other chemicals or urine. Protective clothing must be worn and the area well ventilated. A risk assessment and COSHH assessment must be carried out for dealing with these spillages both in terms of the chemicals used and the likelihood of infection. Following a risk assessment and depending upon the products available, spillage may be dealt with by any of the following methods.
The Essay on Vanadium in foods and human body fluids and tissues. Science of the Total Environment
The human body is made up of limitless cells as essential components of various tissues. The entire lot of these cells traces their origin from the ovum, typical cell and the egg cell. The egg cell or ovum is made up of protoplasm and contains nucleus. Immediately after the fertilization, the cell multiplies to form an embryo that differentiates to form the body tissues required to form body parts ...
Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) method
Wearing protective clothing, cover spillage with NaDCC granules. Leave for at least two minutes. Scoop up the debris with paper towels and/or cardboard. Wash the area with detergent and water and dry thoroughly. Dispose of all materials as per clinical waste. Clean the bucket/bowl with fresh soapy water and dry. Discard protective clothing and wash hands.
Hypochlorite (Milton or bleach) method
Wearing protective clothing, soak up excess fluid using disposable paper towels. Remove organic matter using the towels and discard as clinical waste. Clean area with detergent and water and disinfect the area with towels which have been soaked in 10,000 (Milton undiluted) parts per million of available chlorine (e.g. Milton or Haz Tabs) and leave for at least two minutes and then rinse and dry thoroughly. Clean the bucket/bowl in fresh soapy water and dry. Discard protective clothing and wash hands.
Spillage of low-risk body fluids (urine, faeces, vomit etc)
Wearing protective clothing mop up organic matter with paper towels or disposable cloths. Clean surface thoroughly using a solution of detergent and water and paper towels or disposable cloths. Rinse the surface and dry thoroughly. During outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis disinfect surfaces using 1000 ppm (1 part Milton to 10 parts water or bleach 1 part bleach to 100 parts water) chlorine solution after cleaning. Clean the bucket/bowl in fresh hot, soapy water and dry. Discard protective clothing and wash hands.
The selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) must be based on an assessment of the risk of transmission of micro-organisms to the resident, and the risk of contamination of a healthcare worker’s clothing and skin by the resident’s blood, other body fluids, secretions or excretions. PPE is used to reduce or minimize the exposure or contact to contaminated items. PPE should be worn at all times during the decontamination process to protect the staff from the risk of possible cross infection from infected items. PPE forms a protective barrier between the contaminated item and the carer’s skin.
The Essay on Clean Drinking Water
Our primary needs are food, water and shelter; but water is the most important need of every person. Without water, we cannot survive. Even for one day, we cannot live without water. If we have safe and clean water for drinking , we’ll live healthy and prosper. The clean water we drink and which is germless is called potable water. The water we drink in our homes, is supplied by the municipal ...
DISPOSABLE GLOVES
Gloves are required when contact with blood or body fluids or non-intact skin is anticipated. They should be single use and well-fitting
DISPOSABLE PLASTIC APRONS
These should be worn whenever there is a risk of contaminating clothing with blood or other body fluids, or when a resident has a known infection. A disposable plastic apron should be worn when decontaminating equipment.
MASKS, VISORS AND EYE PROTECTION
These should be worn when a procedure is likely to cause splashes with blood or body fluids into the eyes, face or mouth or when it is recommended by infection control personnel when a communicable disease is suspected.
The risk of contamination increases when surfaces or items have been in contact with body fluids from an infected person e.g. blood, vomit, urine or faeces. This will pose a high risk and require immediate decontaminated to avoid further spread of the infection. A number of infectious diseases can spread readily to other residents and cause outbreaks. The most common outbreaks are caused by viral respiratory infections and gastroenteritis. The causative organisms can be spread by airborne droplets or alternatively by contaminated food and water. In certain circumstances the infection will need to be reported in line with current legislation, to Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR) Regulations 1995 e.g. Hepatitis, Tuberculosis.
Each instrument or piece of equipment which comes into contact with an individual is a potential source of infection. These are divided into 3 groups of risk:
* high risk
* intermediate risk
* low risk
Low risk
Items in contact with intact skin are classed as low risk. This would include items such as bowls or stethoscopes. These items should be cleaned by cleaning and drying.
Medium/Intermediate risk
Items in contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth or rectum) or items contaminated with particularly virulent or readily transmissible organisms are classed as medium or intermediate risk. This would include items such as tracheostomy tubes, pharyngeal and nasal airways. These items should be disinfected between uses.
High risk
Items that enter the body or have contact with broken skin, broken mucous Membranes, or are introduced into a normally sterile body area. This would include items such as urinary and other catheters. These items should be either single use.
* Mop heads should be changed daily and send to the laundry and washed in a hot wash and then stored dry but if heavily soiled to be discarded. (Single-use mop heads should be used if industrial washing machine laundering facilities are not available.) * The mop handle should be cleaned after use
* Mop buckets must be washed daily after use, and stored clean, dry and inverted. * Ensure that all equipment is stored clean, dry and in the designated place;