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Northern Territory Department of Health Library Services Historical Collection
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DARWIN HOSPITAL CLEANING MANUAL
CENTRA[
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MEDICAL LIBRARY
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DAR WIN HO SPIT AL CLEANING MANUAL
Revised 1979 by
Infection Control Committee Authorized
by
Dr D. D'A Webling
General Medical Superintendent
2nd Revision 1983 by
Housekeeper & Infection Control Sister Authorized by Mr M South
Director Administration ISBN 0-7245-1056-7
PREFACE
Our hospitals serve as models for cleanliness and hygiene to the public, patients and their visitors, who see a clean tidy hospital as a safe efficient hospital. As a hospital cleaner you are an essential member of the team of people involved in the overall care and well being of the patients. Your duties are necessary in the prevention of infections occurring among patients and staff and the appearance of efficiency in the hospital. The cleaning staff are an integral part of ensuring that patient care is maintained at a high level.
This manual has been written and is regularly revised to provide staff with a basic guideline to the cleaning needs and methods within our hospitals in line with general hospital policies .. In addition regular lectures are given to cleaning staff throughout the year by the Infection Control Committee to inform and train staff in new procedures etc that may be required from time to time.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER FOR SAFETY, HYGIENE AND EFFICIENCY
WORK AS QUIETLY AS POSSIBLE SO AS NOT TO DISTURB SICK PATIENTS OR DOCTORS, NURSES AND OTHERS CARING FOR PATIENTS.
BE NEAT AND TIDY IN APPEARANCE AND WEAR A CLEAN UNIFORM EACH DAY.
WEAR LONG AIR "UP" AND SHORT HAIR OFF THE FACE AND COLLAR TO PROTECT AGAINST CROSS INFECTION.
PROTECTIVE WATERPROOF APRONS TO BE WORN WHEN CLEANING ABLUTION AREAS WHEN REQUIRED.
WEAR PROTECTIVE RUBBER GLOVES TO PROTECT HANDS WHEN USING DETERGENTS, DISINFECT ANTS AND OTHER CLEANING AGENTS.
FAUL TY EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY ELECTRICAL ITEMS MUST BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO SUPERVISOR.
LEAVE CLEANING EQUIPMENT AND CLEANERS' ROOM CLEAN AND TIDY.
DISINFECT ANTS/DETERGENTS/FLOOR CARE ITEMS ARE NOT TO BE PUT IN ANY OTHER CONTAINER OTHER THAN LABELLED BLACK POISONS BOTTLES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT THROUGH HOSPITAL STORE.
ENSURE ALL CLEANING ITEMS AND EQUIPMENT ARE RETURNED TO CLEANERS ROOM AND ROOM IS LOCKED BEFORE LEAVING WARD AREA.
WARNING DO NOT LEAVE CLEANING ITEMS SUCH AS DETERGENTS, DISINFECTANS, UNATTENDED IN PATIENT AREAS - ALWAYS RETURN ITEMS TO CLEANERS' ROOM AND LOCK UP.
ACCIDENT REPORT: Any injury obtained at work is to be reported immediately to the Supervisor, i.e. needle stick injuries.
INCIDENT REPORT: Report to Housekeeper i.e. request to do duties not covered by "Outline of duties" - see page 1.
or unsure of how to carry out duties.
2
AUTHORIZED CLEANING AGENTS
SOLUTIONS
NON-ABRASIVE CLEANING PASTE OR CREAM - hand basins, baths, ceramic tiles DETERGENT (30ml to 5 litre of water)
DISINFECT ANT - Polyphenolic 1:320 Ward Cleaning,
1:50 Ward 28 isolation, ICU TOILET BOWL CLEANING AGENT (Polyphenolic Disinfectant) FLOOR SEALER (MET AL LINK)
FLOOR STRIPPER ) SAME BRAND FLOOR POLISH (MET AL
LINK) )
DISHWASHING SOLUTION/POWDER - GENERAL KITCHEN USE ONLY FURNITURE POLISH
ANT~FUNGALCARPETSHAMPOO
CHLORINE DONA TING DETERGENT GERMACIDE - OVEN CLEANER - "SPRAY ON" - GENERAL KITCHEN MISCELLANEOUS
DISPOSABLE WIPES (LINT FREE) BLAND SOAP
STEEL WOOL (MEDIUM GRADE) 3M NYLON PADS
FLY SPRAY
SURF ACE DISINFECT ANT /FRESHENER COARSE NYLON PAD
VACUUM CLEANER SWEEP MOP
WET MOP
WASHING SODA FOR SPECIFIED DRAINS (L.C .. U .. handbasins)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
ITEMS
Ceilings
Fans
Air conditioning vents
Walls and 't'all fittings
Pelmets, ledges & all high wall fittings Wall rails
Windows, glass partitions mirrors
Window ledges
FREQUENCY
6 Monthly or as instructed
Monthly
High - Monthly Low - Daily or as specified by Supervisor High areas - 3 monthly Low areas - 3 monthly and spot cleaning daily
3 monthly
Daily
Daily
Daily
---·---·---··-
METHOD
Vacuum then damp dust with detergent and water
Damp dust with detergent and water and dry
Vacuum then damp dust As above
Damp dust with detergent solution As above
Damp dust with detergent solution and dry
Damp dust with detergent solution and dry
Vinegar in hot water and dry with paper towel
Damp dust with detergent solution and dry
and dry.
and dry
REMARKS
Protective rubber gloves for all cleaning.
Care with electrical equipment
Walls of isolation rooms as instructed by Supervisor
High cleaning
Protective rubber gloves
Protective rubber gloves
Protective rubber gloves
ITEMS
FREQUENCY METHOD REMARKS
a) Bed curtains,screens 2 weekly or as • Remove and send to Laundry High cleaning directed by Supervisor • Daily spot· checks for soiled
curtains
• Change after infected patient Material laundry bag, on own for
discharged. sending to Laundry
b) Window curtains 1) 6 monthly • normal wash
2) on Supervisor's • infectious rooms - normal wash remove & send to Laundry in
instructions m1;1terial linen bag
12. Mobile bed screens Sister-in-Charge to Send screens to Laundry Replace new screens and leave notify Housekeeper when Wash metal frame with screens folded and tidy
change required. detergent & water & dry.
13. Blinds Holland 3 Monthly Damp dust with detergent solution High Cleaning
and dry
14.
Lockers & bed side table Daily Clean outside of locker, bed side table&: chair & chair
Weekly Brush and wash wheels of locker
1.5. Sinks s/s & hand basins Daily Apply liquid non-abrasive cleaning Ensure soap tissues available and paste. Wipe with damp cloth towel dispenser has paper.
rinse and dry
16. Baths Daily As for 15
17. Showers Check in a.m.
• Walls Daily Wash with disinfectant 1:320 Wear protective clothing, if required,
Dry for bathrooms, showers and toilets
• Floors Daily Mop with detergent, rinse and mop
with disinfectant 1:320. Leave to dry. . Use scrubbing machine.
Scrub weekly.
ITEMS 18. Toilets
19. Urinals
20. Floors
a. Vinyl sheeting
FREQUENCY Daily
Ensure clean first thing a.m.
Check frequently
Daily
Check frequently
Vacuum/sweep mop - Daily
Washing: daily:- high risk
METHOD
Clean pedestal with disinfectant 1:320 and mop.
Seat - wipe with disinfectant and dry
Clean with liquid cleaner and mop, rinse and dry.
First preference is vacuuming.
Vacuum: Daily vacuum floors.
Use sweep mop to remove dust from corners, edges etc.
Empty vacuum daily into garbag in Cleaner's room, take care not to disperse dust into air.
Wash hands well after emptying dust bag.
Sweep Mop: Sweep mop to be used if vacuum cleaner not available.
N.B. When using a sweep mop do not lift the mop off the floor until mopping is finished. Remove oil impregnated cloth as necessary. Discard into garbag.
WASH HANDS
Wet Mop: Disinfectant and water solution 1:320.
6
REMARKS
Use Phenolic based non-abrasive cleaning paste for toilets in isolation areas. Toilet brushes are stored dry.
Wash in Cleaner's room using · disinfectant 1:320 (2B-l:50). Hang to dry in cleaner's room. ·· ·
Do not use hot water.
Use lukewarm water only.
CJ
ITEMS
a. Vinyl sheeting (continued)
FREQUENCY
-:'"moderate risk.
Twice/three times a week - -lf-lmN risk.
and as necessary on Housekeeper's instructions Of'"IL
METHOD
feet.
Care of mop of Equipment11 risk floors
or every sq as stated in "Care
& Iow
·>:·Clean up all '1spills'' as they occur.
app the
over an area of 10 sq rnetres1;
to acL
J.y over area as illustrated,
to floor has reached the desired appearance ..
and corners by hand with coarse
r V · ,
SO!.Udon usmg rnop or
vvater
F{e-.rinse until floor is clean,
ITEMS
a. Vinyl sheeting (continued)
b. Vinyl tiles (As for vinyl sheeting)
FREQUENCY
Sealing - 12 monthly and as necessary
Buffing
Top scrub and buff
i,,1ETHOD
Place signs in prominent position.
Removal all furniture and fittings possible.
Make sure that the floor has been properly stripped and burnished.
Dust mop to remove all dust.
Use polish according to instructions, Lay a thin even coat around perimeter of floor,
Proceed to lay first coat of polish in parallel overlapping strokes one way as illustrated over the area to be covered.
Allow to dry.
If drying is slow, use fan to assist air circulation and hasten drying.
Apply second coat at right angles to first coat as illustrated.
When properly dry buff with fine pad or bassine brush. Dust mop the area.
Repeat until desired finish has been achieved.
May only be carried out on the instructions of the Supervisor.
Floors are NOT to be buffed daily or indiscriminately.
On Housekeeper's instructions only.
8
RE!v1ARKS
ITEMS
20. Floors (continued) c. Ceramic tiles
d. Quarry tiles
e. Terazzo f. Carpet ·
FREQUENCY
Daily
Daily
Daily Daily
As necessary on Housekeeper's instructions
METHOD
Mop with disinfectant 1:320. Scrub with machine. Rinse. Mop with disinfectant 1:320.
Mop with detergent and rinse.
Scrub with machine when indicated.
As for ceramic tiles Vacuum.
Shampoo with industrial carpet cleaner using anti-fungal shampoo.
REMARKS
ITEMS
20. Floors
g. Concrete :
21. Mats
Rubber - Floor Material - Bath
i 22. Office Furnitwre
23. Store Room
• Walls
• Floors
• Shelves
FREQUENCY
Weekly and as necessary for area
Daily Daily Daily Weekly
Weekly Daily Weekly
METHOD REMARKS
Industrial ~et-dry scrubber
Empty tank after use.
Leave wet-dry scrubber clean and tidy.
Scrub with disinfectant, using a brush.
Change and send to Laundry.
Damp dust Dust and polish
As previously stated •
As previously stated for type of finish •
Damp dust with detergent and dry. Leave room tidy
:±
010
-
ITEMS
24. Utility/Treatment Rooms . Walls
. Floor
25. Nurses Station (Clean-up area outside of patients bays) & Flower room . Walls
. Floor
. Sluice/Flushing sink 26. Linen Room
(Accommodation areas) CLEANING SPECIFIC SURF ACES 27. Wooden surface
28. Vinyl/Plastic surface
29. Material surface on furniture
FREQUENCY
Weekly
Daily
Weekly and as necessary
Daily Daily
Daily Weekly
As specified for type of item.
Daily
METHOD
As previously stated.
As previously stated for type of finish.
As previously stated.
As stated for type of finish.
As for s/s sink .
As for store room
Damp dust. Dry.
Polish
Wipe with disinfectant. Dry.
As above.
Vacuum. Spot clean regularly.
REMARKS
Outside of cupboards to be washed when washing walls.
Outside of cupboards - wash when washing walls.
Report any damage to Supervisor.
ITEMS FREQUENCY
CLEANING SPECIFIC SURF ACES
30. Paint surface See wall surfaces
31. Stainless steel Daily
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT 32. Refrigerators
(ALL FOOD ;.. refrigerators) Inside - weekly
Drug Blood
33. Washing machine
Pedestal
Outside - daily Outside only Outside only Daily
Weekly
METHOD
See wall surfaces
Damp cloth, apply non-abrasive liquid cleaner. Wipe surface.
Removal all items, shelves etc.
Wash with hot water.
Scrub shelves with brush.
Damp dust with detergent solution, dry Damp dust with detergent solution, dry Damp dust with detergent solution, dry Wipe inside and outside with disinfectant.
Dry. Leave lid open.
OU
Dry. Check and clean filter.
REMARKS
Advise Supervisor if surface chipped or cracked.
Avoid contact with corrosive disinfectants, e.g. Sodium Hypochlorite ("Milton").
Check all cords and report damage.
Defrost weekly.
Move and clean behind - monthly (high cleaning)
Check cords and that machine is working.
Damp dust with detergent and water. Dry. Check cords and report damage.
12
ITEMS
KITCHEN AREAS
Stainless steel benches and equipment
Walls
(1) Near food preparation areas
(2) Other wall areas Cold Rooms
Refrigerators
Ovens
Stoves
Plastic chopping boards
FREQUENCY
Between each use daily
Daily and as necessary
Weekly
Daily and as necessary
Daily and as necessary
After use and daily
After use and daily
After each use.
METHOD
Wash with Chlorine donating detergent/
germicide dilution 1:80 in hot water.
Use non abrasive paste cleaner when necessary.
\Vash with Chlorine donating detergent/
germicide.
As above.
Clean walls and shelves? mop floors with Chlorine donating detergent/
disinfectant.
Wash out daily with. Chlorine donating detergent/disinfectant
Spray on oven cleaner - wipe off with cloth.
;,s per type of metal - i.e. stainless steel as previously stated.
Scrub with brush - put through dishv1asher,
REMARKS
Ensure contact with corrosive
disinfectants is avoided, e.g. Sodium Hypochlorite ("Milton" etc).
Clean up "spills" as they occur.
Defrost refrigerators weekly
Do not use corrosive cleaning agents on stainless steel ware.
Do not use same board for cooked and uncooked foods.
ITEMS
Overhead canopies
Automatic cleaning device
Extractor fans
Floors Quarry tiles
Electrical equipment
FREQUENCY
As instructed by Catering Manager
Weekly and as necessary
Daily
After use
METHOD
Non foaming, non corrosive
detergent injected into main water supply by dispenser.
Use detergent.
Wipe dry.
Wash with Chlorine donating detergent/
germicide dilution 1:80 in hot water.
Mop dry.
As per manufacturers recommendations.
14
REMARKS
Check automatic cleaning device is working
Report damage
All spillage etc. to be cleaned up as it occurs to avoid accidents.
Report damage
-
ITEMS
CLEANING OF EQUIPMENT Garbag holder
Dusters (Non-disposable) (cleaning cloths)
Sweep mop- Head
Handle Vacuum Cleaner - Surface
- Filter
- Collection bag
Mop - Head - (non detachable)
Handle
FREQUENCY
Daily and as necessary
Daily Weekly Daily
Daily Disposable Daily
After each use
Daily
METHOD
Detergent 1:150. Wipe surface.
Rinse and dry.
Send to Laundry daily and immediately after heavy use.
L Wipe - disinfectant 1:320.
2. Wash - disinfectant 1:320.
v..rith disinfectant. Dry.
Wipe with disinfectant. Dry.
lo Dispose into 11garbag". Replace with new bag.
2. Non disposable-empty, brush clean
& replace.
Rinse in clean hot water in bucket, swirl mop in water. Change water as necessary.
Repeat till water remains clear.
Rinse in disinfectant. Wring out.
Hang to dry.
Wipe with disinfectant. Dry.
REMARKS
Advise Supervisor if require repainting or maintenance.
Discard disposable oil impregnated cloths into garbag.
Check cord for damage and report.
f"-10 BLEACH
ITEMS
Mop
Detachable mop head
Surface Cord Brushes
Brooms- Head
Handle
Brushes - Toilet - Nylon
Scrubbing
FREQUENCY
Change daily
Daily Daily Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
METHOD
Never leave mop standing in a bucket of water.
Return used detachable mop heads to Supervisor's office at end of shift.
(Sent to Laundry for washing & drying)
OU
and disinfectant. Rinse. Dry,
Wipe with disinfectant. Dry, Wipe with disinfectant. Dry.
Scrub with detergent and brush.
Rinse under running water.
Final rinse with disinfectant.
Store in an upright position.
Comb into garbag. Wash in disinfectant.
Hang to dry.
Wipe with disinfectant. Dry.
At completion of use, wash in disinfectant. Hang to dry.
Rinse in disinfectant. Allow to drain
16
REMARKS
Change non-detachable mop heads as necessary. (Supervisors)
Report rusty buckets to Supervisor.
DO NOT ST AND MACHINE ON BRUSf- WHEN STORING.
DO NOT ST AND ON BRISTLES.
Brooms must never be used in ward or patient areas.
Accommodation only.
Toilet brushes hung in cleaning room.
Dry in cleaner's room.
ITEMS
Brushes (continued) Scrubbing.
Bannister
Bins- Pedal
Open
Floor ash tray
Ladders
Gloves - Rubber
Cotton
Dispensers - Paper towel
Shower curtains
FREQUENCY
Daily
Daily
Daily Daily
Weekly and as necessary Daily
Daily
Outside
Inside
Second weekly (Check daily for soiling) ·
METHOD
standing on bristles.
As for brooms.
Empty inner bin, wash with disinfectant and dry. Scrub with brush if necessary.
Wash with disinfectant and dry.
Wash with brush and disinfectant and dry.
Wash with detergent solution and dry.
Wash in detergent solution. Rinse.
Dry both sides. Store inside out.
Wash and dry daily.
Wipe daily with disinfectant solution.
Rinse. Wipe dry.
Wipe with disinfectant solution.
Rinse. Dry, prior to refitting.
Change 2nd weekly.
Send to Laundry.
REMARKS
Dust pan washed and dried daily as necessary.
Advise Supervisor if inner bin needs replacing or other bins require painting.
Return ladders to storage area
Check for holes & replace as necessary.
Cotton gloves only used as liner for rubber gloves if cleaner requires.
Check dispenser for supply of disposable paper towel frequently.
Report damage to Supervisor.
ITEMS FREQUENCY METHOD REMARKS
Trolleys - Stainless steel As for stainless steel
(C.S.D. Meth Spirits)
Clean wheels weekly.
Chairs- Wheel Weekly Wipe with disinfectant solution. Re-oil wheels as necessary.
Scrub wheels. Rinse. Wipe dry. - Wardsman
Office Daily Wipe with disinfectant solution.
Rinse. Wipe dry.
Standard Daily Wipe with disinfectant solution.
Rinse. Wipe dry.
Fire extinguisher~ Weekly Damp dust and dry.
Scales - Upright Weekly Wipe over with detergent and
water. Wipe dry.
Chqir Weekly As above. - Wardsman
18
CLEANER'S RODM
DAILY
Move all items from Cleaner's Room.
Vacuum, dust mop or sweep the floor.
Wipe all shelving and fittings with cloth dampened in disinfectant solution. Dry.
Clean sluice with a non-abrasive paste. Rinse.
Maintain floor according to type.
Replace all items in Cleaner's Room, checking as follows:
For wear and tear
Sufficient stock - (Do not """'''"""'~r
Record damage and report to Leave room tidy.
DARWIN HOSPITALS' GROUP CLEANING MANUAL DEFINITIONS
• ANTISEPTIC:
• ASEPSIS:
. BACTERIA:
• BARRIER NURSING:
. CONTACTS:
• CONTAMINATION:
. CROSS INFECTION:
. DETERGENTS:
• DILUTE:
. DISINFECTANT:
. DISPOSAL:
. DRESSING:
. ENVIRONMENT:
. GERM:
. HIGH RISI< AREA:
• INFECTION:
A SUBSTANCE (USUALLY LIQUID) WHICH STOPS THE GROWTH OF GERMS . NO GERMS PRESENT. (SEE ALSO "STERILE") .
ONE OF THE MANY TYPES OF GERMS - OTHERS ARE VIRUSES and FUNGUSES • PRECAUTIONS TAKEN TO PREVENT SPREAD OF GERMS •
PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN CLOSE TO A PERSON WITH AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE.
GERMS IN/ON AN OBJECT .
INFECTION PASSED FROM ONE PERSON OR OBJECT TO ANOTHER PERSON IN HOSPITAL.
LIQUID CLEANING AGEI\JT USED WITH WATER FOR REMOVING DIRT AND GF~EASE • TO MAKE WEAKER .
SOLUTION WHICH KILLS GERMS . TO GET RID OF.
CLEANING AND COVERING A WOUND TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION . THE SURROUNDINGS.
VERY SMALL LIVING OBJECTS WHICH ARE PRESENT EVERYWHERE. A FEW OF THEM CAUSE DISEASE, MOST ARE HARMLESS AND SOME ARE OF USE TO MAN, e.g. MAKING BEER, WINES, CHEESE A~ID
VINEGAR.
AREA WHERE THE CHANCE OF INFECTION IS HIGH . ILLNESS CAUSED BY GERMS.
20
DEFINITIONS (Continued)
• ISOLATION:
• MICRO-ORGANISMS:
. PATHOGENIC GERMS:
• STERILE:
KEPT IN AN AREA AWAY FROM PEOPLE TO VERY SMALL GERMS •
THOSE WHICH CAUSE INFECTIONS.;
NO GERMS PRESENT .
TO PREVENT SPREAD OF GERMS.
APPENDIX A - ISOLATION
Isolation of a patient is designed to prevent the spread of an infection from or to patients.
categories of isolation are within Darwin Hospital based on how diseases are spread.
l) Isolation (red card) airborne spread diseases. Used for childhood viral diseases
2)
or more severe viral infections which may be airbone spread. Specific diseases may be isolated in 7 A isolation unit. This area of 7 A is nominated as non admittance while
v._, .... u,.,u.;;,u by a patient and cleaning staff are not required to clean the area while a
... ,r1 Isolation (blue card) direct contact spread. example: bacterial infections
one to another patient's wound via hands or
card)
of food or diseases transmitted by
1.
wear
door and carry out
cloths into garbag after use.
inside
mop
into mop
cleaner's
- tie
Cleaning staff terminal cleaning
I. Prepare required equipment (as above).
2. Don protective disposable gloves and a gown.
3. Remove bed screens and window curtains and place in a material linen bag.
4. Swab ceilings, walls and fixtures.
5.
6. Remove protective gloves_ then gown.
B.. Don new protective gloves.
containing curtains and garbag containing used cleaning cloths to top of garbag) •
10. .,,,,..,,,... .. ,"" cleaning equipment to cleaner's room and clean (as above).
gloves.
screens.