{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

---

Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilisation Procedures Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} upholds the highest standards of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for service users, staff, and visitors. Effective infection prevention and control is crucial in preventing the spread of communicable diseases and ensuring compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards and Public Health England (PHE) guidelines.

This policy provides a structured approach to cleaning and disinfection, covering responsibilities, procedures, regulatory compliance, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective implementation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff, including care workers, supervisors, and administrative personnel involved in hygiene management.
• Service users receiving domiciliary care support.
• Third-party contractors providing cleaning or maintenance services.
• Visitors interacting with service users in care environments.

It covers:

• General cleaning protocols for care settings.
• Disinfection procedures for high-touch surfaces and equipment.
• Sterilisation protocols for medical and personal care items.
• Management of biohazard waste and laundry.
• Staff training and compliance monitoring.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following regulations and guidelines:

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Regulation 12: Safe care and treatment.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Infection Prevention and Control Standards – Requirements for hygiene management.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Safe handling of cleaning chemicals.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Employer responsibilities for workplace hygiene and safety.
• Public Health England (PHE) and NHS Infection Prevention Guidelines – National guidance on cleaning and disinfection.
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 – Confidential handling of infection records and cleaning logs.

4. Definitions and Key Concepts

• Cleaning – The removal of dirt, debris, and organic material from surfaces using detergents and water.
• Disinfection – The process of reducing harmful microorganisms using chemical disinfectants.
• Sterilisation – The complete elimination of all microbial life, usually applied to reusable medical equipment.
• High-Touch Surfaces – Frequently touched areas such as door handles, light switches, remote controls, and medical devices.

5. General Cleaning Protocols

To maintain a hygienic environment, the following cleaning procedures must be followed:

• Daily Cleaning Tasks:
  • Wipe down and disinfect high-touch surfaces at the beginning and end of each shift.
  • Clean and disinfect kitchen surfaces, tables, and food preparation areas.
  • Regularly clean bathrooms, including sinks, toilets, and taps.
  • Vacuum and mop flooring, carpets, and communal areas.
• Weekly Deep Cleaning:
  • Thorough cleaning of service user rooms and communal spaces.
  • Wipe down walls, skirting boards, and hard-to-reach areas.
  • Wash curtains and fabric furniture coverings.
  • Inspect and clean ventilation systems to prevent dust buildup.

6. Disinfection Procedures

• Use of Approved Disinfectants:
  • Only COSHH-approved cleaning products must be used.
  • Disinfectants must be effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
  • Alcohol-based solutions (70% ethanol) should be used for quick disinfection of surfaces.
• Surface Disinfection Guidelines:
  • Door handles, light switches, remote controls, and lift buttons must be cleaned every 4 hours.
  • Bathroom areas must be disinfected after every use.
  • Shared medical equipment (e.g., thermometers, mobility aids) must be disinfected between each use.
  • Spillages of bodily fluids must be cleaned immediately with biohazard cleaning kits.
• Electronics and Devices:
  • Clean with disinfectant wipes suitable for electronics.
  • Avoid spraying cleaning agents directly onto electrical components.

7. Sterilisation Protocols

Some medical and personal care items require sterilisation to prevent cross-contamination.

• Reusable Medical Equipment:
  • Must be sterilised using autoclaves or chemical sterilants after each use.
  • Items such as scissors, nail clippers, and blood glucose monitors require deep cleaning.
• Single-Use Items:
  • Disposable gloves, aprons, syringes, and wound dressings must never be reused.
  • Dispose of single-use items in accordance with clinical waste regulations.

8. Biohazard Waste and Laundry Management

• Clinical Waste Disposal:
  • Biohazard waste (e.g., used PPE, wound dressings, contaminated materials) must be placed in yellow clinical waste bags.
  • Waste must be collected and disposed of by a licensed waste disposal company.
• Laundry Handling:
  • Service user clothing and bedding must be washed at a minimum of 60°C to kill bacteria.
  • Care staff must wear gloves and aprons when handling soiled laundry.
  • Laundry bins must be disinfected regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.

9. Staff Responsibilities and Training

• Care Workers:
  • Responsible for following daily and weekly cleaning schedules.
  • Must report any issues with hygiene standards or equipment malfunctions.
  • Required to wear PPE when handling cleaning chemicals or biohazard waste.
• Supervisors and Managers:
  • Conduct regular cleaning audits to ensure compliance.
  • Maintain cleaning records and logs for regulatory inspections.
  • Arrange for deep cleaning services in cases of infection outbreaks.
• Training Requirements:
  • All staff must complete infection prevention and control training upon induction.
  • Annual refresher training is required on cleaning procedures and COSHH compliance.
  • Scenario-based training for handling infection outbreaks and biohazard spills.

10. Monitoring, Auditing, and Compliance

To ensure high standards of hygiene are maintained:

• Monthly audits of cleaning and disinfection practices are conducted.
• Incident reports must be filed for any hygiene breaches or contamination risks.
• Feedback from service users and families is collected to assess cleanliness.
• Policy review and updates occur annually to reflect regulatory changes and best practices.

11. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or in response to significant updates in infection control regulations. Any changes will be communicated to all staff, and additional training will be provided where necessary.

---

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.