CH159-Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilisation Procedures Policy
{{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 effective and consistent procedures are in place at {{org_field_name}} for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilising equipment, surfaces, and environments in order to minimise the risk of infection and maintain a safe, hygienic setting for the people we support, staff, and visitors. This policy supports compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, especially Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) and Regulation 15 (Premises and Equipment). It aligns with national guidance, including the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, including care workers, cleaning staff, team leaders, and contractors involved in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in the homes or living environments of the people we support. It applies to all cleaning of shared areas, care equipment, personal care items, laundry, kitchen spaces, and clinical waste disposal. It also applies when supporting individuals with personal equipment that requires disinfection or sterilisation due to medical needs or infection risk.
3. Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with:
- CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
- CH15 – Premises and Equipment Policy
- CH17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
- CH18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
- CH22 – Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Substances Policy
- CH34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR)-Service User Policy
4. Policy Details
4.1 Roles and Responsibilities
The Infection Control Lead {{org_field_infection_control_lead_name}}, {{org_field_infection_control_lead_role}} is responsible for overseeing cleaning protocols, ensuring staff training, and carrying out audits. All staff are responsible for following this policy and reporting any failure or concerns. The Registered Manager {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}} ensures compliance is maintained, audits are actioned, and resources are available.
4.2 Cleaning Standards and Products
All cleaning tasks must be carried out using appropriate products that meet current infection control standards, including detergent-based cleaners for general use and disinfectants with proven virucidal and bactericidal properties for high-risk areas. Colour-coded cleaning equipment is used to prevent cross-contamination, and these must be cleaned, stored, and replaced regularly. Disposable cleaning cloths and mop heads are used where possible and disposed of after use. Manufacturer instructions for dilution, contact time, and rinsing must be followed strictly.
4.3 Frequency and Types of Cleaning
Cleaning schedules are established for each setting and include daily, weekly, and as-required tasks. High-touch surfaces (e.g., door handles, light switches, handrails, call bells) are cleaned multiple times daily. Kitchens and bathrooms are cleaned at least daily and immediately after contamination. Clinical waste bins, personal equipment, and shared care items are cleaned and disinfected after each use. Deep cleaning is scheduled routinely and following any infectious outbreak or contamination incident.
4.4 Disinfection Procedures
Disinfection is carried out following cleaning to ensure pathogens are effectively killed. This includes wiping down surfaces with an appropriate disinfectant after cleaning, using single-use disinfectant wipes for items like hoist controllers, commodes, and handrails. Where reusable equipment is used, it must be disinfected between service users and labelled with the cleaning date if appropriate. Disinfectants must be stored safely and used according to COSHH assessments. Staff must wear gloves and aprons when performing disinfection tasks.
4.5 Sterilisation Requirements
Where items require sterilisation (e.g., certain care equipment used for invasive support or by individuals with compromised immune systems), they are either single-use and disposed of after each use or sent to an approved external service for sterilisation. Staff are not permitted to attempt manual sterilisation unless trained and authorised. Where sterile equipment is delivered to the service, it must remain sealed until required and stored in line with manufacturer instructions.
4.6 Cleaning of Personal and Care Equipment
Personal mobility aids, walking frames, wheelchairs, slings, and pressure-relieving equipment are cleaned weekly and between users. Continence aids, commodes, shower chairs, and bathing aids are cleaned after every use. Any item contaminated with bodily fluids must be cleaned and disinfected immediately using the correct PPE and cleaning materials. If equipment is damaged or cannot be cleaned safely, it must be withdrawn from use and reported.
4.7 Infection Outbreak Procedures
In the event of an outbreak of infection such as COVID-19, norovirus, or flu, enhanced cleaning protocols are implemented. These include hourly cleaning of high-contact points, the use of chlorine-based disinfectants, and isolation cleaning procedures. Affected rooms are deep cleaned, and all reusable items disinfected or replaced. Staff are trained on barrier cleaning techniques and wear enhanced PPE as directed by local public health guidance and our outbreak response plan.
4.8 Staff Training and Competency
All staff receive training on infection control, cleaning procedures, COSHH regulations, and the use of PPE. This is part of induction and refreshed annually or after any changes to guidance. Competency is assessed during spot checks, supervisions, and audits. Staff are provided with up-to-date cleaning guidance in accessible formats and must sign to confirm understanding of any policy changes or updates.
4.9 Monitoring and Quality Assurance
The Infection Control Lead carries out monthly audits of cleaning logs, equipment hygiene, and environmental standards. Any shortfalls are reported to the Registered Manager and actions implemented. Cleaning records are maintained for all activities and checked during internal audits and CQC inspections. Feedback from people we support and staff observations are used to inform continuous improvement.
5. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if changes in legislation, public health guidance, or operational requirements occur.
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.