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CH159-Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilisation Procedures Policy

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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}} maintains safe, clean and hygienic premises, equipment and care environments through effective cleaning, disinfection and, where required, sterilisation arrangements. The policy aims to reduce the risk of infection, prevent avoidable harm, and protect people who use the service, staff, visitors, contractors and others who may enter the care home.

This policy supports compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, including Regulation 12, Safe care and treatment, Regulation 15, Premises and equipment, Regulation 17, Good governance, Regulation 18, Staffing, and Regulation 19, Fit and proper persons employed. It also supports compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance, the Department of Health and Social Care and UKHSA infection prevention and control guidance for adult social care settings, and relevant CQC guidance and assessment expectations.

{{org_field_name}} will ensure that cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation arrangements are risk assessed, clearly recorded, regularly audited, and reviewed whenever guidance changes, infection risks increase, or concerns are identified.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff working at {{org_field_name}}, including care staff, nursing staff where applicable, domestic and housekeeping staff, maintenance staff, kitchen staff, agency staff, volunteers, contractors and managers. It applies to all areas of the care home, including bedrooms, ensuite facilities, communal areas, corridors, bathrooms, toilets, sluice areas, laundry areas, kitchens, dining areas, treatment or clinical rooms where applicable, offices, staff areas, storage areas, outdoor areas and vehicles where used for service purposes.

This policy applies to the cleaning and disinfection of premises, furniture, fixtures, fittings, shared equipment, personal care equipment, mobility aids, pressure-relieving equipment, continence equipment, laundry, spillages, waste containers, high-touch surfaces, and any reusable care items.

Where equipment requires sterilisation, {{org_field_name}} will only use single-use sterile items or an approved external decontamination or sterilisation service unless there is a specific, documented, risk-assessed and authorised arrangement in place.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

3.1 Legal and regulatory framework

This policy has been developed with reference to the following legislation, regulations and guidance:

{{org_field_name}} will follow current national guidance and local UKHSA Health Protection Team or local authority public health advice where this is issued in response to outbreaks, incidents or emerging infection risks.

4. Policy Details

4.1 Roles and responsibilities

The Provider has overall responsibility for ensuring that suitable systems, resources, staffing, training, equipment and governance arrangements are in place to maintain safe and hygienic premises and reduce the risk of infection.

The Registered Manager, {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}, is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, cleaning and disinfection standards are maintained, risks are assessed, audits are completed, actions are followed up, and staff have the equipment, time, training and supervision required to carry out cleaning and infection prevention duties safely.

The Infection Prevention and Control Lead, {{org_field_infection_control_lead_name}}, {{org_field_infection_control_lead_role}}, is responsible for overseeing day-to-day infection prevention and control arrangements, reviewing cleaning schedules, supporting outbreak response, reviewing IPC audit findings, advising staff on cleaning and disinfection practice, and escalating concerns to the Registered Manager.

Domestic, housekeeping and cleaning staff are responsible for completing cleaning tasks in line with the agreed cleaning schedule, using the correct products, dilution, contact time, PPE and colour-coded equipment, and recording cleaning tasks accurately.

Care staff are responsible for cleaning and disinfecting care equipment after use, reporting contaminated or damaged equipment, following hand hygiene and PPE requirements, managing spillages safely, and ensuring people are supported in a clean and dignified environment.

Kitchen staff are responsible for maintaining cleaning and disinfection standards in food preparation, storage and dining areas in line with food safety procedures and any local food hygiene requirements.

Maintenance staff and contractors are responsible for leaving areas clean and safe after works, reporting any damage that may affect effective cleaning, and following infection prevention requirements when working in the care home.

Agency staff, volunteers and contractors must follow this policy and any instructions given by the Registered Manager, IPC Lead or person in charge.

All staff must report cleaning failures, infection risks, unsafe equipment, inadequate supplies, spillages, pest concerns, water damage, waste issues or any other hygiene concern immediately to the person in charge.

4.2 Infection prevention risk assessment

{{org_field_name}} will assess infection prevention and control risks in relation to the premises, equipment, people using the service, staff activities, visitors, contractors, outbreaks, waste, laundry, food areas and any specific health needs of individuals.

Risk assessments will consider:

Risk assessments must be reviewed when a person’s needs change, following an infection incident or outbreak, following audit findings, after changes in guidance, or where staff identify that existing controls are not effective.

4.3 Cleaning standards and products

Cleaning must remove dirt, dust, organic matter and contamination before disinfection is applied. Disinfection must not be used as a substitute for cleaning unless the product is specifically designed and approved for combined cleaning and disinfection.

Only cleaning and disinfection products approved by {{org_field_name}} may be used. Products must be suitable for the intended use, compatible with the surface or equipment being cleaned, and used in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, COSHH assessment and local risk assessment.

Staff must follow manufacturer instructions for:

Disinfectants used for high-risk areas or contaminated equipment must have appropriate bactericidal and virucidal activity for the identified risk. Chlorine-based products must only be used where appropriate, risk assessed, and in line with product instructions and current guidance.

Colour-coded cleaning equipment must be used to reduce cross-contamination. Cleaning equipment must be cleaned, dried, stored safely and replaced when worn, contaminated or no longer effective.

Cleaning products must never be mixed. Chemicals must be clearly labelled, stored securely, kept away from people who use the service where required, and used only by staff who have received appropriate instruction and training.

4.4 Colour-coded cleaning equipment

{{org_field_name}} uses colour-coded cleaning equipment to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. The colour-coding system must be displayed clearly in cleaning cupboards, sluice areas, laundry areas and staff areas.

Staff must only use cleaning equipment for the area or task it is allocated to. Equipment used in toilets, bathrooms, sluice areas, isolation rooms or contaminated areas must not be used in kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms or communal areas.

Reusable cleaning equipment must be cleaned and dried after use and stored in a clean, dry, designated area. Mop heads, cloths and other reusable items must be laundered or disposed of in line with the cleaning schedule and infection risk assessment.

4.5 Frequency and types of cleaning

A written cleaning schedule must be in place for all areas of the care home. The schedule must identify the area or item to be cleaned, the required frequency, the product to be used, the person or role responsible, the PPE required, and the record to be completed.

Cleaning schedules must include, as a minimum:

High-touch surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected frequently according to risk. This includes door handles, handrails, call bells, light switches, lift buttons, taps, toilet flushes, chair arms, dining tables, remote controls, telephones, touch screens, medication trolleys, hoist controls and other frequently handled items.

Bathrooms, toilets, sluice areas, kitchens and dining areas must be cleaned at least daily and more frequently where required by risk assessment, visible contamination, use, outbreak status or public health advice.

Any missed cleaning task must be reported to the person in charge and recorded. The Registered Manager or delegated senior staff member must ensure that missed tasks are completed as soon as possible and that repeated missed tasks are investigated.

4.6 Cleaning records

Cleaning records must be completed at the time the task is carried out and must be accurate, legible and available for audit or inspection.

Cleaning records must show:

Cleaning records must not be completed in advance. Falsification of cleaning records will be managed under the relevant disciplinary or performance procedure.

4.7 Disinfection procedures

Disinfection must be carried out after cleaning where there is a risk of infection, contamination with blood or body fluids, outbreak risk, use of shared care equipment, or where required by the cleaning schedule, risk assessment, manufacturer instructions or public health advice.

Items and surfaces must be cleaned before disinfection unless a combined cleaning and disinfection product is approved for that use. Staff must ensure that the disinfectant remains wet on the surface for the required contact time stated by the manufacturer.

Disinfection is required for:

Reusable equipment must be marked or stored in a way that makes clear whether it is clean and ready for use. Where appropriate, labels or records must show the date and time of cleaning and the person who completed it.

Staff must wear PPE appropriate to the task and risk assessment, including gloves and aprons as a minimum when handling contaminated items or disinfectants. Eye or face protection must be used where there is a risk of splashing.

4.8 Sterilisation requirements

Sterilisation is only required for items that must be sterile at the point of use, such as items used for invasive procedures or where specified by a healthcare professional, manufacturer instructions or clinical risk assessment.

{{org_field_name}} does not undertake manual sterilisation of reusable equipment unless there is a documented, approved, risk-assessed system in place, staff have received specific competency-based training, and the correct equipment, validation, maintenance and monitoring arrangements are available.

Where sterile equipment is required, {{org_field_name}} will use:

Sterile packaging must be checked before use. Items must not be used if the packaging is damaged, wet, opened, expired or contaminated. Sterile items must be stored in a clean, dry, secure area in line with manufacturer instructions.

Staff must not re-use single-use items and must not attempt to sterilise equipment unless specifically trained, authorised and assessed as competent.

4.9 Cleaning of personal and care equipment

All care equipment must be kept clean, safe, suitable for use and maintained in line with Regulation 15. Equipment must be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions, the cleaning schedule and the assessed infection risk.

Shared care equipment must be cleaned and disinfected between each person. This includes hoists, slings where reusable and appropriate, wheelchairs, walking aids, pressure-relieving equipment, commodes, shower chairs, bathing aids, blood pressure machines, thermometers, weighing scales, pulse oximeters and any other shared equipment.

Personal equipment allocated to one person must be cleaned at a frequency based on risk assessment and at least weekly, or more often if visibly soiled, contaminated, used during personal care, or required by the person’s care plan.

Commodes, continence equipment, shower chairs, bathing aids and equipment contaminated with body fluids must be cleaned and disinfected immediately after use.

Equipment must be removed from use and reported if it is damaged, visibly contaminated, cannot be cleaned effectively, has damaged surfaces, has exposed foam, has rust, has faulty parts, or presents an infection prevention or safety risk.

Where equipment is provided or maintained by an external organisation, such as NHS community equipment services, staff must follow the provider’s instructions and report any cleaning, maintenance or replacement concerns promptly.

4.10 Hand hygiene

Effective hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of infection. Staff must clean their hands:

Soap and water must be used when hands are visibly dirty, after using the toilet, and where diarrhoea or vomiting infection is suspected or confirmed. Alcohol-based hand rub may be used where hands are visibly clean and it is appropriate to the task and infection risk.

People living in the care home must be supported to maintain hand hygiene, including before meals, after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, and during outbreaks or increased infection risk.

Hand hygiene facilities, liquid soap, disposable hand towels and hand rub must be available where required and checked regularly.

4.11 Personal protective equipment

{{org_field_name}} will provide appropriate PPE for staff based on the task, risk assessment and current national guidance.

PPE may include:

Staff must use PPE correctly, including putting it on and taking it off safely, changing it between tasks and between people, and disposing of it immediately after use. Gloves and aprons must not be worn from one person to another or from dirty tasks to clean tasks.

PPE must be stored safely, kept clean and dry, and checked to ensure it remains available and within expiry dates where applicable.

PPE must be used alongside hand hygiene and safe working practices. PPE does not replace the need for hand hygiene.

4.12 Blood and body fluid spillages

Blood and body fluid spillages must be dealt with immediately by staff who have received appropriate instruction and have access to the correct PPE and cleaning materials.

The area must be made safe and, where necessary, people must be moved away from the spillage. Staff must wear PPE appropriate to the risk, including gloves and apron as a minimum, and eye or face protection where splashing is possible.

The spillage must be cleaned and disinfected using the approved product and method for the type of spillage and surface. Manufacturer instructions, dilution, contact time and COSHH requirements must be followed.

Used cleaning materials must be disposed of safely as contaminated waste. Hands must be cleaned after removing PPE. The spillage and action taken must be recorded where required, especially where there is a risk of exposure, injury, infection, environmental contamination or repeated incidents.

4.13 Laundry and linen

Laundry and linen must be managed in a way that reduces the risk of infection and cross-contamination.

Used linen must be handled carefully and not shaken. Staff must wear PPE where linen is soiled, contaminated or presents an infection risk. Clean and dirty laundry must be kept separate at all times.

Soiled or infected linen must be placed in the correct bag or container in line with the laundry procedure and local arrangements. Linen contaminated with blood, body fluids, faeces, urine or vomit must be handled as infected or contaminated laundry.

Clean laundry must be stored in a clean, dry area away from dirty laundry, waste, chemicals or contamination risks.

Laundry processes must follow manufacturer instructions for fabrics and equipment, and washing temperatures or processes must be suitable for the level of contamination and infection risk.

4.14 Waste management

Waste must be segregated, handled, stored and disposed of safely in line with the Waste Management Policy, local arrangements, environmental requirements and infection prevention risk assessment.

Staff must use the correct waste stream for:

Waste bins must be clean, foot-operated where required, lined appropriately, not overfilled, and emptied at the required frequency. Waste storage areas must be secure, clean, pest-resistant and inaccessible to people who use the service unless risk assessed as safe.

Staff must wear appropriate PPE when handling waste and must clean their hands after removing PPE.

4.15 Infection outbreak procedures

In the event of a suspected or confirmed outbreak, including diarrhoea and vomiting, norovirus, influenza, COVID-19, other acute respiratory infections, scabies, or any other infectious illness, {{org_field_name}} will implement the Outbreak Management Policy and follow current national guidance and local UKHSA Health Protection Team or public health advice.

The Registered Manager or person in charge must ensure that infection risks are assessed promptly, affected individuals are supported safely and with dignity, and appropriate advice is sought where required.

Enhanced cleaning may include:

Enhanced cleaning frequency must be based on the infection risk, current guidance, the outbreak management plan and any advice from UKHSA, the local authority public health team or other relevant professionals.

Staff must be briefed on the outbreak controls, including hand hygiene, PPE, safe waste and laundry handling, cleaning products, contact times, visitor arrangements and escalation procedures.

The outbreak response must be documented, reviewed regularly and debriefed after the outbreak ends so that learning can be used to improve practice.

4.16 Terminal cleaning

Terminal cleaning must be completed when required following an outbreak, confirmed or suspected infection, transfer, discharge, death, prolonged contamination or where advised by a healthcare professional or public health authority.

Terminal cleaning must include the cleaning and disinfection of all relevant surfaces, furniture, fixtures, fittings, equipment, high-touch points, bathroom or ensuite facilities, bedframes, mattresses, call bells, remote controls, curtains or soft furnishings where required, and any reusable equipment.

Items that cannot be cleaned safely or effectively must be removed from use and disposed of or replaced in line with risk assessment and waste procedures.

The room or area must not be returned to normal use until terminal cleaning has been completed, checked and recorded.

4.17 Visiting during infectious illness outbreaks

{{org_field_name}} will support safe visiting in line with current guidance, individual risk assessment and the Visiting Policy. Infection prevention measures must not be used to impose unnecessary blanket restrictions.

Where there is an outbreak or increased infection risk, the Registered Manager will assess visiting arrangements and implement proportionate measures to reduce infection risk while maintaining people’s rights, wellbeing, family life and dignity.

Visitors may be asked to follow reasonable infection prevention measures, such as hand hygiene, PPE use, staying away when they have symptoms of infection, or following specific advice from the care home during an outbreak.

Any visiting restrictions or adjustments must be risk assessed, time limited, kept under review and clearly communicated to people, relatives, representatives and staff.

4.18 Staff training and competency

All staff must receive infection prevention and control training appropriate to their role. Training must be provided at induction, refreshed at planned intervals, and repeated sooner where guidance changes, audit findings identify concerns, an outbreak occurs, or a staff member’s role changes.

Training must include, where relevant to the role:

Domestic, housekeeping and cleaning staff must receive specific instruction and competency checks on cleaning schedules, products, dilution, contact time, safe storage, equipment cleaning, and escalation of concerns.

Agency staff, contractors and volunteers must receive information relevant to their role before undertaking duties that may affect infection prevention and control.

Competency must be assessed through observation, spot checks, supervision, audits, training records and review of practice. Where poor practice is identified, the staff member must receive immediate guidance, additional training and further competency assessment where required.

4.19 Monitoring and quality assurance

The Registered Manager and Infection Prevention and Control Lead will monitor cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation arrangements through a structured quality assurance process.

Monitoring will include:

Audit findings must be recorded and used to create an action plan. The action plan must identify the concern, action required, responsible person, timescale, completion date and evidence of completion.

Repeated shortfalls, missed cleaning records, poor practice or environmental risks must be escalated to the Registered Manager and Provider. Where required, immediate action must be taken to protect people from harm.

The service will retain IPC audit records, cleaning records, training records, risk assessments, outbreak records and action plans as evidence of compliance with CQC requirements and internal governance arrangements.

4.20 Supplies, stock and equipment

{{org_field_name}} will maintain sufficient supplies of cleaning products, disinfectants, PPE, hand hygiene products, disposable cloths, mop heads, waste bags, spillage materials and other infection prevention resources.

Stock levels must be checked regularly and recorded where required. Shortages must be reported immediately to the person in charge and escalated to the Registered Manager.

Cleaning equipment must be suitable for its intended purpose, maintained in good condition, cleaned after use, stored safely and replaced when damaged, worn, contaminated or ineffective.

Products must be stored securely and safely in accordance with COSHH assessments and manufacturer instructions.

4.21 Maintenance and cleanability of the environment

The premises, furniture, fittings and equipment must be maintained in a condition that allows effective cleaning and disinfection.

Staff must report any issue that may prevent effective cleaning, including:

The Registered Manager must ensure that reported issues are assessed, prioritised and actioned. Equipment or areas that cannot be cleaned safely must be removed from use or restricted until repaired, replaced or made safe.

4.22 Soft furnishings, carpets and curtains

Soft furnishings, carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture must be included in the cleaning schedule and risk assessed for infection prevention and control.

Where soft furnishings are contaminated with blood, body fluids, faeces, urine, vomit or other infectious material, they must be cleaned promptly using an appropriate method. If they cannot be cleaned and disinfected effectively, they must be removed from use and replaced or disposed of.

Furniture and furnishings selected for care areas should be suitable for the needs of the people using the service and capable of being cleaned effectively.

4.23 Resident involvement, dignity and person-centred care

Cleaning and infection prevention procedures must be carried out in a way that respects people’s dignity, privacy, preferences and rights.

Staff must explain cleaning or infection prevention measures to people in a way they can understand and must provide reassurance where measures may cause anxiety or distress.

People must be supported to maintain their personal hygiene and hand hygiene in a manner that reflects their care plan, communication needs, mental capacity, cultural needs, preferences and independence.

Where infection prevention measures may restrict a person’s usual routine, access to communal areas or contact with others, the decision must be risk assessed, proportionate, time limited, reviewed regularly and recorded.

4.24 Antimicrobial resistance and prudent use of disinfectants

{{org_field_name}} will use cleaning and disinfection products appropriately and only for their intended purpose. Disinfectants must not be overused, mixed, diluted incorrectly or used where detergent cleaning alone is sufficient unless required by risk assessment, cleaning schedule, outbreak control or current guidance.

Staff must follow product instructions and must not use unapproved antimicrobial products, sprays, fogging devices or air disinfection products unless these have been risk assessed, authorised by the Registered Manager and confirmed as suitable for the care home environment.

5. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually and sooner if:

The Registered Manager and Infection Prevention and Control Lead are responsible for ensuring that changes to this policy are communicated to staff and that staff understand any new or amended requirements.

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.

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