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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilisation Procedures Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation procedures at {{org_field_name}} are carried out effectively and consistently to maintain a safe, hygienic environment for individuals, staff, and visitors. This policy aligns with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, The Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017, and guidance issued by Public Health Wales and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW). It sets out the systems in place to reduce the risk of infection, maintain high cleanliness standards, and safeguard the health and well-being of everyone using the service.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees at {{org_field_name}}, including care staff, domestic/cleaning staff, kitchen staff, maintenance personnel, and any contractors or agency workers who may be responsible for cleaning or hygiene-related tasks. It also applies to management personnel responsible for monitoring, auditing, and overseeing cleaning operations.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CHW16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
• CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CHW21 – Medication Management and Administration Policy
• CHW22 – Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Substances Policy
• CHW24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy
• CHW40 – Assisting with Personal Care Policy

4. Policy Statement and Procedures

4.1 Definitions

• Cleaning refers to the physical removal of visible dirt, organic matter, and debris from surfaces using detergent and water.
• Disinfection involves the use of chemical agents to destroy or inactivate harmful microorganisms on clean surfaces.
• Sterilisation is the process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, and is generally reserved for medical instruments.

4.2 Our Infection Control Philosophy

At {{org_field_name}}, we adopt a standard precautions approach, assuming that all blood, body fluids, and potentially contaminated surfaces pose a risk of infection. Our cleaning and decontamination procedures are fundamental to breaking the chain of infection and supporting a safe care environment.

The Infection Control Lead, {{org_field_infection_control_lead_name}}, in their role as {{org_field_infection_control_lead_role}}, oversees the implementation, auditing, and training related to this policy.

4.3 Daily and Scheduled Cleaning Procedures

A structured cleaning schedule is maintained throughout the premises and includes:

• High-touch surfaces (e.g., door handles, handrails, call bells): disinfected several times daily using a CIW-compliant disinfectant.
• Bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms: cleaned daily and after any contamination (e.g. vomiting, blood).
• Communal areas: lounges, corridors, activity spaces cleaned daily and as needed.
• Toilets and bathrooms: cleaned at least twice daily and monitored hourly.
• Dining areas and kitchens: cleaned after each meal service, with deeper cleaning at the end of the day.
• Care equipment (wheelchairs, commodes, hoists): cleaned after each use.

A dedicated cleaning rota is displayed and signed off by domestic staff. This is checked daily by the senior care staff and weekly by the Registered Manager or delegated person.

4.4 Disinfection and Use of Cleaning Agents

We use disinfectants approved for healthcare environments that meet EN1276 and EN14476 standards for bactericidal and virucidal activity.

Disinfectants are:

• Used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Replenished regularly and not decanted into unlabelled containers.
• Stored securely and separately from food areas.

Cleaning cloths are colour-coded and used in accordance with our cross-contamination prevention policy. Single-use items are disposed of after each cleaning task.

All cleaning staff are trained in COSHH regulations and follow the CHW22 – Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Substances Policy.

4.5 Terminal Cleaning and Outbreak Procedures

In the event of an infectious outbreak (e.g., Norovirus, COVID-19, Influenza), enhanced and terminal cleaning procedures are implemented, including:

• Full disinfection of affected rooms using chlorine-based solutions (e.g. 1000ppm).
• Use of appropriate PPE including gloves, aprons, and masks.
• Fogging or electrostatic spray techniques where advised by Public Health Wales.
• Isolation rooms are deep cleaned after the individual has recovered or been discharged, and not reused until cleared by a senior staff member.

The outbreak is reported to the relevant agencies including {{org_field_reporting_outbreaks_local_public_health_website}} and {{org_field_outbreaks_support_local_health_protection_team_website}}, and recorded in line with CIW reporting requirements.

4.6 Sterilisation of Reusable Equipment

While most items used at {{org_field_name}} are single-use or single-person-use, any reusable care equipment (e.g., podiatry tools) requiring sterilisation are:

• Cleaned manually first.
• Packaged appropriately.
• Sent to an approved external sterilisation provider, if not processed on site.

Items not properly sterilised are never reused. Staff are trained to spot breaches and report them immediately.

4.7 Staff Training and Responsibilities

All staff involved in cleaning or infection control receive:

• Induction training and annual refreshers in cleaning protocols.
• Training on PPE use, hand hygiene, and decontamination practices.
• COSHH training and risk assessment awareness.
• Guidance on how to clean up bodily fluids using spill kits.

Domestic staff follow detailed cleaning protocols in their task folders, including visual aids and escalation steps for hazardous cleaning. Supervision is provided daily by senior care or domestic supervisors.

4.8 Waste Management and Laundry Hygiene

All clinical and hazardous waste is handled in accordance with our infection control policy:

• Sharps are disposed of in yellow sharps bins.
• Soiled waste is double-bagged in clinical waste sacks.
• Used PPE is discarded immediately after use and not left on surfaces.
• Laundry is categorised (e.g., infected linen, foul linen) and transported in colour-coded bags.
• The laundry area is cleaned daily, and high-risk items are washed at ≥60°C with suitable detergents.

Laundry staff are trained in cross-contamination control and use PPE when handling all laundry.

4.9 Auditing and Monitoring

The Registered Manager and Infection Control Lead regularly audit compliance with this policy through:

• Weekly cleaning checklist reviews.
• Monthly infection prevention and control audits.
• Spot checks and direct observations.
• Feedback from residents and families.
• Monitoring of infection rates and outbreak patterns.

Where gaps or non-compliance are identified, immediate corrective action is taken, and staff may receive additional supervision or retraining.

4.10 Person-Centred Considerations and Dignity

We ensure cleaning activities do not compromise the privacy, dignity, or comfort of residents. Cleaning tasks are conducted at appropriate times, and residents are informed before their room or bathroom is cleaned. Consent is sought for entering private spaces, and preferences regarding cleaning routines are respected where possible.

5. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier in response to:

• CIW inspection findings.
• An outbreak or infection control breach.
• New legislation or guidance from Public Health Wales or the Welsh Government.
• Changes in the layout, services, or structure of the home.

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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.