{{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}} maintains high standards of cleanliness, infection control, and hygiene in all domiciliary care environments. Effective cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation procedures help prevent the spread of infections, protect service users and staff, and comply with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations and best practice guidelines.

This policy ensures that:

• Service users and staff are protected from infection risks.
• Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation protocols are followed consistently.
• High standards of hygiene are maintained in service users’ homes.
• Staff are trained and competent in infection control measures.

This policy aligns with:

• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016.
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, ensuring a safe environment.
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, covering safe use of cleaning chemicals.
• The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guidelines from Public Health Wales.
• The Food Safety Act 1990, covering hygiene in food preparation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees of {{org_field_name}}, including care staff, supervisors, and managers.
• All service users receiving domiciliary care, particularly those at risk of infections.
• Equipment, care settings, and household environments where care is provided.

This policy covers:

• General cleaning protocols.
• Disinfection procedures for high-risk areas.
• Sterilisation of medical and personal care equipment.
• Safe handling and disposal of waste.
• Staff training and compliance monitoring.

3. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring that all service users receive care in a clean, safe, and hygienic environment. Our procedures aim to:

• Prevent healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) through rigorous hygiene standards.
• Ensure consistency in cleaning and disinfection across all care settings.
• Minimise cross-contamination risks through correct handling of cleaning materials.
• Educate staff on best practices, ensuring compliance with infection control regulations.

4. Managing Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilisation Efficiently

4.1. General Cleaning Protocols

Daily cleaning tasks must be completed to reduce bacterial and viral contamination. Cleaning procedures include:

• Surfaces must be wiped with appropriate disinfectants, especially high-touch areas like door handles, light switches, and furniture.
• Floors must be cleaned with antibacterial solutions, avoiding cross-contamination between different areas.
• Soft furnishings and carpets must be vacuumed daily and deep cleaned regularly.
• Windows and ventilation systems must be checked, ensuring good air circulation.
• Personal care areas (e.g., bathrooms) must be cleaned after each use, ensuring they remain sanitary.

A cleaning checklist will be maintained for each service user’s home to track cleaning activities.

4.2. Disinfection Procedures for High-Risk Areas

Disinfection involves the use of stronger cleaning agents to eliminate pathogens. Disinfection protocols include:

• Bathroom surfaces, toilets, and sinks must be disinfected daily.
• Kitchen surfaces, chopping boards, and fridges must be wiped with antibacterial sprays after food preparation.
• Reusable medical and personal care equipment (e.g., hoists, wheelchairs) must be disinfected before and after use.
• Waste bins must be lined, emptied daily, and disinfected to prevent contamination.

Only CIW-approved disinfectants will be used, ensuring effectiveness against common viruses and bacteria.

4.3. Sterilisation of Medical and Personal Care Equipment

Sterilisation ensures complete elimination of microorganisms from reusable items. Equipment sterilisation must follow:

• Single-use items must be disposed of after use, preventing contamination.
• Reusable medical devices (e.g., thermometers, scissors) must be sterilised using approved methods (e.g., heat, autoclaving, or chemical sterilisation).
• Personal care items (e.g., nail clippers, hairbrushes) must not be shared between service users unless properly sterilised.
• Any equipment in direct contact with wounds or broken skin must be sterilised before and after use.

4.4. Handling and Disposal of Waste

To prevent infection transmission, waste must be handled and disposed of safely:

• Clinical waste (e.g., dressings, gloves, PPE) must be disposed of in designated yellow waste bags and collected according to local authority guidelines.
• Household waste must be separated correctly, following service user preferences and local recycling policies.
• Sharps (e.g., needles, lancets) must be disposed of in approved sharps containers, preventing injury or contamination.
• Any spills of bodily fluids must be cleaned immediately using PPE and appropriate disinfectants.

All waste disposal procedures comply with COSHH and Public Health Wales guidelines.

4.5. Safe Use of Cleaning Chemicals

To ensure safe handling and storage of cleaning chemicals, staff must:

• Follow COSHH regulations, ensuring all chemicals are correctly labelled and stored.
• Use gloves and PPE when handling disinfectants and sterilising agents.
• Dilute cleaning solutions according to manufacturer instructions, preventing overuse or chemical hazards.
• Never mix different chemicals, as this may create hazardous fumes.
• Ensure all cleaning products are kept out of reach of vulnerable service users.

A cleaning materials inventory will be maintained, ensuring only approved products are used.

4.6. Staff Training and Competency in Infection Control

All staff must receive mandatory training in infection prevention and control, including:

• Proper cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation techniques.
• Safe handling and disposal of waste and contaminated items.
• How to use and store cleaning products correctly.
• The importance of hand hygiene and PPE in infection prevention.

Training will be refreshed annually, ensuring ongoing compliance with CIW and Public Health Wales infection control standards.

4.7. Monitoring and Auditing Compliance

To ensure cleaning procedures are consistently followed, {{org_field_name}} will:

• Conduct routine hygiene audits, checking compliance with cleaning protocols.
• Use a cleaning checklist, ensuring all areas and equipment are maintained.
• Gather feedback from service users and families, identifying any concerns or improvements.
• Report and investigate any infection outbreaks, ensuring corrective actions are taken.

Regular infection control audits will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection measures.

5. Related Policies

This policy aligns with:

• Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17) – Covering infection prevention strategies.
• Safe Care and Treatment Policy (DCW11) – Ensuring service users receive safe and hygienic care.
• Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16) – Covering staff responsibilities for maintaining a safe environment.
• Waste Disposal and Environmental Policy (DCW35) – Addressing correct disposal of waste.
• Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy (DCW27) – Covering ongoing competency in infection control.

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to:

• Changes in CIW regulations or Public Health Wales guidelines.
• New infection risks or disease outbreaks.
• Feedback from staff or service users.

---

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.