Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces is important to remove pathogens from the environment. Healthcare workers should wear personal protective equipment like gloves, gowns and aprons when cleaning. Key principles of environmental cleaning include cleaning all horizontal surfaces daily or when soiled, cleaning exam tables after each use, and changing cleaning solutions and equipment regularly. Proper cleaning techniques and disinfecting high-touch surfaces helps limit the spread of infections.

1. #
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS
Cleaning and Disinfection of
Environment

2. #
Cleaning the Environment
Process of removing all or a
significant amount of pathogens from
contaminated surfaces & items
 Important:
Infectious agents are capable of
surviving in the environment
surfaces for many hours or even
days

3. #
Key Principles of
Environmental Cleaning
 Clean all horizontal surfaces in patient care
areas:
 everyday and when visibly soiled
(routine)
 when patient is discharged (terminal)
 before new patient arrives
 Clean and disinfect surface of examination
table/ other equipment in direct contact
with patients
 Dampen cleaning cloths before use, avoid
dusting or sweeping.

4. #
Change cleaning solutions, cleaning cloths
&mop heads regularly or as per health
policies
Clean and dry re-usable mop heads after
each use & before storage.
Clean and dry all cleaning equipment after
each use
Clear patient’s area of unnecessary
equipment, supplies & clutter
Key Principles of
Environmental Cleaning

5. #
Cleaning and Disinfection of
Environment
PPE for Cleaning Spills, Splashes and
General Environment
Healthcare workers should wear:
- Rubber Gloves
- Gown
- Rubber Apron
- Resistant closed boots

6. #
Steps in Cleaning Spills
1. Wear PPE (gown, apron and rubber gloves).
2. Clean surface area with water & detergent
using disposable cleaning cloth
3. Dispose cleaning cloth in an appropriate leak-
proof waste container.
4. Disinfect area using sodium hypochlorite (zonrox).
5. Remove rubber gloves & apron, dispose both
items into appropriate container for cleaning
and disinfection.
6. Remove gown and place it into appropriate
container
7. Perform hand hygiene.

7. #
Key Points in
Cleaning the Environment
• Environment used by patient MUST be regularly
cleaned.
• Cleaning using proper techniques to avoid
aerosolization of dust.
• Only surfaces that come in contact with patient’s
skin/ mucosa and surfaces frequently touched by
HCWs require disinfection after cleaning.
• HCWs must use PPE when cleaning and
disinfecting the environment and hand hygiene
must be performed after PPE removal.

8. #

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