8.
GENERAL CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR
TRIAGE/HOLDING AREAS.
·
Cleaning staff should be fully instructed on how
to wear and dispose of PPE and how to minimize the risk of transmission of
infection while cleaning.
·
Disinfectant solutions acceptable for cleaning purposes are
chemical germicides used in hospital infection control, which provide low to
intermediate level disinfection of hospital equipment. These agents include 0.1% sodium
hypochlorite (1part bleach in 100 parts water) or phenolic agents.
·
Sodium hypochlorite solution (0.1%) should be
used on surfaces after general cleaning procedures for environmental
disinfection. Disinfect all surfaces in close proximity to the patient. These
surfaces may vary depending on where the patient is in the hospital. Details of these are included in separate
headings below as necessary.
·
Disinfectant
should be applied using a damp cloth, rinsed with water, and then dried. They
should not be applied using a spray pack, as coverage is uncertain and
spraying may promote the production of aerosols.
·
Sodium
hypochlorite (bleach) should be left for at least 10 minutes but no longer than
30 minutes. Then rinse off thoroughly
and dry the area.
·
Sodium
hypochlorite (bleach) is a corrosive substance that can harm some surfaces (e.g. discolour or remove the colour from
materials or damage wood surfaces).
·
Do
not splash liquid while cleaning to avoid the creation of aerosols.
·
A
steady sweeping motion should be used when cleaning either floors or horizontal
surfaces to prevent the creation of aerosols or splashing.