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.

• All surfaces must be dried after they have been cleaned and rinsed, as damp surfaces attract contaminants.

• Discard leftover solutions used for cleaning SARS-designated areas and do not use anymore in other hospital areas. The housekeeping equipment such as mops and rugs must be washed thoroughly and allowed to dry.

• The cleaning services must ensure that the infectious/yellow bags for biohazard wastes and linen are durable and remain sealed during transport outside the SARS isolation areas.