It is the responsibility of the person in charge to ensure that the care environment is safe for practice (this includes environmental cleanliness/maintenance). The person in charge must act if this is deficient.

The care environment must be:

• visibly clean, free from non-essential items and equipment to facilitate effective cleaning
• well maintained and in a good state of repair

 

A fresh solution of detergent in warm water is recommended for routine cleaning. Solutions should be changed as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Routine disinfection of the environment is not recommended. However, disinfectants should be used for decontamination of sanitary fittings.

Where refillable bottles are appropriate for use, detergent and disinfectant products should be prepared, used and stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The refillable bottle should be washed and thoroughly dried between uses

Refillable bottles should not be used in settings where immunocompromised patients receive care (haematology and oncology, cardiac surgery, bone marrow and stem cell transplant, neonatal, paediatric and adult ICU, transplant units)

This guidance should be followed in conjunction with NHS Scotland Assure National Cleaning Specification.

Staff groups should be aware of their environmental cleaning schedules and clear on their specific responsibilities.

Cleaning protocols should include responsibility for, frequency of and method of environmental decontamination.

Resources 

Further information can be found in the Safe management of the care environment (Environmental decontamination and management of blood and body fluid spillages) literature review.