Cleaning, Decontamination and Waste Management

Learning Outcome

1. Understand how to maintain a clean environment to prevent the spread of infection

1.1 State the general principles for environmental cleaning

1.2 Explain the purpose of cleaning schedules

1.3 Describe how the correct management of the environment minimises the spread of infection

1.4 Explain the reason for the national policy for colour coding of cleaning equipment

2. Understand the principles and steps of the decontamination process

2.1 Describe the three steps of the decontamination process

2.2 Describe how and when cleaning agents are used

2.3 Describe how and when disinfecting agents are used

2.4 Explain the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the decontamination process

2.5 Explain the concept of risk in dealing with specific types of contamination

2.6 Explain how the level of risk determines the type of agent that may be used to decontaminate

2.7 Describe how equipment should be cleaned and stored

3. Understand the importance of good waste management practice in the prevention of the spread of infection

3.1 Identify the different categories of waste and the associated risks

3.2 Explain how to dispose of the different types of waste safely and without risk to others

3.3 Explain how waste should be stored prior to collection

3.4 Identify the legal responsibilities in relation to waste management

3.5 State how to reduce the risk of sharps injury