Chapter Five

Clean
Environmental Surfaces

By Atnasiya .G
1 Atnasiya G.
Feb 2023 12/15/2024
 Outline
Clean Environmental Surfaces

Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Removing dust, dirt and physical debris from

work surfaces
Cleaning work surfaces

Drying work surfaces

Replacing surface covers where applicable

Maintaining and storing equipment

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 Clean Environmental Surfaces
 Maintaining clean environmental surfaces is the most important

thing in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections

and ensure the safety of patients, healthcare providers, and
visitors.
 Here are key practices for cleaning environmental surfaces

in healthcare:

Develop and Implement Cleaning Protocols:

 Establish and document comprehensive cleaning protocols for

different areas within the healthcare facility and clearly outline the
frequency of cleaning, methods, and specific cleaning agents to
be used.
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 Cont.…
Focus on High-Touch Surfaces:
Prioritize the cleaning of high-touch surfaces,
including doorknobs, light switches, bed rails,
bedside tables, and medical equipment.
Increase the frequency of cleaning in patient
rooms and high-traffic areas.
Use Hospital-Grade Disinfectants:
Select and use disinfectants that are approved for
healthcare settings and have proven efficacy
against a broad spectrum of pathogens.
Follow manufacturer instructions for proper
dilution and application.
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 Cont.….
Adopt Color-Coding Systems:
Implement color-coding for cleaning materials to
prevent cross-contamination. Assign specific colors
for different areas or tasks.
Use separate color-coded cleaning tools for
restrooms, patient rooms, and common areas.
Regular Cleaning of Medical Equipment:
Clean and disinfect medical equipment regularly,
including stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs,
tourniquets, and electronic devices and machines.
Follow equipment manufacturer guidelines for
proper cleaning and disinfection.
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Wearing personal protective
equipment (PPE)
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

during cleaning environmental surfaces in

healthcare is crucial to protect healthcare
workers from exposure to potentially harmful
substances and pathogens.
Properly selected and utilized PPE helps

minimize the risk of contamination and ensures

a safe working environment.
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considerations for wearing PPE during
environmental surface cleaning
1. Risk Assessment:
Conduct a risk assessment to determine the
potential hazards associated with the cleaning
task.
Identify the types of contaminants, the likelihood
of exposure, and the necessary level of
protection.
2. Appropriate PPE Selection:
Select PPE based on the identified risks and the
specific cleaning task.
Common PPE items for cleaning in healthcare
7 may include
Atnasiya G. gloves, gowns, masks, and eye
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 Cont.….
Gloves:
Type: Wear gloves made of appropriate
materials (e.g., nitrile, latex) that provide a
barrier against contaminants.
Proper Fit: Ensure gloves fit snugly and cover
the hands and wrists entirely.
Gowns:
Selection: Choose gowns that provide
coverage for the torso and arms.
Proper Donning: Wear gowns properly to
cover the front and back of the body, securing
8 closures
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 Cont.…
Masks:
Type: Use masks, such as N95 respirators or
surgical masks, based on the level of
respiratory protection required.
Fit Testing: Ensure that individuals required to
wear undergo fit testing to ensure a proper
seal.
Eye Protection:
Goggles or Face Shields: Use goggles or face
shields to protect the eyes from splashes or
aerosols.
Proper
9 Atnasiya [Link]: Ensure a secure and comfortable
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 Personal Protective Clothing and
Equipment During Cleaning Procedures
Wear gloves while cleaning instruments and
equipment.
If torn or damaged, they should be discarded;
otherwise they should be cleaned and left to
dry at the end of the day for use the following
day.
Even when wearing heavy-duty utility gloves,
care should be taken to prevent needle sticks
or cuts when washing sharps.

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Cont..
Wear protective eyewear (plastic visors, face
shields, goggles or glasses) and a plastic
apron, if available, while cleaning instruments
and equipment to minimize the risk of
splashing contaminated fluids into the eyes
and onto the body.

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Cont.….
 If there is risk of splashing waste into the face or eyes, face

shields should also be used.

 PPE can only work if it is intact and undamaged, is fit for the

purpose and is worn correctly

 Make sure the PPE fits you securely.

 If you notice any damaged PPE, notify your supervisor

immediately
 Be familiar with the type of clothing you are required to wear

for the purpose; for example, should the apron be

waterproof
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 Removing dust, dirt and physical
debris from work surfaces
Removing dust, dirt, and physical debris from

work surfaces is essential to maintain a clean

and safe environment in various settings,
including offices, laboratories and healthcare
facilities.
Dust, soil and microbes on surfaces can all

transmit infection.
Cleaning removes foreign material and reduces
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 Cont.…
Floors
Clean daily carpets and hard floors
Wash buckets and mops after use with
detergent and water
Walls and fittings
Cleaned regularly and when visibly
soiled
Curtains need changing regularly

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 Cleaning work surfaces
 Cleaning work surfaces effectively is essential to maintain a
safe and hygienic environment, especially in healthcare,
laboratory, and food preparation settings.
guidelines for cleaning work surfaces:
Clear the Surface:
 Remove all items, equipment, or materials from the work
surface before cleaning.
 Ensure the surface is free of any clutter to allow thorough
cleaning.
Select Appropriate Cleaning Agents:
 Choose cleaning agents suitable for the type of surface and
the contaminants present.
 Consider whether disinfection is also required based on the
intended use of the surface.
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Cont.….
Dust Removal:
Dust surfaces using a duster or a damp cloth to
prevent the dispersion of dust into the air.
Use microfiber cloths, which are effective in
capturing and holding onto dust particles.
Wipe Down Surfaces:
Use a damp cloth or sponge with an
appropriate cleaning solution to wipe down
surfaces.
Ensure thorough coverage, paying attention to
corners and edges.
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Cont.….
Stain and Spill Cleanup:
Address stains or spills promptly using the
appropriate cleaning agent.
wipe away spills, and follow up with a damp
cloth to remove any residue.
Disinfection:
If disinfection is required, use an approved
disinfectant based on the surface and
intended use.
Follow the recommended contact time
specified on the disinfectant label.
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Cont.…
Sanitizers and disinfectants
Stronger cleaning products can be used when
appropriate
Low-level disinfectants are effective in
killing some bacteria and viruses
Medium-level disinfectants are effective at
killing a range of bacteria and viruses
High-level disinfectants Kills or inactivates
a broad spectrum, including bacterial spores.
Used when cleaning medical equipment

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 Cont.…
Avoid Cross-Contamination:
Use separate cloths or color-coded cleaning
materials for different areas or surfaces to
avoid cross-contamination.
Change cleaning cloths regularly, especially
when they become visibly soiled.
Pay Attention to High-Touch Areas:
Focus on cleaning and disinfecting high-touch
areas such as doorknobs, light switches, and
shared equipment.
Increase cleaning frequency in areas with
19 higher human traffic.
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 The importance of a clean
workplace
 Health and Safety: A clean workplace reduces the risk of

accidents, injuries, and illnesses. It helps eliminate hazards

such as slippery floors, cluttered walkways, and exposure to
harmful substances, thus creating a safer environment for
employees.
Productivity: A clean and organized workspace allows

employees to focus better on their tasks without

distractions. It also improves efficiency by making it easier
to locate tools, documents, and resources needed for work.
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 Cont...
Employee Morale: A clean workplace can have a positive

impact on employee morale and motivation. A tidy

environment promotes a sense of pride in the workspace
and contributes to a more positive atmosphere, leading to
higher job satisfaction.
Professional Image: A clean workplace enhances the

company's image and reputation. It creates a good

impression on clients, visitors, and potential business
partners, reflecting a culture of professionalism and

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attention to detail.
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Maintaining and Storing Equipment
Is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and

reliability of results, the longevity of equipment

and facilities, and the productivity of the
research carried out in the laboratory.
Proper maintenance of laboratory equipment

and facilities can prevent accidents and injuries,

such as fires, explosions, and chemical spills.

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Maintenance
To maintain laboratory equipment it is important

To create a plan for each piece of equipment's preventive

maintenance
To establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for

every piece of lab equipment

To prepare documentation detailing the repairs and

maintenance done on each piece of specialized equipment

To train technical and managerial employees on how to

utilize and maintain the lab equipment.

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key practices to follow:
1. Cleaning:
Perform daily wipe-downs of all equipment
exteriors with appropriate cleaning solutions,
following the manufacturer's instructions.
Schedule weekly deep cleans for all
equipment, paying close attention to areas
that may harbor contaminants.
Use specific cleaning agents for sensitive
equipment like microscopes, following the
manufacturer's recommendations.

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 Cont.…
2. Calibration:
Calibrate equipment regularly at intervals specified by
the manufacturer or regulatory agencies. Calibration
ensures the accuracy and reliability of measurements.
Maintain records of calibration dates for each piece of
equipment.
3. Inspection:
Conduct regular visual inspections of equipment to
identify any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction.
Report any identified issues to the appropriate personnel
for prompt repair or replacement.

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Cont.…
4. Preventive maintenance:
Develop and implement a preventive

maintenance program for all equipment. This

program should outline specific cleaning,
calibration, and inspection tasks to be performed
at regular intervals.
Following a preventive maintenance program

helps prevent equipment breakdown and extends

its lifespan.
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 Storage
Storing equipment in laboratory requires careful
consideration to maintain the integrity, functionality,
and cleanliness of the instruments.
Types of Storage:
Cabinets and Drawers: Use clean, and dry cabinets
and drawers for general lab equipment. Label shelves
and drawers clearly for easy identification and
organization.
Chemical Storage Cabinets: These cabinets are
specifically designed to store hazardous chemicals
and flammable liquids. They are usually made of fire-
resistant materials and have ventilation systems to
prevent fires and contain spills.
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 Cont....
Refrigerators and Freezers: Essential for

storing perishable materials, samples, and

reagents requiring specific temperature
ranges.
Gas Cylinder Storage: Securely store gas

cylinders in designated, well-ventilated areas

using proper restraints.

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General Storage Principles:
Cleanliness: Ensure storage areas are clean,

free of dust, and debris to prevent

contamination and protect equipment.
Organization: Organize equipment logically

based on frequency of use, type, or function.

This promotes efficiency and reduces time
spent searching.
Safety: Prioritize safety by following specific
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Cont.…
Manufacturer's Instructions: Refer to the

manufacturer's instructions for specific storage

requirements for each piece of equipment.
Maintenance: Regularly inspect equipment

for damage, leaks, or deterioration. Perform

necessary maintenance and calibration as
recommended.

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Additional Considerations:
Space Optimization: Utilize space effectively with

shelves and cabinets to maximize storage capacity.

Accessibility: Ensure frequently used equipment is

readily accessible while maintaining proper

organization and safety protocols.
Inventory Management: Implement an inventory

system to track equipment, monitor usage, and

identify potential replacements when necessary.

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 The End

Thank you for your

attention!!

12/15/2024 Atnasiya G. 34