Managing hygiene and sanitation isn’t just about cleanliness, but also responsibility, organization, and efficiency. In this post, we delve into essential factors to ensure top-notch sanitary maintenance and the challenges that might hinder this process.
Active Employee Participation: The Key to Successful Change Management
When it comes to selecting a product or equipment, involving staff can make the difference between success and failure. A user-mandate committee allows for more informed selection and heightened user accountability.
Training: Ensuring Proper Tool Usage
Both managers and users should be trained to use products correctly. This not only guarantees optimal efficiency but also safe handling.
Mindmapping: Visualize Your Sanitary Maintenance Project
Whether you’re launching a business or planning a major cleanup, mind maps can be invaluable tools.
Deficient facilities: From storage space to flooring, an inadequate work environment can hamper productivity.
Unsuitable work hours: Operating during peak times can diminish efficiency.
Lackluster training: Knowledge gaps can lead to costly mistakes.
Chaotic work organization: Without a clear work plan, both productivity and quality may suffer.
Inadequate products and tools: Having suitable equipment is pivotal for efficiency.
Conclusion
Hygiene and sanitation are paramount, and with a structured approach and attention to detail, you can overcome challenges and guarantee a clean and healthy environment for all. And if you need assistance, don’t hesitate to call in the experts!
It is important to respect the recommended dilution rate for cleaning products in healthcare facilities for several reasons. First, using cleaning products at the correct dilution helps to ensure that they are effective at removing dirt and germs from surfaces. If the cleaning solution is too dilute, it may not have enough cleaning power to properly disinfect the surface. On the other hand, if the solution is too concentrated, it may be too harsh and potentially damage surfaces or cause irritation to the skin.
Second, using cleaning products at the correct dilution can help to reduce the risk of health hazards. Some cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled, or if they come into contact with the skin. Using these products at the recommended dilution helps to minimize the risk of exposure to these chemicals.
Finally, using cleaning products at the correct dilution can help to reduce costs. Using too much of a cleaning product can be wasteful and unnecessarily increase expenses. By using the correct dilution, you can ensure that you are using the optimal amount of product to effectively clean and disinfect surfaces, while also minimizing waste.
In summary, respecting the recommended dilution rate for cleaning products is important in healthcare facilities because it helps to ensure that the products are effective at cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, reduces the risk of health hazards, and can help to reduce costs.
The most comprehension local catalog for your cleaning product with a dilution rate
On the Lalema website, you will find all the cleaning products you need. In addition, you will find practical dilution rate tables.
Note: This article was created with an AI-assisted writing tool and fully reviewed and improved by a human.
How to safely perform cleaning and disinfection a surface soiled with bodily fluid and dispose of waste properly?
Here is some of the content from my exclusive training on Infection Prevention and Control in the Presence of Body Fluids. This training (in French with English documentation), presented in the form of short video clips (nearly forty), lasts approximately 2 hours and covers several exclusive and relevant content for hygiene and sanitation workers.
OVERVIEW OF THE CONTENT OF A TRAINING ON DISINFECTION TECHNIQUES
The main microbes to which sanitary maintenance workers can be exposed, the associated risks and the means of transmission
Basic concepts in sanitary maintenance for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
The different body fluids (body fluids) and the associated risk factors
Products and accessories for cleaning and disinfection
Personal protective equipment
Cleaning and disinfection techniques including hand washing.
THE MAIN MICROBES TO WHICH HEALTH MAINTENANCE WORKERS MAY BE EXPOSED, THE ASSOCIATED RISKS AND THE MEANS OF TRANSMISSION
Microbes
Viruses or bacteria
Reproduction of bacteria
Survival of bacteria on surfaces
Infectious risk
Transmission of infections
Virus or bacteria
BASIC CONCEPTS IN SANITARY MAINTENANCE FOR THE CLEANING AND DISINFECTIONS OF SURFACES
Basics
Sinner’s Circle
Wetting power
Micelles
Foaming power
PH scale
Eradication of microbes
Contact time
DIN
Types of disinfectants
Why dilute a product
Always read the manual
7 ways to make maintenance safer
THE DIFFERENT BODY FLUIDS (BIOLOGICAL LIQUIDS) AND THE ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS
Body fluids and associated risks
Body fluids (body fluids)
Risk factors
PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTION
Produits et accessoires
Trousse de matériel
LES ÉQUIPEMENTS DE PROTECTION INDIVIDUELLE
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Hand hygiene
Dressing procedure
Undressing procedure
Practical advice
Wearing the mask
CLEANING AND DISINFECTION TECHNIQUES
Cleaning and disinfection steps
Steps to follow
Cleaning and disinfection procedure
Waste management
What is biomedical waste
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
A training cannot be complete without a formal evaluation! This is why we offer each participant a quiz of 10 questions before issuing a superb attestation!
When we talk about disinfection, we talk about the prevention and control of infection in the environment. Therefore, equipment used for respiratory therapy is considered semi-critical. The equipment must then be cleaned and disinfected properly between patients. The WHO gives us the proper maintenance of respiratory equipment in procedures to follow. The procedures are checklists in steps of a cycle. Let’s explore all the summarized steps up to the cycle finish. And yes, the cleaning step is before the disinfection step!
The external device surfaces must be wiped with a damp cloth or disposable wipe that is soaked in detergent and clean water. Then, remaining detergent residue must be wiped off with a dry lint-free cloth. A mechanical action (scrubbing/brushing) should be used to remove visible dirt deposits and calcifications.
4. Disinfect
4a. Physical disinfection – Heat for heat resistant equipement (steam/hot-water)
A high-level of physical disinfection can be achieved with steam (e.g. autoclaving at lower temperature) or hot-water at least 121°C. This is an inexpensive and effective method for sterilization or high-level disinfection.
4b. Chemical disinfection for plastic plus other parts that can be damaged by heat
b) If the disinfection needs to be with chemicals solutions, it should be performed in a well-ventilated area and away from patients. Use a disposable wipe or a fresh cloth that is soaked in a compatible disinfectant. Hydrogen peroxide 0.5% or ethanol 70-90%. Wipe from top to bottom and avoid contact with electrical connectors.
5. Dry equipment / Rinse equipment
a) Physical equipment often has a drying feature within the machine (e.g. washer, pasteurizer or autoclave). Following pasteurization, the wet equipment is typically dried in a hot-air drying cabinet or air-dried. Make sure to carefully inspect and ensure that no water is left in the equipment.
b) If a chemical solution was used for disinfection, rinse the equipment with sterile or clean water (i.e. water boiled for 5 mins and cooled down). It is preferred to use sterile water for rinsing off residual liquid chemical disinfectant from the respiratory device.
6. Store equipment in closed packages
Last step. Title says it all.
This was a summary of the Care, cleaning and disinfection of respiratory equipment in sterile services department’s article by World Health Organization.
This article is a free translation of WHO’s article.
Source: World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/care-cleaning-and-disinfection-of-respiratory-equipment-in-sterile-services-department – https://www.who.int/images/default-source/health-topics/coronavirus/care-cleaning-disinfection-of-respiratory-equipment.tmb-479v.png?sfvrsn=14530f0b_1
In the past, we have often lauded the advantage of microfiber for cleaning. This is repeated today, but with the use of a disposable microfiber as the first step in the disinfection process. Of course, we are talking about cleaning first, then disinfecting. However, the products highlighted in this article are compatible with common disinfectants. These products are Rubbermaid‘s Hygen single-use microfiber swabs and wipes.
WHAT IS A MICROFIBER AGAIN?
Microfiber is a synthetic textile fiber (polyester, polyamide or a mixture) that is very fine and light with a denomination which is less than one decitex. A microfiber (filament) is characterised by its small diameter, the nature of its fiber and its structure. Therefore, not all microfibers are the same or of the same quality. This revolutionary material has quickly become a must in the hygiene, health and automotive sectors. To know more about it, read this article, Spotlight on microfiber!
THE HYGEN LINE FROM RUBBERMAID
The Hygen line was designed specifically for the healthcare industry. It is an excellent option for any facility looking to improve its cleaning efficiency, especially during the COVID-19 period. The HYGEN disposable microfiber pad and wipe contribute to the area cleaning as the first step in the disinfection process.
Microfiber pads and wipes
They eliminate 99.7% or more of the viruses and bacteria tested to help improve cleaning efficiency. And this was tested with water only
Help reduce cross-contamination with disposable pads/wipes that encourage cleaning with new pads/wipes for each area or task
Built-in scrub strips are made of polyester to help effectively remove dirt
DEMONSTRATION OF THE DISPOSABLE MICROFIBER
Here’s a video from Rubbermaid Commercial Products. They demonstrated the benefit of their Hygen disposable microfiber wipe compared to a paper towel and a disinfectant wipe. They use a fluorescent marker to demonstrate and verify cleaning practices.
Thus, using this disposable microfiber with a disinfectant provides an added layer of assurance. They will clean and disinfect well your floors and surfaces by combining the microbe removal power of the microfiber with the disinfectant’s killing power.
Today, April 22nd, is Earth Day. Since we are rambling about disinfection in this blog, it is much obliged to combine topics like disinfection and ecology! There is such a thing as an ecological disinfectant cleaner even if disinfectants are often associated with unpleasant toxicological profiles. For disinfectants to be considered environmentally friendly, they must meet the UL Environment 2794 standard (formerly EcoLogo DCC-166). Here at Lalema, we have the EKO-QUAT which is a neutral quaternary ammonium disinfectant cleaner and yes, it meets the UL Environment 2794 standards. We’ll get to know more about this product, but let us first understand what is an ecological disinfectant.
Defining ecological disinfectant
An ecological disinfectant is a disinfectant with a minimal risk to the environment. To be specific, the product must not contain carcinogen or phosphates, which is low in volatile organic compounds, non-toxic and readily biodegradable.
Ecological Disinfectant Cleaner EKO-QUAT
EKO-QUAT is a fourth generation neutral quaternary ammonium disinfectant cleaner. It eliminates dirt and the most resistant pathogens such as MRSA and VRE bacteria in conditions which are usually uncontrolled.
Its neutral PH makes it an ideal product to clean and disinfect any surface such as floors, ceramic, walls and counters with a sprayer, a cloth, a mop or a sponge.
This ecological disinfectant cleaner is versatile! Use it as a disinfectant, cleaner, deodorizer and toilet bowl disinfectant in several environments such as retirement homes, veterinary clinics or hospitals.
EKO-QUAT is an EcoLogo certified (UL 2794) ecological quaternary disinfectant (DIN 02423391).
Note that the EKO-QUAT is available in 2 formats: in manual dilution format (see 4 L image) and in Twist & Mixx format for Twist & Mixx dilution system.
Go with this ecological disinfectant cleaner to disinfect in a responsible way toward the environment! EKO-QUAT is a wise, sensible and versatile product that meets many standards! This disinfectant is as effective as non-ecological disinfectants based on the same technology.
When we talk about disinfection, we talk about the prevention and control of infection in the environment. Therefore, equipment used for respiratory therapy is considered semi-critical. The equipment must then be cleaned and disinfected properly between patients. The WHO gives us the proper maintenance of respiratory equipment in procedures to follow. The procedures are checklists in steps of a cycle. Let’s explore all the summarized steps up to the cycle finish. And yes, the cleaning step is before the disinfection step!
The external device surfaces must be wiped with a damp cloth or disposable wipe that is soaked in detergent and clean water. Then, remaining detergent residue must be wiped off with a dry lint-free cloth. A mechanical action (scrubbing/brushing) should be used to remove visible dirt deposits and calcifications.
4. Disinfect
4a. Physical disinfection – Heat for heat resistant equipement (steam/hot-water)
A high-level of physical disinfection can be achieved with steam (e.g. autoclaving at lower temperature) or hot-water at least 121°C. This is an inexpensive and effective method for sterilization or high-level disinfection.
4b. Chemical disinfection for plastic plus other parts that can be damaged by heat
b) If the disinfection needs to be with chemicals solutions, it should be performed in a well-ventilated area and away from patients. Use a disposable wipe or a fresh cloth that is soaked in a compatible disinfectant. Hydrogen peroxide 0.5% or ethanol 70-90%. Wipe from top to bottom and avoid contact with electrical connectors.
5. Dry equipment / Rinse equipment
a) Physical equipment often has a drying feature within the machine (e.g. washer, pasteurizer or autoclave). Following pasteurization, the wet equipment is typically dried in a hot-air drying cabinet or air-dried. Make sure to carefully inspect and ensure that no water is left in the equipment.
b) If a chemical solution was used for disinfection, rinse the equipment with sterile or clean water (i.e. water boiled for 5 mins and cooled down). It is preferred to use sterile water for rinsing off residual liquid chemical disinfectant from the respiratory device.
6. Store equipment in closed packages
Last step. Title says it all.
This was a summary of the Care, cleaning and disinfection of respiratory equipment in sterile services department’s article by World Health Organization.
This article is a free translation of WHO’s article.
Source: World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/care-cleaning-and-disinfection-of-respiratory-equipment-in-sterile-services-department – https://www.who.int/images/default-source/health-topics/coronavirus/care-cleaning-disinfection-of-respiratory-equipment.tmb-479v.png?sfvrsn=14530f0b_1
How to safely perform cleaning and disinfection a surface soiled with bodily fluid and dispose of waste properly?
Here is some of the content from my exclusive training on Infection Prevention and Control in the Presence of Body Fluids. This training (in French with English documentation), presented in the form of short video clips (nearly forty), lasts approximately 2 hours and covers several exclusive and relevant content for hygiene and sanitation workers.
OVERVIEW OF THE CONTENT OF A TRAINING ON DISINFECTION TECHNIQUES
The main microbes to which sanitary maintenance workers can be exposed, the associated risks and the means of transmission
Basic concepts in sanitary maintenance for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
The different body fluids (body fluids) and the associated risk factors
Products and accessories for cleaning and disinfection
Personal protective equipment
Cleaning and disinfection techniques including hand washing.
THE MAIN MICROBES TO WHICH HEALTH MAINTENANCE WORKERS MAY BE EXPOSED, THE ASSOCIATED RISKS AND THE MEANS OF TRANSMISSION
Microbes
Viruses or bacteria
Reproduction of bacteria
Survival of bacteria on surfaces
Infectious risk
Transmission of infections
Virus or bacteria
BASIC CONCEPTS IN SANITARY MAINTENANCE FOR THE CLEANING AND DISINFECTIONS OF SURFACES
Basics
Sinner’s Circle
Wetting power
Micelles
Foaming power
PH scale
Eradication of microbes
Contact time
DIN
Types of disinfectants
Why dilute a product
Always read the manual
7 ways to make maintenance safer
THE DIFFERENT BODY FLUIDS (BIOLOGICAL LIQUIDS) AND THE ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS
Body fluids and associated risks
Body fluids (body fluids)
Risk factors
PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTION
Produits et accessoires
Trousse de matériel
LES ÉQUIPEMENTS DE PROTECTION INDIVIDUELLE
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Hand hygiene
Dressing procedure
Undressing procedure
Practical advice
Wearing the mask
CLEANING AND DISINFECTION TECHNIQUES
Cleaning and disinfection steps
Steps to follow
Cleaning and disinfection procedure
Waste management
What is biomedical waste
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
A training cannot be complete without a formal evaluation! This is why we offer each participant a quiz of 10 questions before issuing a superb attestation!
Cleaning and disinfection have long been routine in any facility. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted these operations since SARS-CoV-2 can persist on various surface materials for hours or days. Facilities have sought to improve these cleaning and disinfection practices. Therefore, it is imperative that this process be orderly. Therefore, this article addresses the importance of cleaning before disinfecting. Cleaning and disinfection should be a 2-step process to reduce the risk of transmission of environmental infections.
Clean first! Why?
Primum nitidare – “D’abord nettoyer (Clean First)”. It is a book that my coworker, Gaétan Lanthier, wrote in 2019. It is to say that this is not a new subject!
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites: “cleaning is “the necessary first step of any sterilization or disinfection process” or, more simply, you must clean first before you can disinfect.”
The CDC adds: “Cleaning is the necessary first step of any sterilization or disinfection process. Cleaning is a form of decontamination that renders the environmental surface safe to handle or use by removing organic matters, salts, and visible soils, all of which interfere with microbial inactivation.”
It’s in the mechanical action (friction)
As the CDC mentions it: “The physical action of scrubbing with detergents and surfactants and rinsing with water removes large numbers of microorganisms from surfaces.”
Studies have shown that friction or mechanical action is at the heart of cleaning. This facilitates the effective removal of dirt, debris, microbes and soiling, making a surface ready for disinfection if necessary.
It’s a matter of interference
The CDC defines cleaning as the “necessary first step” in any disinfection process for “at least two” important reasons: it removes any barrier between the disinfectant and the target pathogen, and it removes materials that could potentially inactivate the disinfectant.
In order to effectively kill pathogens, disinfectant chemicals must have direct contact with the pathogen; however, soils, dirt, and debris can coat or protect microorganisms, essentially serving as a protective barrier between the chemical and the target.
The build-up to biofiolms
Another important reason to clean first before disinfecting has less to do with the immediate action of a disinfectant on a surface. Rather, it is in prevention of a future problem, namely the buildup to biofilms.
Biofilms are populations of microorganisms attached to a solid surface and protected by a “viscous layer”. This layer is an extracellular matrix of polysaccharides and non-cellular materials.
Biofilms can virtually form on any hard surface, from the countertop to the water pipe. They are involved in a range of infectious diseases.
What about touch-free technology?
Although research has shown that many of these systems, from ultraviolet light (UV-C) to hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) to electrostatic sprayers, can reduce microbial contamination, experts caution that they should be used as a complement to standard manual cleaning and disinfection rather than as a replacement.
Organic matters, dirt and grimes are a limiting factor for UV-C technology. A light or heavy organic load has a significant negative impact on the destructive efficiency of the devices.
In short, clean first with mechanical action (friction) to remove dirt, debris and microbes. The disinfection step is to be done when the interferences are removed by cleaning in order to kill microbes. This reduces the risk of transmission of environmental infections by keeping surfaces clean.
Loose translation of Rubbermaid TWO STEPS FOR A REASON: THE CASE FOR CLEANING PRIOR TO DISINFECTION https://www.rubbermaidcommercial.com/resource-center/1b113258af3968aaf3969ca67e744ff8/The_Case_for_Cleaning_Prior_to_Disinfection_White_Paper/