The Principles of Medical Device Decontamination

Environmental Cleanliness of the Decontamination Environment

The clinical area /department where decontamination of medical devices is undertaken, or invasive procedures are performed must be:

1. Visibly clean, free from non-essential items and equipment to facilitate effective cleaning. The decontamination environment should be routinely cleaned in accordance with the National Cleaning Standards 7 (as defined by each of the UK Nations iv,v ) – Cleaning protocols and schedules for each department should indicate: – the level of risk of the area – the frequency of cleaning required for each area and cleaning of specific equipment – the responsibility for cleaning (who cleans what) – the methods for cleaning – cleaning/disinfection products to be used 2. Well maintained, in a good state of repair and with adequate ventilation for the clinical speciality 8 or department. In order to facilitate effective environmental decontamination, all surfaces must be impervious to fluids and in good state of repair. Damage to any surface e.g. walls/ floors/ceilings/ work surfaces etc, allows the ingress of microorganisms and prevents effective cleaning. It is important that any estates issues e.g. damage or need for repair, refurbishment, ventilation are reported promptly and dealt with in a timely manner to ensure adequate cleaning is maintained. 3. Provide adequate accommodation and facilities for cleaning teams and their equipment according to the processes used and stage of decontamination. Specialist departments like SSD and endoscopy must adhere to guidance within the relevant Health Building Notes (or equivalent in each nation) to the provision of dedicated facilities for domestic services in the department, to store and manage cleaning materials and equipment. There must also be adequate supply and training in the use of cleaning products and equipment used by decontamination staff cleaning schedules.

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