The Principles of Medical Device Decontamination

decontamination equipment manufacturing e.g. washer disinfectors are already signed up to the sustainability agenda in support of their customers.

An environmental preferential purchasing model (i.e. using products, goods or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose) needs to be included in business planning for decontamination budgets as products may be more expensive to purchase but should lead to cost savings (monetary and carbon emissions) in the longer term when the lifespan is taken in to account.

The ‘5 Rs’ (Reduce, Reuse, Reprocessed, Renewable, Recycle) can be used, in order of priority, when selecting products and equipment for decontamination as shown in the following Table 3.2.

Point Description

1 Purchasing products that are durable, long lasting, reusable or refillable, recyclable or can be upcycled.

2 Using chemicals that are biodegradable, nontoxic, have reduced and re- cyclable packaging, packaged in recyclable materials, phosphate free, use natural fragrances, fully discloses ingredients (active and inactive) e.g. environmental cleaning products, biodegradable disinfectant wipes, auto- mated machinery chemicals (if manufacturer approved) 3 Energy efficient decontamination machinery/equipment that generates less CO2 emissions and/or uses less water and energy during manufacture and across its lifespan e.g. review energy ratings.

4

Produces reduced or zero waste

5 Incorporates natural materials

6 Contain minimal or non Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) e.g. in flooring, surfaces, furniture etc

7 Using green technology to provide heat, light, cooling etc e.g. solar panels, heat pumps

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