Infection prevention and control: Guideline for speech pathologists, Version 1,2020.

7.0 Environmental Cleaning

There is an association between poor environmental hygiene and the transmission of infections. Routine management of the physical environment is a standard precaution. The frequency and efficiency of routine environmental cleaning should be reviewed and increased to ensure any contaminants are promptly removed, particularly in communal areas. It is important to determine the level of risk related to the environment and the associated impact. The level of risk determines which surfaces and items need cleaning, how often (frequency), if cleaning between clients is required and what to use when cleaning (method and product). 9 Cleaning before disinfecting is essential as the presence of contaminants, organic matter, and dirt can reduce the ability of disinfectants to kill infectious agents. 67,68 Cleaning alone does not kill infectious agents. However, by reducing the numbers of infectious agents on surfaces, cleaning helps to minimise the risk of transmission of infection. Determine which surfaces or items are frequently touched and which are rarely touched (see Table 9) to aid in the assessment and development of a cleaning policy.

Table 9: Examples of Common Items Requiring Cleaning

Frequently Touched Items

Rarely Touched Items

Alcohol-based hand rub dispenser Assessment and evaluation tools

Air-conditioner vents, fans and filters

• • • • • •

•

Bathroom amenities Cleaning equipment

Bins

• • • • • •

Client’s assistive technology Computers, keyboards and laptops

Blinds

Ceilings

• Desks, tabletops and chairs (including shields and covers) • Doorknobs or handles • Flooring (soft and hard) • Kitchen areas (including appliances) • Light switches • Loan and trial assistive technology • Mealtime utensils and equipment • Partitions (e.g., acrylic screen ‘Perspex/Plexiglass’) • Payment devices • Personal use items (e.g., phone, keys, ID) • Sinks and basins • Soft furnishings (e.g., curtains) • Stationery (e.g., pens, clipboards, notes, folders, diaries) • Telephone and pagers • Toys • Vehicle (interior – e.g., steering wheel, dedicated plastic box used to store work materials) • Waiting room and reception areas

Light fittings Storage areas

Walls

Adapted from NHMRC Guidelines 9

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Infection Prevention and Control - Guideline for Speech Pathologists | Version 1, 2020