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

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Standard Precautions Cleaning (Routine) • Clean frequently touched surfaces and items/fittings with detergent (including soap) and water at least daily, when visibly soiled and after every known or suspected contamination. 68-71 • The mechanical method (scrubbing the surface) with a detergent solution, followed by rinsing with clean water and drying the surface is the most useful method of routine cleaning. • Wear gloves, gown/apron, face and eye protection if there is a risk of contact with ANY body fluids. 72 Transmission-based Precautions Cleaning • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and any items or equipment that may be contaminated as often as required (i.e. many items will need cleaning after each client). • The risk rating determines specific cleaning requirements for infectious agents. 69 • Cleaning should be followed by disinfection (allow surface or item/fitting to dry before using disinfectant) if soiling (bodily fluids and/or blood) or spillage is evident. • Ensure surfaces are compatible with the disinfectant product being used. Cleaning Agents The choice of a cleaning agent is dependent on the local setting. Different situations will require different products. Check the effectiveness of the product against particular organisms, including the contact time needed to kill infectious agents. For example, some settings might use a detergent for routine cleaning and change to a detergent and disinfectant during an infectious agent outbreak. 55,68,73 Table 10 outlines questions to consider when selecting a disinfectant. Chemical (synthetic or semi-synthetic) or chemical-free (e.g., baking soda, liquid soap, and vinegar) cleaning solutions that dissolve and remove dirt, food waste, grease and contaminants on surfaces and fabrics that harbour pathogens 67 • Regular cleaning with detergent aids in minimising the formation of biofilm (a collection of microorganisms that can grow on many different surfaces) and the build-up of infectious agents 73,74 • It is important to allow cleaned surfaces to dry. Chemicals used to destroy or inactivate infectious agents that remain on surfaces after cleaning to minimise the risk of an infectious agent transmission. 67,70,71 • Apply to clean, dry surface or item/fittings. • Use the right concentration and leave on a surface for the required length of time (i.e. contact time). • Do not use as a general cleaning agent, unless combined with a detergent (e.g., a combination cleaning agent). • Examples of disinfectants include: o Hospital-grade: Check with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) ARTG for a list of hospital grade disinfectants that have specifcspecific claims as a virucidal, sporicidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal or other biocidal activity. o Chlorine-based (e.g., sodium hypochlorite, commonly knowns as bleach). Disinfectants • Detergents •

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