In these days of heightened awareness around cleaning and hygiene standards, every working environment must comply with these standards. This includes home carers who don't work in a typical workplace.
With more that 3 million carers working in Australia, infection control and prevention of cross-contamination are important as this is the workplace for many. By targeting and preventing the spread of germs from hotspot to hotspot, good cleaning practices stop germs from travelling from one surface to another.
All work environments, whether they be in the home or in a facility, now require deeper, more labour-intensive cleans on a daily basis, with new methods and more innovation around cleaning protocols, tools and solutions.
Correct PPE Practices
Personal protective equipment (PPE) — including face masks, gloves and sometimes aprons — is the frontline defence against infection spread in any cleaning environment.
Merely wearing these items is not enough. Carers must be trained and follow the correct procedures for donning, doffing and disposing of PPE to prevent contamination.
For instance, face masks should fit snugly over the nose and mouth without gaps and should be replaced when damp. Premier's level 2 face masks were developed with the user in mind. they feature an aluminium nose bridge that creates a firm fitting seal. Single-use masks should never be reused. Gloves must be changed between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
Gloves protect the wearer in two ways – from direct contact with cleaning chemicals that can damage the skin, and also by helping to keep germs and infection from spreading as they move around the home.
Some of the places that need regular cleaning in the home are bathroom and
kitchen sinks and toilets. These are all wet areas where bacteria and fungi thrive.
Disposing of PPE correctly – and not touching the outside of the mask or gloves during removal – are key practices to minimise the risk of spreading pathogens.
Correct Cleaning Practices
Implementing a cleaning schedule Consistency is key to effective infection control. Implementing a regular cleaning schedule ensures that all areas, especially high-touch surfaces, are cleaned and disinfected frequently.
Surface Cleaning Techniques
Effective surface cleaning is also fundamental to infection control. Different surfaces require specific cleaning techniques to ensure thorough disinfection. High-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, tables and chairs, need more frequent cleaning and disinfecting. Using disinfectants that are proven to kill viruses and bacteria is necessary for these areas. Premier's alcohol wipes come in a canister and are proven to kill at least 99.999% of bacteria making them the perfect solution for surface cleaning.
When it comes to hard surface floors, dust mop the surface to remove the dirt and dust from the floor. Then wet mop the floor using a high concentrated product such as Kwikmaster Professional's disinfectant Lemon Cleaner. Start cleaning with smaller areas at a time so that the cleaner breaks the maximum dirt possible. Rinse the cleaner off your mop and wash it with clean water. Mop in a figure-eight pattern rather than going up and down or side to side.
While it may sound counter-intuitive, saving water while mopping is the ideal. Reducing water usage while cleaning floors can reduce dry times. This is important because wet grounds can often result in mildew, causing a health risk and material damage. And wet floors are a slipping hazard.
It’s important to read the instructions properly for different chemicals and make note of the correct dilution rates and maximum dwell times to achieve the most effective results. If these instructions aren’t followed and chemicals are wiped off surfaces too early, it will reduce the efficacy of the chemicals – or if left on too long can leave an unpleasant film over surfaces.
Chemical Usage, Training and Education
Ongoing training and education for support workers is vital for sustaining high standards of infection control and care. Training consists of supporting independence and wellbeing, implementing infection controls, workplace safety for direct client care and recognising the risks of falls.
Infection control in home care cleaning is a comprehensive effort that requires the right products, consistent practices, ongoing training and clear communication. By adopting these measures, you can create a safer and healthier environment for you and your client.
It is essential carers follow best practice advice and use the most effective and high-quality products available. This protects carers, clients and anyone else who may visit the home.
Explore the products you need for general cleaning in the home.