environmental biosafety in hospitals principles and Practice Dr.T.V.Rao MD Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Cleaning is critical for safety of the hospital The purpose of cleaning is to remove unwanted contaminants from surfaces. The methods of cleaning and the chemical products used are more critical because they often have a dual function of removing soil and killing harmful pathogens Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Purpose of cleaning the environment In hospitals, the purpose of cleaning is to protect patients health and prevent the spread of disease by removing contaminants from surfaces. In hospitals, some contaminants are disease causing micro- organisms invisible to the naked eye. Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Environmental Surfaces This term designates the surfaces that you will be cleaning in a hospital. This is a classification system for surfaces that carry a lower risk for disease transmission. There are 2 types of Environmental Surfaces: Housekeeping Surfaces Equipment* Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Housekeeping of Surfaces These are environmental surfaces that require regular cleaning including floors, walls, tabletops, fixtures, bedrails, etc. There are two types of housekeeping surfaces you will be charged with cleaning. Each will have different methods and frequency of cleaning. HIGH TOUCH Housekeeping Surfaces MINIMAL HAND CONTACT Surfaces Dr.T.V.Rao MD

HIGH TOUCH Surfaces Surfaces that are frequently touched by patients and staff that require more frequent cleaning. Examples: Doorknobs, bedrails, light switches, wall areas around toilets in patient rooms, edges of privacy curtains, etc Dr.T.V.Rao MD

MINIMAL TOUCH Surfaces These surfaces must also be cleaned but not as frequently. Examples: Floors, Walls, ceilings Dr.T.V.Rao MD

How you protect when you are dealing with biohazard materials Special precautions have to be followed when dealing with materials contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids. Blood or other bodily fluids may contain disease causing micro-organisms (pathogens) that can be transmitted to others that come in direct contact. The Blood borne pathogens act was implemented to protect workers from potentially infectious diseases contracted from contaminated blood or other bodily fluids. Examples of Bloodborne pathogens: Hepatitis B Virus HIV-1 Virus (AIDS Virus) Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Blood borne Pathogens Blood borne Pathogen Safety Precautions Always assume blood or bodily fluid spills are contaminated. To clean, first obtain proper personal protective equipment. Disposal of cleaning materials such as rags, sponges, paper toweling, absorbents, should be placed into a red Bio-hazard bag. Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Cleaning Up Bodily Fluid Spills Contaminated work surfaces and/or spills shall be decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant. Clean up gross filth by collecting with an absorbent material. Spray surfaces with recommended agent of your Hospital Clean surface. Re-apply recommended chemicals, allow surface to remain wet for 10 minutes. Remember: Always wear personal protective gear and dispose of cleaning materials properly. Your supervisor will instruct you on specific procedures. Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Our goal to achieve the safety Working safely is important for your own protection as well as the protection of fellow employees, hospital staff, patients, and visitors. Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Why we need cleanliness and hygiene at our hospitals Patients can spread infectious viral and bacterial agents to others, they are also often more prone to contracting illnesses The spread of infections within a hospital is usually spread by person to person contact. Regular hand washing is essential to help prevent the spread of infection Infections can also be contracted by objects that are frequently touched by individuals. For the purposes of cleaning, these surfaces are referred to as “HIGH TOUCH’ surfaces and special emphasis is given to routine cleaning of these surfaces. Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Defining hygiene Hand hygiene Hand washing Antiseptic hand wash Performing hand washing, antiseptic hand wash, alcohol-based handrub, surgical hand hygiene/antisepsis Hand washing Washing hands with plain soap and water Antiseptic hand wash Washing hands with water and soap or other detergents containing an antiseptic agent Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Situations may warrant dedicated washing Alcohol-based hand rub Rubbing hands with an alcohol-containing preparation Surgical hand hygiene/antisepsis Hand washing or using an alcohol-based hand rub before operations by surgical personnel Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-care Settings. MMWR 2002; vol. 51, no. RR-16. Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Always wash your hands ALWAYS wash hands before entering a patient room. Not only does this protect the patients, it also protects YOU! Wear the appropriate safety equipment that irecommended for use with each chemical product you may be using. Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Indications for Hand Hygiene When hands are visibly dirty, contaminated, or soiled, wash with non-antimicrobial or antimicrobial soap and water. If hands are not visibly soiled, use an alcohol-based hand rub for routinely decontaminating hands. Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-care Settings. MMWR 2002; vol. 51, no. RR-16. Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Specific Indications for Hand Hygiene Before: Patient contact Donning gloves when inserting a CVC Inserting urinary catheters, peripheral vascular catheters, or other invasive devices that don’t require surgery After: Contact with a patient’s skin Contact with body fluids or excretions, non-intact skin, wound dressings Removing gloves Hand hygiene is indicated before: patient contact, donning gloves when inserting a central venous catheter (CVC), and inserting urinary catheters, peripheral vascular catheters, or other invasive devices that don’t require surgery. Hand hygiene is also indicated after contact with a patient’s intact skin, contact with body fluids or excretions, non-intact skin, or wound dressings, and after removing gloves. Gloves should be used when a HCW has contact with blood or other body fluids in accordance with universal precautions. Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-care Settings. MMWR 2002; vol. 51, no. RR-16. Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Administrative Measures to Improve Hand Hygiene Make improved hand hygiene an institutional priority Place alcohol-based hand rubs at entrance to patient room, or at bedside Provide HCWs with pocket-sized containers Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-care Settings. MMWR 2002; vol. 51, no. RR-16. Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Simple hygienic principles saves several lives Dr.T.V.Rao MD

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Programme Created by Dr. T. V Programme Created by Dr.T.V.Rao MD on Basic Principles of Hygiene and Cleanliness in our Hospital Environment Email doctortvrao@gmail.com Dr.T.V.Rao MD