Unit 310: Hospital Housekeeping and Infection Control

1. Understanding the Importance of Hospital Housekeeping

1.1 Significance of Cleanliness and Hygiene

• Role in preventing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)
• Impact on patient recovery and wellbeing
• Importance for staff and visitor safety

1.2 Overview of Hospital Environment

• High-risk areas (operating rooms, ICUs, patient rooms)
• Traffic flow and contamination risks

2. Implementing Infection Control Measures in Hospital Housekeeping

2.1 Infection Control Protocols

• Standard precautions
• Transmission-based precautions (contact, droplet, airborne)

2.2 Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Types of PPE relevant to housekeeping
• Proper donning and doffing procedures

2.3 Disinfection and Cleaning Practices

• Difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization
• Selection and use of disinfectants

3. Handling and Disposing of Biohazardous Waste

3.1 Types of Biohazardous Waste

• Infectious waste, sharps, pathological waste

3.2 Segregation and Collection

• Color-coded bins and containers
• Labeling and handling protocols

3.3 Disposal Procedures

• Regulatory guidelines and compliance
• Safe transportation and final disposal methods

4. Cleaning and Disinfecting Hospital Surfaces

4.1 Surface Categories

• High-touch surfaces
• Floors, walls, and equipment surfaces

4.2 Cleaning Techniques

• Wet mopping, wiping, and use of microfiber materials
• Frequency and scheduling of cleaning tasks

4.3 Disinfectant Application

• Contact times
• Safety precautions

5. Maintaining Clean and Orderly Patient Rooms

5.1 Cleaning Procedures

• Daily and terminal cleaning
• Bed making and patient area organization

5.2 Infection Control and Patient Privacy

• Minimizing cross-contamination
• Respecting patient confidentiality and comfort

6. Managing Laundry and Linen in Healthcare Settings

6.1 Handling Soiled Linen

• Safe collection and transport
• Avoiding contamination spread

6.2 Laundering Standards

• Temperature and detergent use
• Inspection and storage

6.3 Linen Storage and Distribution

• Clean linen handling
• Stock management

7. Utilizing Cleaning Equipment and Supplies Safely

7.1 Types of Equipment and Tools

• Vacuum cleaners, mops, buckets, dispensers

7.2 Safe Chemical Handling

• Reading Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Correct dilution and application

7.3 Equipment Maintenance and Storage

• Cleaning and inspection
• Safe storage protocols