Pre‐procedure

ActionRationale

1. 1.Show
   Wash and dry hands.
   To reduce the risk of introducing further pathogens into the area to be cleaned. C
2. 2.Show
   Undertake a risk assessment of the chemical and the environment in which it is to be used. Select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (gloves and apron, and potentially a face‐mask) for the task so as to protect the skin and mucous membranes. Also consider adequate ventilation of the area. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
   Some chemicals may be harmful to health if not used correctly. C

Procedure

1. 3.Show
   Select an appropriate wipe for the task. ‘Appropriate’ means that the agents contained within and released by the wipe have been demonstrated to act against the target micro‐organism. Take one from the packet and use it, following the principle of one wipe, one direction and one surface. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
   To ensure the product is used effectively. C
2. 4.Show
   Remove heavy soiling using the wipe.
   If an item is physically dirty, some disinfectants (such as chlorine) may be inactivated by soil, impairing their efficacy. C
3. 5.Show
   Wipe all surfaces, including underneath. Pay specific attention to high touch points, which are surfaces that hands regularly come into contact with. Consider what the item is and how it is used to ensure that it is cleaned correctly.
   To ensure that all areas are cleaned appropriately. C
4. 6.Show
   Wipe items from top to bottom, going from a clean to a dirty area using an S‐shaped motion. Overlap the motions slightly, making sure not to go over the same area twice (Action figure 4.53).
   To ensure no area is missed and areas are not recontaminated by going back over an area that has previously been decontaminated. C
5. 7.Show
   Dispose of the wipe between surfaces and if it becomes dry or soiled.
   To ensure that micro‐organisms are not transferred from a surface to another and to ensure that the efficacy of the wipe is not compromised by the agents becoming used up. C
6. 8.Show
   Remove any PPE, and wash and dry hands.
   To prevent recontamination of surfaces and to render hands clean for the next task. C
7. 9.Show
   Apply any indicator tape if required by local policy.
   So that items in storage can be identified as having been decontaminated after last use and are understood to now be safe to use for the next patient. C