OBJECTIVES: elaborate the good qualities and values of employees in
workplace environment; explain the meaning and importance of cleaning; determine the basic safety concepts and proper usage of chemicals.
Strong work ethics: Setting and achieving goals.
TeamOriented: Making the most out of collaboration
Self-motivated: Working effectively with direction
Dependable: Consistent and committed.
Positive attitude: Creating a good environment
As a training tool for employees of environmental services to educate employees on basic safety concepts and proper usage of brand chemicals.
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.
In hospitals, some contaminants are disease causing micro-organisms invisible to the naked eye.
In hospitals, the purpose of cleaning is to protect patients health and prevent the spread of disease by removing contaminants from surfaces.
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*
•Equipment is usually diagnostic equipment such as x-ray machines, CT scanners etc.
Housekeeping 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. 1. HIGH TOUCH Housekeeping Surfaces 2. MINIMAL HAND CONTACT Surfaces
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.
MINIMAL TOUCH Surfaces These surfaces must also be cleaned but not as frequently. Examples: Floors, walls, ceilings
Bloodborne Pathogens 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.
Bloodborne Pathogens Act
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)
Bloodborne 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.
Cleaning Up Bodily Fluid Spills Contaminated work surfaces and/or spills shall be decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant. Remember: Always wear personal protective gear and dispose of cleaning materials properly. Your supervisor will instruct you on specific procedures.
Safety – Working with Cleaning Products Safety Glasses: Safety glasses are usually worn when using any chemical product that is designated an IRRITANT or has a NFPA or HMIS rating of 1. Safety Goggles: Goggles protect the eyes from splashes of potentially CORROSIVE chemicals. Very few products, particularly in their diluted form would be corrosive. Gloves: Hand protection is usually suggested for use when cleaning with chemical products. Gloves not only protect hands from cleaning chemical exposure, they also prevent contact with soils, contaminants and potentially harmful bacteria.
Protecting Patients Sick people 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. 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 is recommended for use with each chemical product you may be using.
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of injury accident. It is of special concern in a hospital because ill patients may lack the balance and coordination of a healthy individual. Some typical reasons why someone may slip and fall? •Physical / Mental Condition: The condition of an individual is important. In health care institutions, this is an obvious concern. •Footwear: The shoes/socks can influence slip fall accidents. •Weather Conditions: Rain/snow tracked onto floors can make floors slippery. •Maintenance Operations: Floors undergoing maintenance operations such as stripping, finishing or daily wet cleaning can be slippery when wet. •Spills / Contamination; Fluid Spills occur on floors that can make floors slippery. The most common type of spill or contaminant is water and /or beverages. •Obstacles in Walking Path: Low profile obstacles can be a tripping hazard. •Incorrect Maintenance: Using the wrong products on floors can impact slip resistance.
What can I do to prevent slip and fall accidents?
When conducting any wet maintenance procedures on floors you should: •Post wet floor signs at the beginning and end of the area. •Restrict access to the area while undergoing maintenance by using caution tape or other barriers. •Wait until floors are completely dry before removing signs and allowing traffic to proceed.
What should I do when a slip or fall occurs?
• Make sure the person is comfortable. • Do NOT move the person. • Call healthcare staff for assistance. After the person is taken care of: • Make note of any witnesses • Note the condition of the floor • What type of footwear was the person wearing. • Prepare an accident report with the help of your supervisor.
Working safely is important for your own protection as well as the protection of fellow employees, hospital staff, patients, and visitors.