Cleaning that actually works.
WHAT CLEANING ACHIEVES
Removal of soil.
WHAT DISINFECTION ACHIEVES
Reduction of micro-organisms.
WHY THE DISTINCTION MATTERS
Disinfectant applied to a dirty surface does not work.
WHAT THE ORDER MUST BE
Clean first, then disinfect where required.
WHAT REQUIRES DISINFECTION
Sanitary facilities Food preparation areas Health facilities Frequently touched surfaces
WHAT FREQUENTLY TOUCHED SURFACES INCLUDE
Door handles Light switches Handrails Taps Shared equipment
WHY THEY MATTER
They are the main route of transmission and they are routinely missed.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That they are on the task list explicitly.
WHAT CONTACT TIME MEANS
The period a disinfectant must remain wet to work.
WHY IT MATTERS
Wiping on and immediately off achieves nothing.
WHAT TO TRAIN
The contact time for the products in use.
WHAT CROSS-CONTAMINATION MEANS
Transferring soil and organisms from one area to another.
HOW IT HAPPENS
Cloths and mops used across areas Water not changed Equipment moved between zones
WHAT PREVENTS IT
Colour coding Changing water Separate equipment for sanitary areas
WHAT ORDER TO WORK IN
Cleanest areas first, dirtiest last.
WHY
It prevents carrying soil into clean areas.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH IN SENSITIVE SITES
Specific procedures for clinics, food premises and schools.
WHAT TO RECORD
Where standards are specified, evidence they were met.
