IPC1 Minimise the risks of spreading infection by cleaning and maintaining environments in health and social care settings

Overview:

This workforce competence concerns minimising the risks of spreading infection by cleaning and maintaining environments in health and social care settings, including community and domiciliary  settings, and ambulance vehicles, but not including specialised settings, such as laboratories, pharmacies, or operating theatres, where more specialised methods may be required. The competence focuses specifically on activities for infection prevention and control, and it should be used alongside relevant health and safety policies, including national and local policies and other relevant workforce competences.

Health and social care settings contain a diversity of microorganisms. Areas can become contaminated with blood, other body fluids and skin dispersal during care delivery which can become reservoirs for microorganisms that are harmful to individuals who are susceptible to infection. Extra care must be taken when cleaning the environment to minimise these risks.
Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.

Keywords: Infection, infection control, cleaning, health and safety