DHS 12 Cleaning, decontamination and waste management

1. Understand how to maintain a clean environment

• 1.1 State the general principles for environmental cleaning
• 1.2 Explain the purpose of cleaning schedules
• 1.3 Describe how the correct management of the environment minimises the spread of infection
• 1.4 Explain the reason for the national policy for colour coding of cleaning equipment

2. Understand the principles and steps of the decontamination process

• 2.1 Describe the 3 steps of the decontamination process
• 2.2 Describe how and when cleaning agents are used
• 2.3 Describe how and when disinfecting agents are used
• 2.4 Explain the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the decontamination process
• 2.5 Explain the concept of risk in dealing with specific types of contamination
• 2.6 Explain how the level of risk determines the type of agent that may be used to decontaminate
• 2.7 Describe how equipment should be cleaned and stored

3. Understand the importance of good waste management practice

• 3.1 Identify the different categories of waste and the associated risks
• 3.2 Explain how to dispose of the different types of waste safely and without risk to others
• 3.3 Explain how waste should be stored prior to collection
• 3.4 Identify the legal responsibilities in relation to waste management
• 3.5 State how to reduce the risk of sharps injury