2.6 Explain how the level of risk determines the type of agent that may be used to decontaminate

This guide will help you answer 2.6 Explain how the level of risk determines the type of agent that may be used to decontaminate.

When dealing with contamination in a health and social care setting, it is important to choose the right product for decontamination. The choice of cleaning or disinfecting agent depends on how serious the risk is. Some situations require only routine cleaning, while others need stronger methods to protect people from harm.

What are the Levels of Risk?

Different tasks and contaminants pose different levels of risk. The level of risk describes:

• How likely it is that harm (such as infection) will occur
• How serious the harm could be

A higher risk calls for a stronger response, including the use of more powerful decontaminating agents. Lower risk means a milder, less hazardous agent may be good enough.

There are three common levels used in health and social care:

• Low risk: Everyday, non-clinical areas (for example, most office areas, corridors, or clean bedrooms)
• Medium risk: Surfaces or items that contact skin or nearby people (such as communal bathrooms, shared equipment, or food preparation areas)
• High risk: Surfaces and equipment in direct contact with bodily fluids, open wounds, or people known or suspected to have infectious illnesses (such as clinical rooms, toilets after a spillage, or during an outbreak)

Deciding What Agent to Use

Low Risk: General Cleaning Agents

For low-risk areas, cleaning with detergent and water is often enough. The aim is to remove dirt, dust, and traces of germs.

Examples of suitable agents:

• General-purpose detergent (liquid, powder, or wipes)
• Soap and warm water

Typical use:

• Cleaning tables, desk surfaces, floors where there is no visible contamination
• Dusting and routine daily cleaning

Medium Risk: Disinfectants for Routine Decontamination

Medium-risk situations call for agents that kill more germs, but do not always require the strongest chemicals. These agents reduce the chance of infection spreading.

Examples of suitable agents:

• Disinfectants approved for regular use on surfaces (such as those containing quaternary ammonium compounds)
• Alcohol-based wipes or sprays for small, non-porous items
• Detergent followed by a milder disinfectant

Typical use:

• Regular bathroom or toilet cleaning
• Cleaning frequently-touched surfaces (door handles, bannisters)
• Shared equipment and food preparation surfaces

High Risk: Strong Disinfectants and Sterilising Agents

High-risk areas or contamination with infectious material demand a much higher standard of decontamination. The aim is not just to reduce, but to nearly eliminate all harmful microbes. You must use agents proven to kill a broad range of germs, including bacteria and viruses.

Examples of suitable agents:

• Chlorine-based disinfectants (such as sodium hypochlorite, often called bleach), usually diluted to a specified strength (e.g., 1,000 parts per million for blood spills)
• Hydrogen peroxide-based products
• Special high-level disinfectants or sterilising agents (such as those used for surgical instruments)

Typical use:

• Cleaning areas visible soiled with blood, vomit, urine or faeces
• High-contact areas during an outbreak of illness
• Equipment exposed to open wounds or mucous membranes

Examples in Practice

Scenario 1: Cleaning a Corridor with No Visible Contamination

Risk Level: Low
Agent: General detergent and water
Method: Regular mopping

Scenario 2: Wiping Down a Commode After Use

Risk Level: Medium to high (depending on the presence of visible soiling)
Agent: Disinfectant wipes for routine cleaning, but bleach-based disinfectant if body fluids are present
Method: Clean first, then disinfect thoroughly

Scenario 3: Clearing a Blood Spill in a Treatment Room

Risk Level: High
Agent: Bleach solution at correct strength
Method: Wear PPE; remove as much spill as possible; disinfect entire area with bleach, following contact time instructions

Scenario 4: Food Preparation Surfaces

Risk Level: Medium
Agent: Food-safe disinfectant
Method: Clean surfaces with detergent to remove debris, then use food-safe disinfectant to destroy remaining germs

Factors That Affect the Choice of Agent

The following factors influence which product you choose:

• Type and amount of contamination: Blood or body fluids need stronger disinfectants than light dust or everyday dirt.
• Vulnerability of people nearby: If people are at higher risk of infection, use stronger agents.
• Manufacturer’s instructions: Always follow directions to get the right strength and contact time.
• Surface type: Some strong agents (like bleach) can damage soft furnishings or electronics, so alternative products may be needed.
• Presence of outbreaks: Use high-level agents during known outbreaks of illnesses.

Why Getting It Right Matters

• Using too weak an agent for a high-risk situation leaves germs behind and may cause infection or outbreaks.
• Using a very strong agent when not needed wastes resources, may damage surfaces, and could harm health (for example, through fumes or skin irritation).
• Following workplace policies and guidance ensures the right balance between safety and practicality.

Training and Policy

You must always follow your employer’s infection control policy and risk assessment. Training will cover:

• Identifying the level of risk for different cleaning jobs
• Knowing which products to use in each situation
• Using the correct dilution and contact times
• Wearing appropriate PPE

Check labels, safety data sheets, or ask a supervisor if unsure.

Final Thoughts

The level of risk in any contamination situation decides the strength and type of decontaminating agent to use. Low risk usually needs simple cleaning, medium risk needs disinfectants that kill many germs, and high risk demands strong, broad-spectrum agents to stop infection. Assess each situation carefully, always follow instructions, and use the right agent for the job to protect yourself and others.