1. Introduction
Good standards of cleanliness in the service are very important. Clean and well maintained buildings are more pleasant and stimulating environments for adults who use the service, their visitors and staff. It also limits the risk of infection, as well as insect and other pest infestations.
Unclean surfaces and equipment pose potential health risks to everyone and are more likely to result in complaints being made about the service.
Under the legisation, employers must make sure the environment is clean. This includes floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, furnishings and fittings.
Buildings should be cleaned regularly to make sure that dirt or rubbish is not allowed to build up, and spillages and deposits are removed or cleaned up as soon as possible.
The surfaces of floors, walls and ceilings should be maintained, treated and repaired so they can be cleaned properly.
Proper cleaning should be carried out using suitable methods and without creating or exposing anyone to a health or safety risk.
2. Personal Protective Equipment
Staff must have the personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary for them to do their job safely.
They should have disposable gloves and aprons for any necessary part of their job, which have been identified through a risk assessment which is carried out by a manager.
Gloves should not be used instead of hand washing. Staff should always wash their hands after removing gloves.
Disposable gloves and aprons should only be used once and then disposed of in the appropriate bin. New apron and gloves should be worn between supporting each adult, as well as between different tasks.
Goggles or glasses should be worn when there may be a risk of being splashed by blood or other body fluids.
3. Cleaning Responsibilties
All staff have a responsibility to help keep the service clean and tidy, including putting equipment and items away once they have finished using them and put rubbish in the right bins.
Staff should also tell their manager if they see an area or room that is not clean or is in need of repair.
Managers are responsible for making sure the premises has a cleaning schedule in place which says what areas should be cleaned, when and who by.
